Ken Gampu, a pioneering figure in breaking down racial barriers in Hollywood, made a significant impact in the film industry alongside renowned actors Edward G. Robinson and Burt Lancaster. Prior to his acting career, Gampu worked as a schoolteacher, law clerk, and interpreter, possessing a remarkable linguistic skillset that included proficiency in seven native dialects, in addition to English and Afrikaans.
It was playwright Athol Fugard who first discovered Gampu's talent, casting him in the play "No Good Friday" in 1958. Gampu's transition to film in the 1960s was marked by international acclaim, particularly for his role in the movie adventure "Dingaka" (1964). His outstanding performance in Cornel Wilde's African adventure "The Naked Prey" (1965) as a warrior leader further solidified his reputation as a talented actor.
Over time, several of Gampu's films have developed a cult following, including the historical epic "Zulu Dawn" (1979) and the comedy classic "The Gods Must Be Crazy" (1980).
