Trinidadian-born character actor Stefan Kalipha, born Stephen Siegfried Behrendt, boasts a unique ancestry comprising Indian, German, African, and Portuguese roots. Growing up in Port-of-Spain, Kalipha shared a childhood with his cousin, filmmaker Horace Ové, and playwright Mustapha Matura.
In 1959, Kalipha made the bold decision to leave his birthplace and relocate to England, successfully auditioning for a spot at East 15 Acting School in Loughton, Essex. During this time, he adopted his grandfather's name, Kalipha, marking a new chapter in his life.
Kalipha's theatrical debut with the Oxford Playhouse Company in Antony and Cleopatra showcased his talent, and he went on to play an array of exotic roles due to his diverse ethnic background. Beginning in 1970, his on-screen appearances have often featured him as Middle Easterners in films such as The Curse of King Tut's Tomb, The Crucifer of Blood, Saracen, The Sum of All Fears, Arabian Nights, and Aladdin.
Kalipha's repertoire extends beyond Middle Eastern characters, with notable roles including an African revolutionary in Hine, Cubans in Cuba and For Your Eyes Only, a Turkish tank gunner in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Mowgli's Indian antagonist Buldeo in The Jungle Book, and a Pole in an episode of The Professionals.
In a 2022 interview, Kalipha revealed the joy of traveling and earning a living to spend extended periods in Trinidad and Tobago. As of 2020, Kalipha's most recent screen credit remains, and he continues to reside in a London flat overlooking Primrose Hill, adhering to the Japanese Nichiren Buddhist faith.
