John Kani is a famous South African playwright, actor, author, and director. He gained his fame from his roles in different movies.
John has won the hearts of many people worldwide. His charismatic character has caught the attention of both the young and old. As a prominent figure in South African theatre and film, Kani's contributions have made a lasting impact on the arts and culture scene. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved icon is inspiring and worth exploring.
Table of Contents
- Biography
- Early Life
- Educational Background
- Career
- Movies and TV Shows
- Awards and Nominations
- Personal Life
John Kani Biography
Here is everything you need to know about the actor's life, including details about his career and personal life.
| Profile Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Name: | John Kani |
| Date of Birth: | 30th August 1943 |
| Age: | 77 years old (as of 2020) |
| Place of Birth: | New Brighton, Port Elizabeth |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Net Worth: | $6 million |
| Son: | Atandwa Kani |
| Occupation: | Actor, Director, Playwright, Author |
Early Life
John Kani Bonisile was born on 30th August 1943 in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. At a time when the country was facing apartheid, John grew up witnessing the struggles and challenges that shaped his identity.
His early experiences fueled his passion for storytelling and the arts. These formative years laid the groundwork for a career dedicated to portraying the human condition through theatre and film.
Educational Background
John Kani attended Newell High School in New Brighton, where he was an active participant in the school drama club. His involvement in various activities highlighted his early interest in acting and performance.
Through hard work and dedication, John developed his talent, which would later propel him into the world of professional theatre.
Career
His acting career began in 1965 when he joined the Serpent Players acting group in Port Elizabeth. The group created plays that resonated with audiences, even though many were never published.
In the 1970s, Kani co-wrote Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island, which established his reputation as a talented writer and actor. His work has been performed globally, including in New York, further showcasing his impact on the arts.
Movies and TV Shows
Here are some of the famous movies, plays, and TV shows the actor has played a role in.
Plays
- Sizwe Banzi is Dead (1972)
- The Island (1973)
- Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act
- My Children My Africa!
- Nothing But the Truth (2002)
- The Tempest (2008)
- Missing (2014)
- Kunene and the King (2019)
Television Roles
- BBC2 Playhouse (1974) as Styles / Buntu
- Play for Today (1978) as George O'Brien
- Master Harold...and the Boys (1985) as Willie
- Miss Julie (1986) as John
- Othello (1989) as Othello
- Kap der Rache (1997) as Inspektor Khumalo
- Hillside (2006) as Dr Vincent Maloka
- The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (2008) as Daddy Bapetsi
- iNkaba (2012) as Mkhuseli Mthetho
- Wallander (2015) as Max Khulu
Film Roles
- The Wild Geese (1978) as Sgt. Jesse Link
- Marigolds in August (1980) as Melton
- Killing Heat (1981) as Moses
- Saturday Night at the Palace (1987) as September
- An African Dream (1987) as Khatana
- Options (1987) as Jonas Mabote
- A Dry White Season (1989) as Julius
- The Native Who Caused All the Trouble (1989) as Tselilo Mseme
- Sarafina! (1992) as School Principal
- Soweto Green: This Is a 'Tree' Story (1995) as Dr Curtis Tshabalala
- The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) as Samuel
- Kini and Adams (1997) as Ben
- The Tichborne Claimant (1998) as Bogle
- Final Solution (2001) as Rev. Peter Lekota
- The Bird Can't Fly (2007) as Stone
- Nothing but the Truth (2008) as Sipho
- Endgame (2009) as Oliver Tambo
- White Lion (2010) as Old Gisani
- Coriolanus (2011) as General Cominius
- How to Steal 2 Million (2011) as Julius Twala Snr.
- Jail Caesar (2012) as Marius
- The Suit (2016) as Mr Maphikela
- Captain America: Civil War (2016) as T'Chaka
- Black Panther (2018) as T'Chaka
- Murder Mystery (2019) as Colonel Ulenga
- The Lion King (2019) as Rafiki (voice)
Awards and Nominations
- Nominated for the Oliver award for his role in My Children! My Africa
- Won a Tony Award for Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island (1975)
- Awarded the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation award (2000)
