Here are 11 famous actors from South Africa were born in 1983:
Howza (July 19, 1983-) is a South African actor and rapper.
He was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and grew up in Soweto. Howza started his career as a rapper and gained recognition in the music industry with his debut album "Howzat" in 2004. He later ventured into acting and made his first onscreen appearance in the TV series "Egoli: Place of Gold" in 2007.
Howza is best known for his role as Dingane Khoza in the popular Mzansi Magic telenovela "The Queen". He has also starred in other local TV series such as "Isidingo", "Zone 14" and "Scandal". In addition to his music and acting career, Howza is also a businessman and owns a clothing line called HBK (Howza B King).
He has won several awards for his contributions to the South African entertainment industry including a South African Music Award and a Golden Horn Award for Best Actor in the drama series "Isidingo". Howza is married to fellow actress and TV presenter Salamina Mosese and together they have two children.
Aside from his acting and music career, Howza is also known for his philanthropic works. He is actively involved in charity organizations, particularly in helping underprivileged children in South Africa. Howza, together with his wife Salamina, founded the Heartlines Foundation, an organization that aims to empower young people to become active citizens in their communities. Howza is also a motivational speaker and has given talks in various schools and events. He uses his platform to inspire and motivate young South Africans to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their society. Howza is regarded as one of the most influential personalities in the South African entertainment industry, and his contributions to the industry and society have earned him the respect and admiration of many.
Adhir Kalyan (August 4, 1983 Durban-) is a South African actor.
He is best known for his roles in TV shows such as "Aliens in America," "Rules of Engagement," and "Legends of Tomorrow." Kalyan started his acting career at the age of 16 on a South African sitcom titled "Egoli: Place of Gold." He later moved to London to study acting at the Central School of Speech and Drama. In addition to his acting career, Kalyan is also a skilled player of the Indian tabla drums.
Kalyan has appeared in a number of TV shows and movies over the years, showcasing his versatility as an actor, but it was his role as Raja Musharaff in the comedy series "Aliens in America" that really put him on the map. His performance in the show was critically acclaimed, and it earned him a nomination for the "Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series" award at the NAACP Image Awards in 2008.
Since then, Kalyan has continued to work on a range of projects, both in the United States and internationally. He has appeared in TV shows like "NYPD Blue," "Fairly Legal," and "The Good Doctor," as well as movies like "Up in the Air" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2."
Kalyan's work as an actor isn't the only thing that sets him apart from his peers. He is also well-known for his philanthropic efforts, especially in his home country of South Africa. He has worked with a number of charities over the years, including Free the Children and the Nelson Mandela Foundation, to help improve the lives of those in need.
Despite his success, Kalyan remains down-to-earth and committed to improving both himself and the world around him. He continues to work on new projects that challenge him as an actor, while also using his platform to raise awareness for important causes.
Johnny Flynn (March 14, 1983 Johannesburg-) a.k.a. Joe Flynn or Johnny is a South African actor, musician and poet.
He grew up in England and studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Flynn is known for his roles in various TV series like Lovesick, Vanity Fair, and Genius, as well as films such as Song One, Beast and Emma. As a musician, he has released six albums and has toured extensively, both as a solo artist and with his band, Johnny Flynn & The Sussex Wit. In addition to acting and music, Flynn is also an accomplished poet and has published two collections of his work.
He is also recognized for his talent in composing and performing music for stage productions, including the Globe Theatre's productions of Twelfth Night and Richard III. Flynn also wrote the score for the 2019 film adaptation of Emma. In 2017, he starred as Dylan in the West End production of Hangmen, which earned him a nomination for the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Flynn has also performed in numerous Shakespearean productions, including a critically acclaimed performance as Viola/Cesario in the Globe Theatre's Twelfth Night. He has been praised for his versatile acting range and his ability to seamlessly transition between stage, film, and television roles.
Chris van Rensburg (October 26, 1983 Johannesburg-) a.k.a. Chris Janse van Rensburg is a South African actor, dancer, writer, voice actor and singer.
He is best known for his role as Lee-Ann van Reenen on the South African soap opera "7de Laan" and as a member of the boy band eden. Van Rensburg began his career as a dancer, performing in shows such as "Tap Dogs" and "African Footprint" before transitioning to acting. He has appeared in various theatre productions, television shows, and feature films, including "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom". In addition to his acting work, Van Rensburg is also a writer, having penned several plays and a book titled "Kaleidoscope: My Life's Multiple Reflections". He is actively involved in various charities and social causes, particularly those focused on supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Van Rensburg was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on October 26, 1983. He was raised in a creative family, with his mother being a musician and his father a set designer. He attended the National School of the Arts where he studied dance and drama. After completing his studies, he landed his first professional role as a dancer in the international production of "Tap Dogs". He soon became a prominent performer in the South African theatre scene and landed his breakthrough role on the iconic soap opera "7de Laan".
In addition to his work as an actor, Van Rensburg is also a talented singer and has been a member of the popular boy band eden since 2003. Their music has proved popular both in South Africa and abroad, and they have released several successful albums.
Van Rensburg has been recognized for his contributions to the arts and the LGBTQ+ community. He was nominated for a South African Film and Television Award in 2014 for his role on "7de Laan", and his book "Kaleidoscope: My Life's Multiple Reflections" was a finalist for the 2018 Lambda Literary Award in the Memoir category.
Van Rensburg is openly gay and has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He has been involved in various initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of the community, including the annual Cape Town Pride festival.
Jonathan Hearns (May 24, 1983 Johannesburg-) is a South African actor.
He is best known for his role as Tyler in the popular soap opera Isidingo. Hearns discovered his passion for acting at a young age and pursued his dream by studying drama at the University of Pretoria. After graduation, he landed several supporting roles in notable South African productions such as Generations and Scandal!. In addition to his successful career in television, Hearns has also appeared in various stage productions in South Africa. He is known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters. When he's not acting, Hearns enjoys traveling and has a passion for wildlife conservation.
Recently, Jonathan Hearns has also dabbled in directing, having directed several episodes of Isidingo. He has received critical acclaim for his work both in front of and behind the camera. In 2014, Hearns was awarded Best Supporting Actor in a TV Soap at the SAFTA Awards for his role in Isidingo. He is also an ambassador for several charitable organizations, including the Endangered Wildlife Trust and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of South Africa. Despite his success, Hearns remains humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to improve his skills and take on new challenges in the entertainment industry.
Ken Thompson (November 7, 1983 Johannesburg-) also known as Kenneth Stevan Thompson is a South African actor.
Ken Thompson is an actor who is best known for his roles in popular South African television series and films. He was born on November 7, 1983, in Johannesburg, South Africa. After completing his education, Thompson started his acting career in the South African entertainment industry, which led to his success as a prominent actor.
Thompson has appeared in several television series, including "Scandal!", "Generations: The Legacy", and "Isidingo". He has also starred in South African films such as "Otelo Burning" and "Hard to Get". Thompson has received recognition for his acting skills and has won several awards for his outstanding performances.
Apart from his acting career, Thompson is actively involved in philanthropy work, and he is a goodwill ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Foundation. He is also an advocate for environmental conservation and has actively participated in initiatives aimed at creating awareness about climate change.
Overall, Ken Thompson is a versatile South African actor who has established himself in the entertainment industry and has used his platform to make a positive impact on society.
Thompson graduated from the University of Cape Town with a degree in Drama in 2005. Throughout his career, he has starred in many critically acclaimed productions, earning him a reputation as one of the most dynamic actors in South Africa.Thompson's talent extends beyond acting, and he has written and directed several successful stage productions. His production company, Bold Theatre, has produced many groundbreaking plays that tackle pressing issues such as racial inequality and mental health. Additionally, Thompson is a talented musician and has composed music for some of his stage productions.Thompson's dedication to his craft has won him a loyal following of fans who appreciate his talent and hard work. He is regarded as a role model for young actors in South Africa and is an inspiration to many people who aspire to make a difference in their communities.Thompson was awarded the SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards) for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Drama in 2016. In 2020, he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for his role in the film "Vaya".
Loyiso Gola (May 16, 1983 South Africa-) is a South African actor.
In addition to being an actor, Loyiso Gola is a comedian and television presenter. He is best known for hosting the Emmy-nominated Late Nite News with Loyiso Gola, a satirical news program in South Africa. Gola has also performed stand-up comedy around the world, including at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He has been recognized for his work with numerous awards, including the Comics' Choice Award and the South African Film and Television Award. In recent years, Gola has continued to expand his career into writing and producing, with projects such as his Netflix comedy special Unlearning and the comedy series Cooper's Bar.
He was born and raised in the township of Gugulethu, Cape Town, and began his comedy career at the age of 17. Gola's humor often deals with political and social issues in South Africa, addressing topics such as racism, corruption, and inequality. He has been described as a "cultural ambassador" for South Africa, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote awareness of the country's current issues. In 2019, Gola was named one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans by Africa Youth Awards. Despite facing controversy for some of his jokes and opinions, Gola remains a prominent figure in South Africa's entertainment industry and continues to tour and perform around the world.
Christo Davids (August 20, 1983 Simon's Town-) also known as Christo Lloyd Davids is a South African actor.
He is best known for his roles in popular South African TV shows such as "Suidooster," "Scandal!," and "Backstage." Christo studied performance art at the University of Cape Town before landing his breakthrough role as Errol Tyobeka in the drama series "Scandal!". He has since become a familiar face on South African television and has been nominated for several awards in recognition of his acting talent. In addition to his work on screen, Christo is also passionate about community outreach and has been involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering youth in underprivileged areas.
He has also appeared in several stage productions, including "The Suit" and "The Island," which have received critical acclaim. Christo has shared in interviews that he draws inspiration from his own life experiences, including growing up in a small fishing village and developing a passion for acting at a young age. He has also been open about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and has used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness. In his spare time, Christo enjoys reading, hiking, and practicing martial arts.
S'dumo Mtshali (March 3, 1983 Durban-) also known as Sdumo Mtshali or S'Dumo Mtshali is a South African actor.
He is best known for his leading role as Isibaya's taxi boss, Sibusiso Ndlovu, in the South African soap opera, Isibaya. S'dumo Mtshali graduated from AFDA in Johannesburg in 2009, with a Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium. He was the winner of the first season of the reality competition Class Act in 2010, which awarded him a role in the South African film, Hard to Get. Since then, he has starred in several locally produced films, including iNumber Number, Hard to Get, and Kalushi. Apart from acting, S'dumo Mtshali is also a presenter and producer, having hosted several television shows and produced a number of films. In 2013, he produced and starred in the drama film, Between Friends.
S'dumo Mtshali was born and raised in Durban, South Africa, and initially had aspirations of becoming a pilot. However, after his mother encouraged him to pursue his passion for acting, he attended the AFDA film school in Johannesburg. During his studies, he honed his skills as an actor and filmmaker and began to gain recognition in the South African film and television industry.
Aside from his work in film and television, S'dumo Mtshali is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in a number of charities and causes, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa. In 2015, he was named a UNICEF South Africa celebrity advocate, and he continues to use his platform to raise awareness and support for various social issues.
As one of South Africa's most recognized actors, S'dumo Mtshali has received numerous accolades for his work. He has been nominated for multiple awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor, and has won several, including the SAFTA Award for Best Actor in a TV Drama for his role in Isibaya. Despite his success, he remains committed to his craft and is always looking for new ways to challenge himself as an actor and filmmaker.
Motlatsi Mafatshe (November 3, 1983-) is a South African actor.
He is best known for his role as Sechaba Moloi on the SABC3 soap opera, Isidingo, a role he played for over a decade. Mafatshe studied drama at the National School of the Arts in Johannesburg and then went on to hone his craft at the Trinity Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. In addition to his work on Isidingo, he has also appeared in a number of other television shows and films, including The Wild, Erfsondes, and the blockbuster Tsotsi. In 2013, he won a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film for his role in the movie Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Mafatshe is also an accomplished musician and released his debut album, Changes, in 2016.
Motlatsi Mafatshe is admired for his versatility and range as an actor. He has also worked as a producer and director for various television shows and films. In 2018, he directed a short film called "Crumbs" which won Best Short Film at the Jozi Film Festival. Mafatshe is also known for his philanthropic efforts and is actively involved in various community projects in South Africa. In addition, he is a brand ambassador for several top brands including Audi, Johnson & Johnson, and Puma. Despite his success, Mafatshe remains humble and believes that hard work and determination are essential to achieving one's goals. He continues to inspire aspiring actors and musicians in South Africa and beyond.
Izak Davel (July 1, 1983 South Africa-) also known as Davel, Izak is a South African model, singer and actor.
He rose to fame in 2010 when he competed in the Afrikaans reality singing competition, Supersterre, and made it to the top 10. Prior to his music career, Davel worked as a model and appeared in various TV commercials.
In 2011, Davel released his debut album, "Vir Jou," which received critical acclaim in South Africa and earned him a Ghoema Award for Best Newcomer. He has since released several more albums and singles, including his latest single, "Beste Vriend."
Apart from music, Davel has also acted in popular South African soap operas and dramas, such as "7de Laan" and "Getroud met Rugby." He has also hosted various TV shows, including "Jou Show met Emo Adams" and "Jou Storie Met... Izak Davel."
In addition to his successful music and acting career, Davel is also a philanthropist actively involved in various charitable projects. He is the founder of the Izak Davel Foundation, which focuses on empowering young people in South Africa through education, mentorship, and skills development. Davel is also passionate about fitness and has competed in various bodybuilding competitions, winning the Mr. Gauteng title in 2013. He regularly posts about his fitness journey and healthy lifestyle on his social media platforms, inspiring his fans to lead healthier lives. Davel is married to his long-time girlfriend, Simone Nortmann, who is also a well-known South African actress. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in 2020.