Zakes Mokae, a renowned South African actor, was born on August 5, 1934, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Initially, he pursued a career as a jazz saxophonist before transitioning to acting.
In 1961, Mokae relocated to England, where he trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He went on to become one of the most distinguished thespians in South Africa for over two decades.
Mokae's collaborations with white writer Athol Fugard were particularly noteworthy, as they allowed him to transcend the racial barriers that divided the country. Together, they founded the radical theater group The Rehearsal Room in the 1950s, which specifically addressed the injustices of apartheid.
Throughout his career, Mokae's performances in plays such as "The Blood Knot," "Boesman and Lena," "A Lesson from Aloes," and "Master Harold...and the Boys" received widespread acclaim.
In 1969, Mokae fled South Africa due to the country's racist apartheid policies and migrated to the United States. He went on to win a Tony Award in 1982 for his performance in "Master Harold..." and appeared in a number of American films, including "A Dry White Season," "A Rage in Harlem," and "Waterworld."
Mokae also made numerous television appearances, including roles on "Law & Order," "Dream On," "Oz," "The X-Files," "The West Wing," and "Monk."
In his later years, Mokae moved to Las Vegas and served as the artistic director for the Nevada Shakespeare Company. He passed away on September 11, 2009, at the age of 75, due to complications from a stroke.
