Zakes Mokae, a highly acclaimed and accomplished thespian, entered the world on August 5, 1934, in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Prior to embarking on a successful acting career, Mokae initially explored his creative talents as a skilled jazz saxophonist, honing his musical abilities before ultimately making the transition to the world of acting.
Mokae embarked on a pivotal journey in 1961, leaving behind the familiar terrain of his native land to venture into the esteemed realm of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in England, a prestigious institution renowned for its rigorous training programs and esteemed faculty.
Mokae's extraordinary aptitude and inherent ability to excel in his craft enabled him to effortlessly bridge the racial divide, a remarkable achievement that was a rarity during that particular period in history. His remarkable talent, coupled with his unwavering dedication and perseverance, allowed him to form a creative partnership with the esteemed white writer Athol Fugard, a collaboration that would have far-reaching consequences. Together, they co-founded the revolutionary theater group, The Rehearsal Room, in the 1950s, a bold and daring venture that would go on to leave an indelible mark on the world of theater.
The theatrical productions of this esteemed group centered around the injustices that plagued the artist's homeland, with Mokae delivering commanding performances in a range of thought-provoking plays, including the poignant "The Blood Knot", the haunting "Boesman and Lena", the emotionally charged "A Lesson from Aloes", and the powerful "Master Harold...and the Boys". These performances garnered widespread critical acclaim, solidifying Mokae's reputation as a masterful thespian.
**Person Biography:**
Athol Fugard (1932-2020) was a renowned South African playwright, actor, and director. Born in Middleburg, South Africa, Fugard's work often explored the complexities and injustices of his native country. He is known for his powerful and poignant plays that tackle themes of racism, oppression, and social change. Throughout his illustrious career, Fugard has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Mokae, a South African-born actor, made the bold decision to leave behind the oppressive apartheid regime in 1969, embarking on a new chapter in his life in the United States.
As he settled into his new home, Mokae's talent and dedication to his craft began to gain recognition, culminating in a prestigious Tony Award in 1982 for his outstanding performance in the critically acclaimed production of "Master Harold..."
Notable television appearances by the accomplished actor, Mokae, include memorable roles on popular shows such as "Law & Order", a long-running crime drama that has been a staple of American television since 1990, as well as "Dream On", a sitcom that aired from 1991 to 1996 and followed the life of a young man navigating his way through adulthood.
Mokae's impressive resume also boasts appearances on the critically acclaimed HBO series "Oz", which aired from 1997 to 2003 and explored the lives of prisoners and correctional officers at a maximum-security prison. Additionally, he made appearances on the hit science fiction series "X-Files", which originally aired from 1993 to 2002 and followed the investigations of FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.
Furthermore, Mokae's talents were showcased on the award-winning drama series "The West Wing", which aired from 1999 to 2006 and followed the lives of the staff working in the Oval Office of the President. He also appeared on the popular USA Network series "Monk", which aired from 2002 to 2009 and followed the adventures of a brilliant detective with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Mokae's extensive television credits demonstrate his versatility as an actor and his ability to excel in a wide range of roles and genres.
Mokae's later years were marked by a significant career development, as he relocated to the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, where he assumed the esteemed role of artistic director for the esteemed Nevada Shakespeare Company, a testament to his enduring passion for the performing arts.
Tragically, Mokae's remarkable life was cut short when he succumbed to the devastating consequences of a stroke at the tender age of 75, on a fateful day in September, specifically the eleventh of that month, in the year 2009.
