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1-50 of 206
- Actress
- Editorial Department
Celeste O'Connor was born on December 2, 1998 in Nairobi, Kenya and raised in Baltimore, MD. They attend college, studying Public Health and Pre-Medicine. Celeste began their career as an actress with their first major role in an independent film, Selah and the Spades (2019) directed by Tayarisha Poe. Celeste recently wrapped Freaky (2020) directed by Chris Landon and starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton.- Actor
- Stunts
- Producer
Deep Roy was born on 26 January 1949 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an actor and producer, known for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and The NeverEnding Story (1984).- Actor
- Producer
- Director
Edi Gathegi was born on 10 March 1979 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an actor and producer, known for StartUp (2016), Princess of the Row (2019) and For All Mankind (2019).- Actress
- Soundtrack
Francesca Hayward is a Principal ballerina at The Royal Ballet, having trained at the Royal Ballet School. She has performed a number of major roles for the company, including Clara in The Nutcracker, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty and the title role in Giselle. She was inspired to start ballet lessons when she watched a video of The Nutcracker at the age of 2: a BBC documentary followed her in rehearsals for her debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy in 2016.
She took a sabbatical from the Royal Ballet in 2018 to join film Cats, along with her colleague, Steven McRae.- Actor
- Stunts
- Additional Crew
In 2004, Kiran was back in New Zealand filming The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) playing a character called Ginarrbrik.
He also writes poetry; his work has been published in Britain and America.
Kiran is a "Guinness World Record" holder as the "shortest professional stuntman currently working in film" since October 2003.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Striking, dark-haired beauty Zena Moyra Marshall was born of French (from her mother's side) and English/Irish (her father's) ancestry in Nairobi, Kenya. After the early death of her father, her mother remarried and moved the family to Leicestershire. Zena received her education from St Mary's Roman Catholic School in Ascot. Her interest in the acting profession matured after a wartime theatrical tour with the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), while still in her teens. After completing her training at RADA, her exotic looks led to a contract with the Rank Organisation where she was groomed by the so-called 'charm school' as a sultry temptress and second lead in costume films, romantic melodramas and thrillers.
Marshall made her screen debut in the stagey, moribund epic Caesar and Cleopatra (1945) with a bit-part as a handmaiden. Interestingly this film was also a screen bow for future James Bond star Roger Moore, uncredited as a Roman soldier. Marshall's subsequent career was anything but meteoric. For several years she was given only minor supporting roles in productions by Rank affiliates, such as GFD/Two Cities and Gainsborough, including Sleeping Car to Trieste (1948), Snowbound (1948) and So Long at the Fair (1950). A brief sojourn in Hollywood resulted in a lacklustre Allied Artists musical, Let's Be Happy (1957), in which she played an amorous redhead, rivalling star Vera-Ellen for the affections of crooner Tony Martin. During the 1950s she managed to rekindle her theatrical career and, by the end of the decade, went on tour through Germany and the Netherlands with "The Late Edwina Black". Marshall was one of the first actresses to be featured in a British television commercial (for shampoo) on early ITV. Television did, in the end, become her favoured medium; she had some of her better on-screen moments in three episodes of Danger Man (1960), opposite Patrick McGoohan, between 1961 and 1964.
Zena Marshall's main claim to fame rests on her portrayal of the Eurasian double agent, Miss Taro, in the first ever Bond film, Dr. No (1962). Her character was, incidentally, the first woman seduced by Bond, prior to his encounter with Ursula Andress in the part of Honey Ryder. Another noted beauty, the reigning Miss Jamaica, Marguerite LeWars, was originally slated to screen test for Miss Taro. However, LeWars declined for reasons of 'personal modesty' and is merely glimpsed in the film in a bit part as an unnamed photographer. Marshall herself was at first unhappy with the script, but Terence Young, who had previously worked with her on the poorly-received costume biopic The Bad Lord Byron (1949), lightened some of the dialogue with humour. In the end, the bedroom scene with Sean Connery took three days to shoot, because Marshall struggled with the idea of having to spit in her co-star's face, after Bond has her character turned over to the superintendent of police. Miss Taro remains one of the most iconic of Bond villainesses.
Marshall's last roles of note were as an Italian countess in Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines or How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours 11 Minutes (1965), and as a secretary fighting alien enemies (alongside Charles Hawtrey, incongruously cast as an accountant) in the insipid sci-fi outing The Terrornauts (1967). After that, she retired from the screen and settled into domestic life with her third husband, the writer/producer Ivan Foxwell.- Actor
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Nitin Ganatra was born on 21 February 1968 in Kenya. He is an actor and writer, known for Bride & Prejudice (2004), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and EastEnders (1985). He has been married to Meera Thakrar since 17 July 2004. They have two children.- Jenny Funnell was born on 20 May 1963 in Kenya. She is an actress, known for Bloodborne (2015), As Time Goes By (1992) and Polite Society (2023).
- Writer
- Producer
- Director
Gurinder Chadha was born in Kenya, and grew up in Southall, London, England. She began her career as a news reporter with BBC Radio, directed several award winning documentaries for the BBC, and began an alliance with the British Film Institute (BFI) and Channel Four. In 2001, Chadha set up her own production company: Bend It Films.- Actress
- Writer
- Producer
Veena Sood is an award-winning actress - of Indian descent, recognized for her versatility in both comedy and drama. During her time at University Veena co-founded Canada's Loose Moose Theatre Company with Improv master Keith Johnstone. Over the years Veena has appeared in numerous plays, films, television series, and continues to perform her improvisation shows. Veena grew up in the Canadian Rockies where she developed a passion for outdoor pursuits & nature expeditions. She was even a competitive rodeo participant when she was younger. She continues to live in the mountains in western Canada - and continues her passion for nature by traveling the world on adventurous expeditions.- Actress
- Soundtrack
Samantha Kelly was born on 14 June 1967 in Kenya. She is an actress, known for New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009), Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (2014) and Silent Witness (1996). She has been married to Carlos Roland since 12 August 2005. They have two children. She was previously married to Scott D. Fralick.- Kulvinder Ghir's diversity in the entertainment industry has seen him perform on TV, film and theatre. His transition into comedy wasn't easy. As a young man, worried how his parents would react to his passion, he would secretly go off to comedy clubs to perform. Conquering tough audiences gave him the confidence to then move into the wide world of radio, film and television.
One quarter of the highly successful 'Goodness Gracious Me' team, he has also starred in 'Casualty' and 'The Bill'. He can currently be seen the Casualty spin off series 'Holby City'. Kulvinder is most well know for his GGM character, 'Chunky Lafunga' a stereotype of a slimey Bollywood hunk, complete with hairy chest and medallion. Other characters include "Bhangra Man", "Dennis Cooper" and "Mr. Ishaq". - Barkhad Abdirahman, is a young aspiring actor that can be seen in a number of films. From he's debut role in Captain Philips, a 2013 Sony production. to his recently Oscar nominated film Watu Wote: All of us. Barkhad lived most of his life in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, in the south side of Minneapolis. Emerging from a predominantly low-income East African immigrant community, Barkhad was actively exposed to an environment that is rich and abundant in many forms of arts across a spectrum of many cultures. The Cedar-Riverside neighborhood houses the highest concentration of Somalis. The Somali Diaspora's manifestation in the arts of poetry has given them the name the nation of poets. A Stray, an independent film shot in the heart of Cedar-Riverside, starting Barkhad himself, gives viewers a glimpse of his actual background.
- Actor
- Director
- Cinematographer
Ptolemy Slocum was born on 20 November 1975 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an actor and director, known for Westworld (2016), Barbie (2023) and Vice (2018).- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Manoj Sood was born in Mombassa, Kenya and grew up in Western Canada. Manoj entered the entertainment world in 1995 and has been working steadily ever since. Manoj, much to his surprise, landed a supporting role in an American MOW after his very first audition. Up until then, his only acting experience had been from his acting classes. A very nervous Manoj walked onto set on his first day of shooting and when the sound-boom operator said "speed", Manoj thought he was saying "speak" so Manoj jumped right into saying his lines. The director then gave a very nervous Manoj his first on-set note: "Manoj they are saying "speed" not "speak" and you have to wait for the word "action" before you say your lines".
Since that day, Manoj has appeared in more than 75 Television and Feature Film productions. He has appeared on popular Television shows like Da Vinci's Inquest (1998), The Dead Zone (2002), Romeo! (2003) and Dead Like Me (2003), as well as numerous others. Manoj has also acted in popular films such as Meltdown (2004) and Rat Race (2001). Manoj plays the comically grumpy and lovable character, "Baber" on all six seasons of the internationally acclaimed TV series, Little Mosque on the Prairie (2007), now airing on Amazon Prime. Manoj also appears in the Amazon Prime series Insomnia (2018), filmed on location in Moscow, Russia and the highly anticipated TNT and Netflix TV series, Snowpiercer (2020). Most recently Manoj appears in the Netflix hit,Wedding Season (2022) and will appear int the new Bob Odenkirk series Lucky Hank (2023). Manoj has been a passionate fly fisherman and amateur astronomer since he was a child so when he's not acting, you will find him fly-fishing with his son or gazing into the universe with his telescope.- Producer
- Director
Julian Ozanne was born in 1965 in Kenya. He is a producer and director, known for Here to Where (2002), Giorgio Armani: A Man for All Seasons (2000) and This Is Not an Exit: The Fictional World of Bret Easton Ellis (1999). He was previously married to Gillian Anderson.- Tenniel Evans briefly attended the British Army officer training centre Sandhurst (1945-1946). He studied German and economics at St. Andrews University (1946-1949). He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (1949-1951) and acted on stage from 1951, although he also had an in-between job as a private school teacher near Northampton. His regular stage work included West End performances as well as the Royal Court Theatre Company, Savoy Theatre and Globe Theatre. He was part of the cast of the hugely popular 1960s radio comedy "The Navy Lark". He appeared in television from 1960. Evans is fondly remembered by cult television fans as Major Daly, acting opposite his friend Jon Pertwee, in Carnival of Monsters: Episode One (1973) and as Kevin's (Michael Palin's) puritanical father in The Curse of the Claw (1977).
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Christopher Zalla was born in 1974 in Kisumu, Kenya. He is a director and writer, known for Radical (2023), Blood of My Blood (2007) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999).- Writer
- Producer
Philippa Gregory was born on 9 January 1954 in Nairobi, Kenya. She is a writer and producer, known for The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), The White Queen (2013) and A Respectable Trade (1998). She is married to Anthony Mason. She was previously married to Paul Carter and Peter Chislett.- Actor
- Director
- Writer
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, and raised in Mexico City, Arap considers himself a global citizen. His acting career began at a young age, in Mexico, where he participated in various TV dramas and started training as an actor. However, it was not until after he completed a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies in McQuarie University in Sydney, that he decided to pursue a career as an actor. He soon landed starring roles in various Telemundo productions, such as Doña Barbara, Los Victorinos, La Diosa Coronada, and more recently, Eva La Trailera opposite Latina super star Edith Gonzalez. After working in Miami, Los Angeles and Colombia, Bethke returned to Mexico to shoot 8vo Mandamiento an acclaimed political thriller with Argos Productions. This series rekindled his career in Mexico, where he then starred in dramas and comedies alike, such as Amor Cautivo and Corazon en Condominio, in prime time for Azteca TV. Based on his critically acclaimed performances in television and theatre, in 2015 Gary Alazraki (Nosotros Los Nobles) engaged him to play the role of "JP Iglesias" in the hugely successful Club de Cuervos, for Netflix. This was the streamers first show produced in Latin America, which wrapped its 4th and final season. In 2017 Bethke starred in the critically acclaimed and hugely popular La Piloto, produced by The Lemon Studios both for Televisa in Mexico and Univision in the U.S. where he plays a mainstream action antihero. This project proved to be a commercial success around the world. It is currently in its third run on Netflix. Arap's first film, which he costarred with Diego Luna was Un Dulce Olor a Muerte. He also costarred in the romantic comedy Enamorandome de Abril, and appeared in Instructions Not Included, written, directed and starred by Eugenio Derbez, which made over 100 million in box office worldwide distributed by Lionsgate. This year, Sin Origen a sci-fi thriller will come out in theaters across Latin America. As a director, Arap wrote, produced and directed Amateur a short film based on Jorge Franco's thriller, doing well in film festivals across the Latam circuit. As an activist, Arap has supported causes that he is passionate about, including Al Gores' The Climate Project, and as a spokesperson for He For She a solidarity campaign for gender equality, initiated by the United Nations.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Benjamin A. Onyango was born on 18 May 1960 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an actor and writer, known for Tears of the Sun (2003), God's Not Dead (2014) and Beautifully Broken (2018).- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Richard Dawkins was born on 26 March 1941 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an actor and writer, known for Doctor Who (2005), Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) and Intersect (2020). He has been married to Lalla Ward since September 1992. He was previously married to Marian Dawkins and Eve Barham.- Valli Kemp was born on 19 November 1950 in Kenya. She is an actress, known for Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972), The Great Muppet Caper (1981) and Riptide (1969).
- Actress
- Director
- Producer
Mary Sellers was born on 3 September 1962 in Nairobi, Kenya. She is an actress and director, known for StageFright (1987), Loon Lake (2012) and The Orchard (2018).- William Mervyn was born on 3 January 1912 in Nairobi, Kenya. He was an actor, known for The Ruling Class (1972), Silas Marner (1964) and The Eustace Diamonds (1959). He was married to Anne Margaret Payne-Cook. He died on 6 August 1976 in London, England, UK.
- Director
- Writer
- Producer
Wanuri's first feature film From A Whisper, based on the real events surrounding the 1998 twin bombings of US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania won Best Narrative Feature in 2010 at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, as well as five awards at the African Movie Academy Award, including Best Director and Best Screenplay.
In 2009 Wanuri produced TV documentary For Our Land about Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai for MNET, a pan African cable station. In 2010, her short science fiction Pumzi premiered at Sundance film festival and went on to win best short film at Cannes Independent Film Festival and the silver at Carthage Film Festival (Tunisia). Pumzi also earned Wanuri the 'Citta di Venezia 2010' award in Venice, Italy. Her second feature film Rafiki based on the short story "Jambula Tree" premiered at Cannes 2018 and was nominated for the Queer Palm.
Wanuri is the creator of the Afrobubblegum genre, fun, fierce and frivolous black content that celebrates joy and hope. Wanuri is a TED fellow and a World Economic Forum cultural leader.- Casting Director
- Casting Department
Susie Figgis was born in Kenya and lived the early part of her childhood there. She has lived the majority of her life in England. She has become successful for finding child actors. She began her career for working for an assistant.
She is thought of as one of the most experienced and highly respected casting directors in the UK. Her filmography as a casting director is highly impressive. Her first film was "The Dollar Bill". She has worked many successful movies, such as: "Sleepy hollow" (1999), "The full Monty" (1997), "Interview with a vampire" (1994), Cry Freedom (1987), "The Mission" (1986) "Gandhi" (1982) and "Killing fields" (1984). She also worked with many great directors, such as her cousin Mike Figgis, Ken Loach, Steven Soderbergh, Tim Burton and Richard Attenborough. She also worked as a casting director for "Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone", but she left because she was unhappy with her relationship with US director Chris Colombus.- Actor
- Writer
- Producer
Ali Velshi was born on 29 October 1969 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is an actor and writer, known for Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), Around the World in 90 Seconds (2006) and CNN Breaking News: Terror Attempt on U.S. Airliner (2009).- Maureen Connell was born on 2 August 1931 in Nairobi, Kenya. She is an actress, known for Kill Her Gently (1957), Lucky Jim (1957) and ITV Television Playhouse (1955).
- Art Director
- Production Designer
- Art Department
Frank Walsh was born in Nairobi, Kenya. Graduating with a Masters Degree in Architecture from the Royal College of Art in London, he first worked for Ken Adam. He is an art director and a production designer, known for Supervising the London, Paris and Morocco parts of Inception (2010), winning an EMMY for his work on Game of Thrones (2011) and his Production Designs on major TV series for both Amazon and Netflix.- Charles Mnene is a British film, television and stage actor.
Mnene's first television appearances include guest roles in The Bill, Holby City, Doctors and the drama Ahead of the Class, with Julie Walters, plus several films and stage productions.
His first screen experience was in Thomas Clay's The Great Ecstasy of Robert Carmichael, which caused a stir at Cannes International Film Festival in 2005. He also landed the role of Demetrios in Martha Fiennes' feature film Chromophobia. In 2006, Mnene stirred more controversy in the BAFTA award winning drama Shoot the Messenger, alongside David Oyelowo. And in 2008 featured in Fallout, written by Roy Williams.
He has continued to appear in films, stage and television work, including Richard Jobson's New Town Killers, and appeared in writer-director Paul Wilkins' 7 Lives, and John Akomfrah's Games Men Play. - Bettina Hoppe was born on 21 May 1974 in Nairobi, Kenya. She is an actress, known for Baader (2002), Sixty Minutes (2024) and Mogadischu (2008).
- Writer
- Director
Mark Peploe was born on 3 March 1943 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a writer and director, known for The Last Emperor (1987), Afraid of the Dark (1991) and Victory (1996). He is married to Louise Stjernsward. They have one child.- Mary Oyaya has always been pursuing her goal to become an international and worldly person since childhood. She was born in the coastal town of Mombasa in Kenya, Africa and has lived in several diverse areas of the globe-Africa, Canada, Sweden and Australia. Mary has received her Masters Degree in International Relations, as well accomplished a second Masters Degree in International Social Development. She has always aspired to work for the United Nations like her parents, who themselves were UN diplomats for many years. Mary also has worked with refugees in Australia for several NGOs. While Mary was pursing her studies in International Relations, she also enrolled in a modeling course. Her modeling career began in 1996 after she successfully completed a course in screen acting. Mary has been featured in fashion magazines such as 'CAT' and 'S' where she has advertised Salvatore Ferragamo and Gucci sunglasses, Chanel and Jan Logan jewelry and footwear with Sergio Rossi. Mary has also appeared onscreen with commercials for Telstra Communications, Hewlett Packard Bell, and various sports advertisements. She has been an extra for film productions, such as Lost Souls (with 'Wynona Ryder'), Down and Under, and the SciFi network TV series, Farscape (1999). Mary's most popular role to date is Jedi Master Luminara Unduli in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002). Mary currently lives in Australia, where she still continues to model and purse her acting career.
- Producer
- Writer
Julia Pistor has over twenty years of leadership experience in family entertainment as both a Content Producer and Senior Executive with proven success across disciples and a background that spans feature film, TV, streaming, branded content, and consumer products. A nimble leader, she combines management ability with creative expertise to develop and produce compelling stories and IP in animation and live action, shape and execute strategy, and build collaborative partnerships. Julia is continually inspired by the ever-evolving ways we tell and share stories.
As a film producer and executive with the Nickelodeon branded feature film division, Julia identified and produced over fifteen highly successful animated and live-action franchise feature films including The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, The Rugrats films, Nacho Libre, Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events, Charlotte's Web, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, Good Burger, and Harriet the Spy.
In 2015 Julia joined the flagship Barbie brand, acting as its Chief Content Officer. She played a key role in transforming the $1.5B+ brand into a contemporary, inspirational and highly profitable platform for girls and women including developing and executing a new 360 content strategy that made Barbie the first-ever animated YouTube influencer (driving over 10MM subscribers), a top ranked animated series for Netflix, Dreamhouse Adventures, the brand's first pre-school franchise extension, Dreamtopia, an award winning Hulu documentary, Tiny Shoulders. She also set-up the record breaking live action feature film, Barbie.
Julia runs her own production and consulting company. Clients have included will.i.am, HiT Entertainment, Overbrook, Great Wolf Lodge and Cartoon Network where she produced the Emmy and Annie award winning movie Firebreather with Peter Chung. She has recently produced The Magician's Elephant feature film for Netflix Animation Studios.
Raised in the American Foreign Service, Julia was born in Africa, lived in India, but spent most of her childhood in London. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, The Producers Guild of America, Women in Animation, and The Television Academy.- Music Artist
- Actor
- Soundtrack
Roger Whittaker came to renown as a guitarist, singer and songwriter, as well as possibly the best whistler in the business. His music, a mix of folk and pop songs, has sometimes been described as 'middle of the road'. Whittaker was at his peak in the late 1960s and 70s, his record sales eventually totaling nearly 50 million worldwide.
Born to British parents Edward (a grocer) and Vi Whittaker (a teacher) in Nairobi, Roger went to school in Kenya and later underwent two years of national service, seeing action during the infamous Mau Mau uprising. After being demobbed in 1956, he studied medicine in Cape Town for 18 months and briefly worked as a teacher, while sidelining as a singer in local clubs. In 1959, he moved to Britain to study zoology and marine biology at the University of Bangor in Wales, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. In between studies, he wrote several songs, one of which he sent as a demo track to a music producer. This led to recording of his first single 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'. He then had a minor hit with 'Steel Man', the first to feature on British charts.
Whittaker represented Britain as the winning contestant at the 1967 Knokke music festival in Belgium. His own composition of 'Mexican Whistler' and his interpretation of 'If I Were a Rich Man' went to Nr. 3 on European charts. Two years later, Whittaker had his biggest hits yet with his whistled version of 'The Skye Boat Song' (released again in 1986 as a duet with TV entertainer Des O'Connor and becoming a UK top ten) and 'Durham Town' (aka 'The Leavin'). His most popular number in the U.S. was 'The Last Farewell', recorded in 1971. It went on to sell 11 million copies worldwide. Another hit that year was 'New World in the Morning'.
For 25 years, Whittaker went on sellout tours of Europe and North America. He had a particularly strong following in Germany -- a country he toured on several occasions - mainly due to his singing in German (though recording phonetically, as he did not speak the language). He also maintained ties to Africa, promoting wildlife conservation during a 1987 tour with his rendition of 'Save the Rhino'.
In 1989, Whittaker was awarded the prestigious Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. He retired from performing in 2012, settling in France with his wife of 59 years, Natalie O'Brien. He died there on September 13 2023, aged 87.- Hassani Shapi was born on 15 July 1973 in Mombasa, Kenya. He is an actor and director, known for Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999), The World Is Not Enough (1999) and Il maresciallo Rocca (1996).
- Actress
- Additional Crew
- Location Management
Sneh Gupta was born on 12 May 1957 in Kenya. She is an actress, known for If Tomorrow Comes (1986), Doctor Who (1963) and Cricketer (1985).- Mercy Muroki was born on 19 July 1995 in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Born in Eastleigh, Joe grew up in Nairobi and attended primary and secondary school in Kasarani. Thereafter, he studied accounting at Visions Professional Institute (2002 -2006) and found a job in that field at the Aga Khan University Hospital where he worked for four years. Until that point, his life was pretty ordinary. Then, while reminiscing about his high school days, he recalled that he had acted in several plays. Indeed, he had pursued his passion for acting at college, and had even joined a youth group that staged plays at several festivals. At one point, he had even produced a low-budget play together with a few of his friends, and it garnered a lot of interest from people. That was when he decided that he wanted to be an actor and producer. He got serious about it. In 2008, he started attending auditions. He got his first role that same year in a play by a traveling theatre group. This marked his official entry into acting, and his exit from accounting. So far, he has watched only two such plays, one by John Gachuhi ,and the other by Maggie Karanja. The enthusiasm with which he talks betrays his interest in live performances. Eventually, Joe chose to act on television. His first audition landed him his first role. He played a supporting role in the series Guy Center, which gave a much-needed boost to his CV in the TV industry. However, this stroke of luck was not enough to land him another role for the next two years. And this was in spite of his determination, which saw him attend auditions weekend after weekend. Eventually, he got a spot in the second season of Changes. By that time he had started learning how to keep calm during auditions. Pivotal role Finally, in 2013, when Hollywood came hunting for African talent, Joe was more than ready. The creators of The Fifth Estate were looking for two actors who would play pivotal roles in a movie about the Wikileaks movement. The two roles were those of Oscar Kamau King'ara and John Oulu, both human rights activists involved in investigating several civilian murders by the police during the 2008 crackdown on the outlawed Mungiki. Oscar's part went to Peter King while Joe acted as John Oulu. The casting for the film was handled by a Kenyan agency, Blue Sky. He had to travel to Belgium to shoot a scene that was supposed to depict Kibera. What's amazing is that the set in the movie, though shot in Belgium, looks exactly and completely like Kibera. One would not suspect it was done abroad. It would take a lot of convincing for one to believe that it was done by set designers. As for the African cast, Congolese living in Belgium were cast as Kibera residents for the scene. Joe Kinyua and Peter King were the only Kenyans. When Joe auditioned for his role, he knew nothing of the international appeal the film would draw. Many have pointed out that it is a politically-motivated movie. It even led to a bitter exchange between Cumberbatch and the man he portrays in the film
- Julian Assange, with the latter saying that the film intended to
- Claudia Marsani was born in February 1959 in Nairobi, Kenya. She is an actress, known for Conversation Piece (1974), The Probability Factor (1976) and Vai Gorilla (1975).
- Cedric De Souza was born in Nairobi, Kenya and is the son of Tony (ex-Calangute) & Bridget (ex-Navelim) De Souza. He was educated at Westgate-On-Sea, Kent, UK after which he returned to Nairobi where he worked at the Donovan Maule Theatre. In 2006, it he was living in Vancouver, BC, Canada and his parents were living in Toronto, ON, Canada.
Cedric's screen career began as early as 2002 in a made-for-television film. He made recurring appearances on series including Cold Squad (1998), Human Cargo (2004), Earthsea (2004) and Da Vinci's Inquest (1998). Although most of his work has been featured throughout numerous television series, he has appeared in film. His most high profile film appearance was in 2004 when he shared screen time with action star Vin Diesel in the sci-fi fantasy action film The Chronicles of Riddick (2004). In the 2010's he made a recurring appearance on the highly-popular television series Once Upon a Time (2011) as the fairy tale Sultan from the "Aladdin" story. - Camera and Electrical Department
- Additional Crew
- Cinematographer
John Marzano was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He is known for No Time to Die (2021), Wonka (2023) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024).- Director
- Producer
- Cinematographer
Richard Parry started his career as a war cameraman and producer working for the renowned Frontline News Television agency. He covered Yugolslavia, Chechenya, Nagorno Karabach, Iraq, Afghanistan and many other conflicts.
In 2001 he wrote and directed South West Nine: and was nominated for a BAFTA for screenwriting, (Carl Foreman Award). Alongside many documentaries and movies, he continued covering wars for more than twenty-five-years.
He is the director and writer of three feature films including South West Nine, the iconic movie from 2001 about Brixton and the groundbreaking film BASE. BAFTA nominated and BIFFA winner and other awards.- Lucy Wache is a seasoned, multi-faceted and self-driven Kenyan actress, theatre director and poet. Though she only recently made the transition from the corporate world to being a full-time performing artist, she cumulatively has over 15 years' experience as a thespian. Lucy is both an on-stage and on-screen actress; her love for theatre being evident in most of her works. She's also fluent in both English and Kiswahili. Excellence, continuous improvement and giving back, are values that Lucy, a born-again Christian, lives by. Her goal is to use her experience, skills, and values to make a positive impact on the entertainment industry and inspire others towards excellence.
TV & Film On screen, Lucy Wache is known for her role as the mean, high-maintenance housewife, Janet, in the local comedy-drama series, 'The Real Househelps of Kawangware'. She's also known as the crazy, overzealous preacher, Wayua, in Wives- a mini-series produced and directed by Hollywood actor, Benjamin Onyango. Lucy has also featured in Country Queen (family drama series), Sue na Jonnie (comedy-drama) and Bold Conversations.
Theatre Lucy Wache made her professional stage debut in the year 2000 (with Heartstrings Kenya), while a student at the University of Nairobi. She has over the years, worked with renowned theatre groups such as Sterling Quality, Phoenix players, Wholesome Entertainment, Chatterbox, TTT productions, and her church's Word 2 Life group. Some of her notable stage plays include Lwanda Rockman, The Money that Made him Poor, City Dads, Noises off, Family Circles, Malaika (Musical), Lwanda (Musical), Shakespeare's Macbeth, Christmas Dreams, Roheo and Juliet and The Eight Cow Saint. Lucy has had the privilege of being directed and trained by among others, the Late James Falkland and Dr. Julisa Rowe (PhD. Ethno-drama). She has also directed plays such as City Dads, Disrupted, Arise (an Easter musical) and Shibli Mfalme (a children's musical)
Poetry Lucy Wache discovered her love for Poetry at the age of 9 when she took part in a poetry recital competition. From that year on, through her primary and high school education, she was able to compete at the national level. Lucy's poetry is inspired by her faith and the prevailing socio-economic issues. She writes both in English and Kiswahili, though her love for Kiswahili is evident in her works; most of which have been featured on national television.
Corporate Engagements and Other Interests Lucy Wache assists firms (including one of the big four) with their staff training, as a professional role-player. Prior to making the switch to become a full-time performing artist, Lucy built a 13-year career in the Logistics industry. Through her experience working with international firms as an Operations Manager, she acquired a wealth of knowledge and transferable skills such as leadership, project management, interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills; which are as critical in theatre and film production. Her other interests include directing school and church productions, singing, dancing, yoga, traveling and Swahili translation.
Training- Bachelor of Arts Degree - University of Nairobi
- Copyright X Certificate- Harvard Law School
- Acting Training: Voice, Text & Movement- by Rachel Kostrna, Oregon
- The Acting Process- by Dr. Julisa Rowe, Daystar University.
- Acting for Screen workshop- by David Morin, Hollywood Director.
- Casting Workshop- by Virginia Clay, Acting for Cinema School.
- Elizabeth Ross was born on 24 January 1924 in Kenya. She was an actress, known for Criminal (2016), EastEnders (1985) and Psychoville (2009). She died on 10 January 2023.
- Dr. Kyalo Mativo rested on June 7, 2021 after a long illness. He used to joke that there were birds singing in the Acacia trees when he was born. His mother was on her way home carrying thatch grass, accompanied by a couple of her co-wives, when she went into labor. She delivered her fourth and last born right there; on the footpath in Ngangani, Kitui, Kenya, on January 3, 1945. She was the youngest of seven wives. The women carried the newborn home, the last of their seventeen children, along with the thatch. They named him Kyalo, which literally means Journey or in this case one born during a journey or on a journey.
Mativo, as he later preferred to be called, attended Kitui High School and Strathmore College in Kenya then graduated Magna Cum Laude at UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater Arts. He went on to receive a Master of Arts Degree in African Area Studies and a PhD in Developmental Journalism also from UCLA.
Mativo lived in Shoshone, CA. with his first wife Susan Sorrells where he helped run a business between his advanced studies at UCLA. Mativo used to say that they raised each other. During this time they traveled extensively in Europe, and Mativo lived and attended language schools in Germany and France. He was fluent in German, French, English and his native Kiswahili and Kikamba languages.
Mativo published many short stories including "On the Market Day" and was chief editor of Ufahamu during his studies at UCLA . He appeared in the movies Roar (1981) and Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985).
Mativo lived in Hanford CA. with his second wife Diana Leoni for over 20 years, where they raised their son Mwongola and step-son Dapo Leoni. He was involved in his sons education and taught him to run at a very early age. They were both well known for their cross country racing. As a family they were active in the AME Zion church in Hanford and were integral part of Black History Presentations. Mativo taught many community classes in Hanford about the African culture. His love of the African culture and desire to share his wisdom led him to write and publish Amenta, a book of African Folktales and riddles, with assistance from Diana.
Mativo taught editorial writing at the University of Nairobi, Kenya Journalism Department in the mid-1980s, Kiswahili at Fresno City College in the 1990s into early 2000s and History, Film and Communications for West Hills College campuses at Lemoore, Coalinga and Firebaugh until he fell ill with Valley Fever in 2008. Mativo became a teacher to affect and influence as many lives as he could and he did. Even in his illness, those who cared for him and those who visited him learned. He had absolutely no patience with racial prejudice of any kind and was outspoken about it.
Mativo was a proud African man, with extensive knowledge and respect for the African Culture, as the basis for many beginnings. He loved to share this knowledge. He will be remembered for his intellect, discipline, wit; his thirst for knowledge and desire to share it, and his love for nature and gardening, most especially, his huge summer maize and cowpea patch. He will be dearly missed.
Mativo is survived by his wife Christine Mativo of 15 years, son Mwongola Leoni Mativo, step- daughter Mwende Hinojosa, Step-son-in-law Mateo Hinojosa, grand daughter Mwali Hinojosa, Sisters Katunge and Mbula, brothers Mwanzia and Munyao,many nieces and nephews, many great nieces and nephews and a few great-grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ngii and Mativo Mbai, siblings Mutisya, Syengo, Nyiva, Kimanthi, Makau, Musili Ndani, Vengi, Katheke and Kasyoka. - Actress
- Additional Crew
Sabra Malkinson was born on 10 December 1970 in Nairobi, Kenya. She is an actress, known for Hot Tamale (2006), Just Sex (2001) and Playground Girls (2001). She has been married to Christopher Goodman since 3 July 2005.- Actor
- Writer
- Director
James Ongige known professionally as Quafff, is a Kenyan rapper, actor, filmmaker and sound engineer.
Quafff was born on September 4, 2003, in Nairobi, Kenya to Gladys Moraa, a business woman and Willy Ongige, a musician. He grew up in Kangemi, Nairobi and was raised Catholic. He attended New Kihumbuini Primary School and Nduru Boys' High School in Kisii, Kenya.
He began his music career as 'Rapking' with his debut single 'Outta 23' in 2019 before changing his stage name to Quafff in 2021.- Camera and Electrical Department
- Cinematographer
- Actor
Simon King was born on 27 December 1962 in Nairobi, Kenya. He is a cinematographer and actor, known for The Blue Planet (2001), Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) and Predators (2000). He is married to Marguerite Smits van Oyen. They have one child.