South African actors in Hollywood are the pride of Africa. “American Cinema” or “Hollywood” released its first film in 1910 and established its first movie studio on Sunset Boulevard in 1911. One way the American film industry has embraced diversity is by hiring actors from around the world.
Mzansi tops the list of African countries that employ the most Hollywood actors and actresses. Top South African actors have starred in popular American films and TV series such as Pretty Little Liars and Glee. These movies are available on movie streaming sites like Netflix and Showmax.
The country’s South African actors come from a variety of backgrounds. Hollywood doesn’t discriminate. It employs Mzansi actors of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, tribes, and more. Here are 5 South African actors in Hollywood:
1. Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron is one of the highest-paid South African actresses in Hollywood. The Afrikaans actress’ father is French and her mother is German. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2016.
Ballerina Charlize moved from Mzance to New York to dance and model. John Crosby helped her break into Hollywood. Charlize moved to Los Angeles as an actress. A follower of Eli, her first film was Children of the Corn III: Harvest in the City (1995). Theron played Erin Woonos in The Monster (2003).
2. Tony Kgoroge
Tony Kgoroge’s most famous Hollywood role was in the 2006 German-American film Black Diamond. He played alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Honsou. Actor Kgoroge has appeared in several international and local films including Invictus (2009) as Jason Tshabalala, Black Sails (2014) as Julio and Lord of War (2005) as Mbizi.
3. Leleti Kumalo
Actress Leleti Khumalo starred opposite Morgan Freeman (who played Nelson Mandela) as Mary in the 2009 American-South African drama Invictus. Also known for being the lead in Sarafina! (1992) Film and Stage and Feldens of Hotel Rwanda (2004), yesterday (2004) as a country woman.
4. Zethu Dlomo
Zethu’s first role was in SABC 1’s Room 9. The former Isibaya actress is best known for her role as Maddie in the American series Black Sails (2017) and a pregnant slave named Sanu in The Book of Negroes. Zethu Dlomo also played Lerato in 2017 South African new western thriller Five Fingers of Marseille.
5. Fana Mokoena
Fana Mokoena stars opposite Brad Pitt in World War II (2013) apocalyptic horror film. The actor is also a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters Party. From May 2014 to August 2016 he was a member of the Free State Parliament (chairman of the National Provincial Council). From August 2016 to October 2020, Fana Mokoena was a full member of the South African National Assembly.
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