JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 04: South African actress Kim Engelbrecht (37) during an interview about her role in U.S superhero series “The Flash” on October 04, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Engelbrecht, who is popularly known as Lolly on SABC3 soapie ‘Isidingo’, says she can’t wait to see the series, which premiers on October 10, 2017. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Felix Dlangamandla)
Eight stars flying the South African flag high in international TV shows
More than a few familiar faces.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 04: South African actress Kim Engelbrecht (37) during an interview about her role in U.S superhero series “The Flash” on October 04, 2017 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Engelbrecht, who is popularly known as Lolly on SABC3 soapie ‘Isidingo’, says she can’t wait to see the series, which premiers on October 10, 2017. (Photo by Gallo Images / Netwerk24 / Felix Dlangamandla)
South Africans are currently making more than their fair share of waves in the small screen, with a few faces once known only to the local audience popping up in international TV series, some landing big roles and making a name for themselves.
The SA flag has been flow high and proud, with some already well established and some well within a shot of becoming global superstars like some in this list have proven to be.
Kim Engelbrecht
The former child star stayed more than relevant well into adulthood and showcased her versatility as she worked as a presenter, was a regular in comedy sketch show Pure Monate Show alongside Loyiso Gola, David Kau, Joey Rasdien and others. Her most famous role was that of delinquent-turned-driven-career-woman, Lolly de Klerk in Isidingo, before landing her big role in The Flash.
Loyiso Gola
One of local comedy’s most recognisable faces has recently appeared in the SA premiere of rapper 50 Cent’s late night variety show 50 Central on BET Africa. Also received more prestigious international recognition on his own prior to that, having been nominated for an Emmy on two occasions, thanks to his satirical news show, Late Night News with Loyiso Gola.
Nathalie Boltt
Is best known to SA audiences for her role as Joey Otlepp in popular soapie Isidingo, which she left in 2004. She briefly disappeared from our screens as she turned her attention towards theater, before appearing again in Neil Blomkamp’s massive blockbuster District 9. Currently plays villain Penelope Blossom in New Zealand series Riverdale.
Arnold Vosloo
From Boetie Gaan Border Toe to The Mummy franchise, the veteran actor has had a long career in both the big and the small screen. Currently has a recurring role as Rudy Tafero in American drama series Bosch.
Maggie Benedict
Another actress who is popular for her role in a local soapie as she played Akhona in Generations,before moving to star in Queen of Katwe alongside Academy Award Winner, Lupita Nyong’o. Recently made a cameo appearance in popular US drama series The Good Doctor.
Pearl Thusi
Recently quit ABC’s drama series Quantico where she played Dayana Maphasi in its second season, but the international gigs did not dry up for the KZN beauty as she is now currently shooting Scorpion King: Book of Souls where she plays the female lead.
https://twitter.com/PearlThusi/status/930835666660929536
Trevor Noah
Possibly the biggest South African name there is in entertainment since stepping into the not-so-tiny shoes of John Stewart as host of Comedy Central’s flagship The Daily Show. Has given the show a fresh identity and has earned a place among comedy’s big names.
Charlize Theron
The Academy Award Winner has turned herself into a powerhouse in television, not just as an actress but also as an executive producer for the crime drama Mindhunter to go with her more than accomplished filmography.
Also read: Watch: Trevor Noah has his say on “overthrowing” Mugabe
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