Jonathan was born in Israel to South African parents, and at the tender age of two, he made the big move to South Africa, a country still wrestling with the complex issue of racial segregation. This formative experience would undoubtedly shape his worldview and artistic expression.
Growing up, Jonathan's passion for the performing arts was evident, and he attended Northview High School and later Johannesburg College of Education, with the intention of becoming a teacher. However, his true calling lay in the world of entertainment, and he soon found himself drawn to the stage.
As a teenager, Jonathan had already tasted success with The Jugless Jug Band, and his big break came when he was offered a role in the original touring production of Joseph. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career, with notable roles in musicals such as Grease, The Me Nobody Knows, March of the Falsettoes, Joburg Follies, Buddy, and Phantom of the Opera.
In addition to his work on stage, Jonathan has also made a name for himself in television, with roles in popular shows such as The Best of Mates, Generations, You Be The Judge, Isidingo, 7de Laan, Rhythm City, Madiba, and Bedford Wives. His film credits include Little One, The Little Kings, Safari, The Emissary, District 9, A Million Colours, Table Manners, Blessers, and Winnie Mandela, in which he starred alongside the talented Jennifer Hudson.
When he's not treading the boards or in front of the camera, Jonathan can be found behind the mic, lending his voice to various TV and radio commercials. He is also the founder of Really Genuine Productions, a company that has produced several notable productions, including AR Gurney's Love Letters and Ian Fraser's Dogs of the Blue Gods.
In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys a range of activities, including photography, graphology, and horse-riding. He is also a former Premier-League cricket umpire and has advanced motoring skills acquired at the BMW Driver Training Academy at Kyalami. And, if he's being completely honest, he's always had a secret dream of becoming a racing driver when he grows up.
