John Kani
Born in New Brighton, Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Who is John Kani?
John Kani is a foundational figure of South African theatre and film, with global recognition from stage to Marvel cinema. He embodies South African dramatic excellence across generations.
Key Accolades & Awards
- Tony Award recognition
- South African National Orders honours
- Major international film credits
Did You Know?
Anti-apartheid theatre collaborations and later global film roles made Kani a South African cultural icon.
International stage and film festivals; South African national cultural honours.
English- and Xhosa-language stage and screen work.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role | Festival | Box Office |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captain America: Civil War | 2016 | King T'Chaka | Durban International Film Festival | $1.2B |
| Black Panther | 2018 | T'Chaka | Durban International Film Festival | $1.3B |
| Mufasa: The Lion King | 2024 | Rafiki (voice) | Durban International Film Festival | $723M |
| The Lion King | 2019 | Rafiki (voice) | Durban International Film Festival | $1.7B |
| Murder Mystery 2 | 2023 | Colonel Ulenga | Durban International Film Festival | — |
| Murder Mystery | 2019 | Colonel Ulenga | Durban International Film Festival | — |
| The Ghost and the Darkness | 1996 | Samuel | Durban International Film Festival | $39M |
| Kini & Adams | 1997 | Ben | Durban International Film Festival | — |
| Seal Team | 2021 | Brick (voice) | Durban International Film Festival | — |
| The Wild Geese | 1978 | Sgt. Jesse Blake | Durban International Film Festival | $10M |
| Coriolanus | 2011 | General Cominius | Durban International Film Festival | $1M |
| A Dry White Season | 1989 | Julius | Durban International Film Festival | — |