We know Hollywood actors Charlize Theron, Sharlto Copley and Arnold Vosloo are South African. There are also directors like Neill Blomkamp and Gavin Hood who hail from our shores and are making their presence felt in Tinseltown.
Since we’re familiar with their names and roots, we decided to dig a little deeper to see who else has a trace of the Rainbow Nation in their past, either by birth or blood. Here are our top five finds.
Christian Bale
Born in Wales, but raised mostly in England, Bale sees himself as English, and not Welsh. His father was much the same. David Bale was English, but born elsewhere: South Africa, to be exact. His first wife was also South African, but it was his second wife who gave birth to the talented Christian.
Orlando Bloom
The former pirate and elf has an interesting family history, with a dash of Mzansi added to the mix…in a way. Orlando was born in England, and his mother in India. Growing up, he believed his father was South African anti-apartheid novelist Harry Saul Bloom. However, nine years after Harry’s death, when Orlando was thirteen, he learnt his biological father was actually his mother’s partner, Colin Stone.
Sienna Miller
Born in New York City and raised in London, Sienna has spent much of her life and career hopping back and forth between the U.S and the U.K. Her mother, however, was born in South Africa.
Sasha Pieterse
The last name of the youngest cast member of Pretty Little Liars gives her roots away. Born in Johannesburg, Sasha moved to Los Angeles when she was three years old. She started acting at the age of six, and has had bit parts in House, CSI: Miami, Heroes and Hawaii 5-0. She is also an accomplished singer-songwriter.
Dean Geyer
Another Jo’burger on the list is Dean Geyer. He was born in the City of Gold, but moved to Melbourne, Australia while still in school. Showing an avid interest in martial arts and music, he finished third in the 2006 season of Australian Idol, and landed roles in popular Aussie soapie Neighbours and hit American TV show Glee.