One of South Africa's most famous black actors, Mokae's quiet strength, charm and resilient good humor have animated the searing theatrical productions ("The Blood Knot", "Boesman and Lena") of his white countryman, Athol Fugard with whom he founded the radical theater group, the Rehearsal Room in the 1950s. Since he left South Africa and settled in the USA in 1969, Mokae has turned in powerful supporting roles in films including "Cry Freedom" (1987) and "A Dry White Season" (1989). He received a Tony Award for his turn on Broadway opposite Danny Glover and Lonny Price in Fugard's "Master Harold...and the boys" (1982).
- Born:
August 5, 1935 in Johannesburg, South Africa
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Job Titles:
Actor, Director, Producer, Acting teacher
Education
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British Drama League, England
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Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, England
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St Peter's College
Milestones
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1961 Moved to London with production, "The Blood Knot"
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1965 Feature film debut (bit part), "Darling"
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1967 Film acting debut, "The Comedians"
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1969 Moved to America; off-Broadway stage debut, "Boesman and Lena" (at the Circle Repertory Theater)
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1978 First TV-movie role in "One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story"
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1985 Reprised stage role in Showtime adaptation of "'Master Harold' .,, and the boys"
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1987 Received acclaim for role in "Cry Freedom"
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Exiled from South Africa for radical theater
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Performed on London stage in such plays as "Boesman and Lena," "Othello," "Brother Jero," and "The Tempest"
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Starred on Broadway in "'Master Harold...and the boys'" (1982) and "Fingernails Blue As Flowers"; directed plays "Angel Feathers on the Roof," and "I'm a Come Home Child"
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Taught at the American Conservatory Theater
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With playwright Athol Fugard formed small drama group The Rehearsal Room in the 1950s