Bolex H16 film camera
The quality of actors and actresses in South Africa has been recognized the world over as being exceptional. Since the mix of cultures in South Africa is quite extensive, it’s not difficult at all to find more than enough talent for the numerous films, TV shows, soap operas, and international films in production. The film industry is very vibrant and alive in this part of Africa.
A few of the esteemed actors that South Africa is immensely proud of are:
Peter Cartwright who was born in Gauteng in 1935 is known for his versatility in film, TV, and theatre shows. He moved to the UK when he was 24 years old to study at RADA. Although he returns to South Africa occasionally for work-related trips, he lives in London full time. One of the characters he is known to have portrayed so well is that of brewmaster expert, Charles Glass of Castle Lager and South African Breweries. The younger generation will recognize him more as Elphias Doge from the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix film. He’s the one who brought Harry to Grimmauld Place. He has also appeared in Gandhi, Wimbledon, and The Fourth Protocol.
Adhir Kalyan is a younger South African actor born in 1983. You may have seen him in the CBS hit sitcom, Rules of Engagement. He is of Indian descent but born in Durban. His mother is in politics and he was initially popular as a theatre actor in South Africa. Six years ago, he moved to London where he landed roles with BBC and the Irish network, RTE One.
Adhir became more familiar after his roles in Aliens in America and Nip/Tuck. He is also part of the comedy film Paul Blart: Mall Cop, Fired Up, Youth in Revolt, and No Strings Attached.
Alice Maud Krige’s star shone brightly with the multi-awarded 1981 film, Chariots of Fire which could be considered as her launching film. From that film, she went on to do Star Trek: First Contact and the final episode of the TV series, Star Trek: Voyager. Alice Krige comes from Cape Province and her parents were from the medical profession. Her two brothers are also doctors and the plan was for her to be a clinical psychologist but she got struck by the acting bug while in London. The rest, they say, is history.
David James is from Western Cape and grew up in a wine farm. His parents never wanted him to pursue a career in film and theatre but it was his intense desire to work as an actor that drove his ultimate career choice. He lives Johannesburg with a cat named Gypsy.
His resume includes stints in stage productions of Charlotte’s Web, Kiss Me Kate, and My Fair Lady. He is also a commercial model and has appeared in South African TV soaps and series. Still in his prime at 39 years, James is most famous for his role in the Oscar-nominated film, District 9. He is also one of the faces in the charity, Faces of Hope for South Africans with terminal or life-threatening diseases.
These are just a brief sample of the excellent talent found here in South Africa. It’s most notable that many of the local talents are being hired for international, US or UK projects. Surely, it’s a vote of confidence that every South African should be proud of.