10 South African Actors Who Made It Big in Hollywood, From Charlize Theron to Sasha Pieterse

• South Africa has produced a remarkable number of globally recognised actors who have carved out major careers in Hollywood and beyond
• The list spans Oscar winners, sci-fi icons, and teen drama stars - from Benoni-born Charlize Theron to Johannesburg-born Sasha Pieterse
• Several of the stars have landed roles in some of the biggest franchises in film and television history

South Africa has emerged as a prominent exporter of acting talent, with stars such as Charlize Theron, Oscar winner and Benoni native, leading the charge. Notable actors like Arnold Vosloo and Sasha Pieterse continue to make their mark on the global entertainment landscape, showcasing the nation's rich contributions to film and television.

Charlize Theron and the Oscar winners

Leading the pack is Benoni-born Charlize Theron, who remains one of the most decorated South African actresses of all time. Her Academy Award-winning turn in Monster cemented her place in Hollywood history, and she has since starred in Mad Max: Fury Road, Atomic Blonde, and The Italian Job. Her movie The Odyssey became Ster-Kinekor's biggest IMAX opening weekend since 2019.

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Pretoria-born Arnold Vosloo is another Gauteng export who made a lasting impression internationally, best remembered for bringing the menacing High Priest Imhotep to life in The Mummy and its sequel. He also appeared in Blood Diamond, 24, and the Afrikaans show Ludik.

Johannesburg-born Sasha Pieterse became a household name for teen audiences worldwide through her role as Alison DiLaurentis in Pretty Little Liars and its spin-off The Perfectionists, along with a starring role in Coin Heist.

Sci-Fi icons and cult favourites

Alice Krige, who hails from Upington in the Northern Cape, carved out a legendary place in the Star Trek universe as the Borg Queen, debuting in Star Trek: First Contact. She also appeared in Chariots of Fire and Silent Hill.

The late Cliff Simon, born in Johannesburg, built a devoted international following for his portrayal of the villainous System Lord Ba'al across the Stargate SG-1 franchise, having first found local fame on the soapie Egoli: Place of Gold. He passed away on 9 March 2021 following a tragic kiteboarding accident at Topanga Beach in California.

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Durban-born Kandyse McClure is recognised for playing Officer Anastasia Dualla in the critically acclaimed sci-fi reboot Battlestar Galactica, and has since appeared in Netflix's V-Wars and a 2002 TV adaptation of Carrie.

Fellow Durban native Tanit Phoenix became a familiar face in the Death Race action franchise, portraying Katrina Banks, and has featured in productions including Safe House and Femme Fatales.

Cape Town-born Sean C. Michael built an international profile through his role as Richard Guthrie in the pirate drama Black Sails, alongside prominent South African productions such as Faith Like Potatoes.

Also from Cape Town, SAG Award-nominated actor and producer Stelio Savante has appeared in Ugly Betty, The Chosen, and the indie drama Infidel.

Rounding out the list is Makhanda-born Elize du Toit, who became a recognisable face in the United Kingdom through her long-running role as Izzy Davies on Hollyoaks, before appearing in the James Bond film Skyfall, Doctor Who, and The Line of Beauty.

Charlize Theron faces backlash for Apartheid comments

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In an earlier report, Briefly News shared online reactions to a video of Charlize Theron's video speaking about her experience living in Apartheid South Africa.

The actress was criticised for referring to apartheid-era liberation struggles as "nonsensical violence," with online users slamming her for spreading misinformation about her own country.

Source: Briefly News