John Kani Biography: Net Worth, Movies, Age, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children, TV Shows, Awards

John Kani, an iconic South African actor, playwright, director, and author, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to theater and film, particularly in highlighting the injustices of apartheid.

Known for roles in Black Panther and The Lion King (2019), as well as his Tony Award-winning plays, Kani is a cultural ambassador whose work has inspired global audiences.

Profile

• Full Name: Bonisile John Kani
• Stage Name: John Kani
• Born: August 30, 1943
• Age: 81 years old
• Birthplace: New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
• Nationality: South African
• Occupation: Actor, Playwright, Director, Author
• Height: 6’0” (1.84 m)
• Parents: Mr. Kani and Mrs. Kani
• Siblings: 1
• Spouse: Mandi Kani
• Children: Atandwa Kani
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: USD 10 million

Early Life and Education

John Kani was born on August 30, 1943, in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth. a distinguished actor and playwright who grew up in a vibrant, politically active community under the harsh realities of apartheid.

Raised by his parents, whose names are not publicly documented, he developed a passion for storytelling and theater as a refuge from systemic oppression.

Information about his siblings is limited, though he lost a brother in 1985, killed by police during a funeral.

Kani attended Newell High School, where he performed in school plays alongside future collaborator Winston Ntshona.

His formal education culminated at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, where he earned a qualification in Philosophy. His Xhosa heritage and Christian upbringing further enriched his perspective.

Career

John Kani’s career began in 1965 when he joined the Serpent Players in Port Elizabeth, where he met playwright Athol Fugard, sparking a lifelong collaboration.

Their improvisational work led to the creation of Sizwe Banzi Is Dead (1972) and The Island (1973), co-written with Fugard and Winston Ntshona, which critiqued apartheid’s pass laws and prison system.

These plays earned international acclaim, with Kani and Ntshona winning a Tony Award in 1975 for their Broadway performances.

In 1987, Kani became the first Black South African to play Othello in a Market Theatre production, defying apartheid norms despite death threats.

His 1982 performance in Miss Julie, involving an on-stage kiss with a white actress, sparked controversy and an assassination attempt where he was stabbed 11 times.

Kani’s sole playwriting debut, Nothing But the Truth (2002), explored post-apartheid tensions and won multiple awards.

His film career includes roles in A Dry White Season (1989), Sarafina! (1992), The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Black Panther (2018) as T’Chaka, and The Lion King (2019) as Rafiki.

He created and starred in the Mzansi Magic telenovela Inkaba (2012–2013) and appeared in Murder Mystery (2019) and Murder Mystery 2 (2023).

Kani is an executive trustee of the Market Theatre Foundation, director of the Market Theatre Laboratory, and chairman of the National Arts Council of South Africa.

Social Media

• Twitter Handle: @JohnKani2

Personal Life

John Kani, 81, a revered actor and playwright, is married to Mandi Kani, his steadfast supporter throughout his career.

They have one son, Atandwa Kani, an actor known for Life Is Wild and Black Panther, where he played a younger T’Chaka alongside his father.

His humility and commitment to mentoring young artists through the Market Theatre Laboratory reflect his dedication to community and legacy.

He enjoys spending time with his family and using his platform to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized.

Filmography

• Sizwe Banzi Is Dead (1972) – Co-writer, Actor
• The Island (1973) – Co-writer, Actor
• Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act (1974) – Co-writer, Actor
• Nothing But the Truth (2002) – Writer, Actor
• Missing: A Play (2015) – Writer
• Kunene and the King (2018) – Writer, Actor
• The Wild Geese (1978) – Sgt. Jesse Weir
• A Dry White Season (1989) – Julius
• Sarafina! (1992) – School Principal
• The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) – Samuel
• Captain America: Civil War (2016) – T’Chaka
• Black Panther (2018) – T’Chaka
• The Lion King (2019) – Rafiki (voice)
• Murder Mystery (2019) – Colonel Ulenga
• Murder Mystery 2 (2023) – Colonel Ulenga
• Mufasa: The Lion King (2024) – Voice Role
• Wallander (2010) – Guest Role
• Inkaba (2012–2013) – Mkhuseli Mthetho (Creator, Actor)

Net Worth

John Kani, a renowned actor and playwright, has an estimated net worth of $10 million.

His wealth is derived from his extensive career in theater, film, and television, including earnings from movies such as Black Panther and The Lion King, as well as his award-winning plays.

Additional income comes from his roles as a director and author of books such as Nothing But the Truth (2002) and Apartheid and Othello (2016), as well as his leadership in cultural institutions like the Market Theatre Foundation.