Has South Africa influenced Hollywood more than you know? The answer may not shock you!
International South African talent is often underrated in the country itself with many South Africans having little to no knowledge of what the county's heritage has contributed to the global entertainment scene. Not only that but many other 'scenes' really. We'll get into more of that at a different time. For now, let us take a look at some the most influential people to bless our planet with their shere existence who also happen to have South African heritage as well as the worth of their hard work.
10. Trevor Noah
We start with Trevor as he is the one we all know. He fully embraces his South African roots. Now worth over $100 million, Trevor is one of the greatest prospects to come out of South Africa during this time.
A true legend, the comedian and political analyst was born and bred in Soweto, South Africa during apartheid times. His story needs no explanation as Trevor always reminds his audience of who he is and where he is from.
9. Charlize Theron
Worth $120 million and Identified as the highest earning actress and part of Forbes' most influential people in the world is South African born, Charlize Theron. Born in Benoni, Charlize is a multi Oscar award winning actress who has starred in movies like Hancock, Avengers End Game, Mad Max and the Fast and The Furious franchise amongst others. Iconic.
8. Elon Musk
Worth $153,2 billion (yes, dollars), founder of SpaceX and Tesla and now the world's second wealthiest man (imagine that, second in the whole world) is South African born, Elon Musk.
Musk lived in South Africa for a large portion of his childhood. Attending TUKS in Pretoria, Musk would leave the facility after 6 months and moved to Canada at the age of 17. The rest as they say in Hollywood, is history.
7. Gavin Hood
Ever watched Enders Game or X-MEN Origins: Wolverine? Well you might be shocked to learn that these Hollywood multi-million hits were directed by a South African. Worth $25 million, Hood is behind what essentially becomes the story of these projects and how actors such as Hugh Jackman act out their roles. It is insane to think that a global hit came from a South African individual but wait...
There's more.
6. J.R Rotem
Behind the production of the likes of Rihanna, Jason Derulo, 50 Cent and Sean Kingston for the smash hit "Beautiful Girls" is a South African born producer. Worth $20 million, Rotem is a world-class producer born in Johannesburg. It's amazing and very unknown to many South Africans.
5. J.R.R Tolkien
Writer of book and movie franchise, 'The Lord of The Rings' (worth about $6 billion) JRR was actually a Bloemfontein born author. Lord of The Rings is a huge contributor to the film and fictional books industry. Dozens of awards won and a true world classic, written by a South African. How amazing!
4. Roger Federer
A tennis world champion for years, Roger Federer, surprisingly and unbeknownst to the general public, has South African heritage with his mother being a South African. It is known that Roger actually has dual-citizenship as a Swiss and South African. Looks like Trevor is not the only world star with South African and Swiss heritage.
3. Doja Cat
Doja's collaboration with Nicki Minaj led her to landing a number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and guess what? She is South African. Born Zinhle Dlamini (doesn't get more South African than that), Doja is the child of Sarafina and Yizo Yizo star, Dumisani Dlamini. This one is no shocker as many have become aware of her nationality.
2. Christian Bale
The Batman franchise's 'The Dark Night Rises' lead actor Christian Bale has South African heritage. His father is a Cape Town born South African. Worth $120 million, Christian recently visited Cape Town, sadly to see his ill grandfather. Another actor with South African heritage who is richly recognized in Hollywood.
1. Daniel Radcliffe
The biggest shocker! We know.
Also known as 'Harry Potter', Daniel Radcliffe is known for his stellar performance as the star in JK Rowling's multi-billion franchise Harry Potter.
Daniel's mother is South African leaving him with direct lineage to the rainbow nation.
A very proud moment for South Africans indeed as many are still unaware of his heritage. He also has a pretty sharp South African accent and a $112 million net worth.
Which one of these shocked you the most and are there others we left out? Comment below or head over to our Instagram @otherseyed (http://instagram.com/otherseyed).
Stay tuned.
Comments