Famous People Born In Johannesburg

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 1 
Trevor Noah
(Comedian & Host Of The Daily Show)
Trevor Noah
87
Birthdate: February 20, 1984
Sun Sign: Pisces

Trevor Noah is a writer, political commentator, comedian and television host and hosts the American satirical news programme, The Daily Show. He has also hosted several other shows, including the late-night talk show, Tonight with Trevor Noah. He is an actor too. He has written an autobiographical book, Born A Crime, and has received numerous accolades and awards, including the Emmy Award.

 2 
Troye Sivan
(Australian Singer-Songwriter, Actor and YouTuber)
Troye Sivan
92
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 5, 1995
Sun Sign: Gemini
Singer, actor, and YouTuber Troye Sivan is best known for his Golden Globe-nominated song Revelation from the movie Boy Erased. He played the younger Wolverine in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and the titular role in the Spud movie franchise. His YouTube video The Boyfriend Tag won him a Teen Choice Award.
 3 
Dave Matthews
(Lead Vocalist, Songwriter and Guitarist of the 'Dave Matthews Band')
Dave Matthews
14
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 9, 1967
Sun Sign: Capricorn
South African-born American singer Dave Matthews gained fame as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Dave Matthews Band. Known for hits such as So Much to Say, Some Devil, and Gravedigger, he has won two Grammys, one with the band and the other as a solo artist. 
 4 
Sasha Pieterse
(Actress, Singer and Songwriter)
Sasha Pieterse
18
Birthdate: February 17, 1996
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Sasha Pieterse is an actress, songwriter, and singer. She is best known for playing Alison DiLaurentis in the popular mystery thriller TV series, Pretty Little Liars. Also known for her dancing skills, Pieterse took part in the season 25 of Dancing with the Stars where she finished tenth.  In 2019, Pieterse helped build houses by working with Habitat for Humanity.

 5 
Gary Player
(One of the Greatest Golfers of All Time)
Gary Player
10
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 1, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
South African former golfer Gary Player became the only non-American to win the career Grand Slam, at 29. Named to the World Golf Hall of Fame, he has earned more than 160 professional tournaments. He has also written golf books, designed golf courses, and launched The Player Foundation.
 6 
Watkin Tudor Jones
16
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 26, 1974
Sun Sign: Libra

Watkin Tudor Jones, better known as Ninja, is a South African rapper, songwriter, record producer, and director. He is a member of the rap-rave group Die Antwoord. He has been active in the hip hop scene since he was 13 and has played with numerous bands in his career. He is also an occasional actor.

 7 
Kevin Carter
(South African Photojournalist and Member of the ‘Bang-Bang’ Club)
Kevin Carter
27
Birthdate: September 13, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: July 27, 1994

Kevin Carter was a South African photojournalist whose photograph titled the vulture and the little girl, which depicted the 1993 famine in Sudan, earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 1994. Carter committed suicide in 1994 after suffering from depression. A book titled The Bang Bang Club, which was later made into a film, depicts his story.

 8 
Ernie Els
(South African Professional Golfer)
Ernie Els
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 17, 1969
Sun Sign: Libra

Ernie Els is a South African golfer renowned for his fluid golf swing and imposing physical stature, which has earned him the nickname, The Big Easy. A former World No. 1, Els has four major championships under his belt. Ernie Els is only one of six golfers to twice win the Open Championship as well as the U.S. Open.

 9 
Kagiso Rabada
(South African International Cricketer Who Has Taken Hat-Trick In All Three Formats of Cricket)
Kagiso Rabada
11
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 17, 1995
Sun Sign: Aquarius

The first six-time CSA award winner, South African cricketer Kagiso Rabada also became the eighth Proteas bowler to take 200 Test wickets, beating the likes of Allan Donald. He has, however, often been seen breaking ICC rules on the field and was also in trouble once for shouldering Steven Smith.

 10 
Justin Rose
(One of Only Five Golfers to Win Official Tournaments on All Six Continents on Which Golf is Played)
Justin Rose
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 30, 1980
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 11 
Kevin Anderson
(South African Former Professional Tennis Player)
Kevin Anderson
14
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 18, 1986
Sun Sign: Taurus

Kevin Anderson is a South African tennis player who became the fifth-ranked player in the world in 2018. He is the first South African player to be ranked in the top five since 1985 when Kevin Curren was ranked fifth in the world. Anderson has reached two Grand Slam finals; US Open (2017) and Wimbledon (2018).

 12 
F. W. de Klerk
(1st Deputy President of South Africa)
F. W. de Klerk
15
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 18, 1936
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: November 11, 2021
F. W. de Klerk served as the State President of South Africa from 1989 to 1994 and as the Deputy President from 1994 to 1996. He was also the National Party leader from 1989 to 1997. His government helped crush the apartheid system and established universal suffrage. 
 13 
Basil Rathbone
(British Actor Who Portrayed Sherlock Holmes in 14 Hollywood Films)
Basil Rathbone
4
Birthdate: June 13, 1892
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: July 21, 1967

Basil Rathbone was an English actor best remembered for playing private detective Sherlock Holmes in 14 movies made between 1939 and 1946. Renowned for playing morally ambiguous characters, Rathbone won the prestigious Tony Award for his portrayal of Dr. Austin Sloper in The Heiress. Basil Rathbone has been honored with three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 14 
Neill Blomkamp
(Director Known for the Science Fiction Films ‘District 9’, ‘Elysium’ and ‘Chappie')
Neill Blomkamp
7
Birthdate: September 17, 1979
Sun Sign: Virgo

Born in South Africa, Neill Blomkamp later moved to Canada. He began his career as a 3-D and special effects artist and later turned to direction. He is known for his documentary-style filmmaking that uses the cinéma vérité technique. Two of his best-known sci-fi films are District 9 and Elysium.

 15 
Miriam Makeba
15
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 4, 1932
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: November 10, 2008

Miriam Makeba was a South African singer, actress, songwriter, civil rights activist, and United Nations goodwill ambassador. One of the first African musicians to make an impact on the international stage, Makeba is credited with popularizing Afropop genres. She also advocated against apartheid through music and played a major role in the civil rights movement.

 16 
Manfred Mann
(jazz musician, pianist, record producer, composer)
Manfred Mann
3
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 21, 1940
Sun Sign: Libra
 17 
Cariba Heine
(Actress and Dancer Known for Her Role as ‘Rikki Chadwick’ in the TV Show ‘H2O: Just Add Water’)
Cariba Heine
6
Birthdate: October 1, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra

Cariba Heine is an Australian actress and dancer known for playing important roles in TV series like H2O: Just Add Water and Blue Water High. Before establishing herself as an actress, Cariba Heine received training in tap dance, jazz dance, classical ballet, rhythmic gymnastics, and acrobatics. She is also a trained singer.

 18 
Beth Tweddle
(Retired British Artistic Gymnast)
Beth Tweddle
6
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 1, 1985
Sun Sign: Aries

Known as Britain’s most successful gymnast, Beth Tweddle is a 3-time world champion and a 6-time European champion, apart from being an Olympic bronze medalist. Born in South Africa, she moved to England as a toddler and began training in gymnastics ate age 7. She has been named an MBE, too.

 19 
Bryan Habana
(South African Former Professional Rugby Union Player Who Played as an Outside Centre)
Bryan Habana
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 12, 1983
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 20 
Cameron Norrie
(British Professional Tennis Player)
Cameron Norrie
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 23, 1995
Sun Sign: Virgo

Cameron Norrie is a British tennis player. He has won three Challenger singles titles and one ATP Tour title. He reached the third round of the 2021 Wimbledon, becoming one of the three Brits to play at the third round of Wimbledon since the British trio of Danny Sapsford, Greg Rusedski, and Tim Henman in 1999.

 21 
Dean Geyer
(South African-Australian Singer-Songwriter and Actor)
Dean Geyer
7
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 20, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces

Dean Geyer is a South African Australian actor, singer-songwriter, and martial artist. Geyer came into prominence after finishing third in the popular Australian singing competition Australian Idol in 2006. He then released his debut album Rush which peaked at number seven on the ARIA Chart. In 2009, he won the Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Award under the Fave Hottie category.

 22 
Andrew Strauss
(Former Captain of English Cricket Team)
Andrew Strauss
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 2, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 23 
Graeme Smith
(South African Cricket Commentator and Former Cricketer)
Graeme Smith
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 1, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius

South African former cricketer Graeme Smith was once nicknamed Biff for often smashing the leather off the cricket balls. At 22, he was the youngest captain of his national cricket team. He was also known for his legendary opening partnerships with Herschelle Gibbs. Post-retirement, he works as a commentator.

 24 
Gregory Alan Isakov
(Singer-songwriter, Musician)
Gregory Alan Isakov
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 19, 1979
Sun Sign: Libra
 25 
Sid James
(Actor)
Sid James
18
Birthdate: May 8, 1913
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: April 26, 1976

Sid James was an actor best remembered for playing multiple characters in the popular Carry On series. James has been the subject of many tribute shows including BBC's 2013 show The Many Faces of Sid James. In 1998, actor Geoffrey Hutchings played Sid James in a play titled Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle and Dick which was premiered at the National Theatre.

 26 
Mickey Arthur
(South African-Australian Cricket Coach, Commentator and Former Cricketer)
Mickey Arthur
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 17, 1968
Sun Sign: Taurus

South African-Australian former cricketer Mickey Arthur played for Free State, Griqualand West, and South Africa A before starting his coaching career with Griqualand West. He has coached the Pakistani, Australian, and South African national teams and now serves as the head coach of the Sri Lankan national team.

 27 
Kgalema Motlanthe
(Politician)
Kgalema Motlanthe
4
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 19, 1949
Sun Sign: Cancer

Kgalema Motlanthe is a South African politician who played an important role during the struggle against apartheid; he was part of the Umkhonto we Sizwe, an armed wing of the ANC. Between 2008 and 2009, Motlanthe served as the third president of South Africa. He is often seen as an important figure behind the political success of Jacob Zuma.

 28 
Ken Oosterbroek
(Former photojournalist and member of the Bang-Bang Club)
Ken Oosterbroek
4
Birthdate: February 14, 1962
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: April 18, 1994
 29 
William Kentridge
(Film director, Artist, Painter)
William Kentridge
0
Birthdate: April 28, 1955
Sun Sign: Taurus
 30 
Justine Waddell
(Actor, Film actor)
Justine Waddell
1
Birthdate: November 4, 1976
Sun Sign: Scorpio
 31 
Ilana Kloss
(Former South African Professional Tennis Player)
Ilana Kloss
5
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 22, 1956
Sun Sign: Aries

Former professional tennis player, Ilana Kloss is also a tennis coach, and commissioner of World TeamTennis, since 2001. She was the World's No. 1 ranked doubles player in 1976 and World No. 19 in singles in the year 1979. Born in Johannesburg, the Jewish player won the US Open doubles and mixed doubles championship on the 35-and-over tour, in 1999. 

 32 
Zindzi Mandela
(Diplomat)
Zindzi Mandela
9
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: December 23, 1960
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: July 13, 2020

Zindzi Mandela was a South African poet and diplomat best known as the daughter of the famous anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela. From 1996 to 1998, she also served as a temporary First Lady of South Africa. Over the years, she has been portrayed in films and TV films, such as Mrs Mandela (2009), Invictus (2009), and Mandela (1987).

 33 
Kyle Edmund
(British Professional Tennis Player)
Kyle Edmund
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 8, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Today an ace professional tennis player, Kyle Edmund was introduced to the game at the age of ten. He made his breakthrough on the junior circuit at sixteen and debuting at Davis Cup at twenty. A top ranked male British player in 2018-2019, having a career-high singles world ranking of 14, he is currently ranked at 104 because of chronic knee injury.

 34 
Keorapetse Kgositsile
(South African Tswana Poet, Journalist and Political Activist)
Keorapetse Kgositsile
2
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: September 19, 1938
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: January 3, 2018

Keorapetse Kgositsile was a South African Tswana journalist, poet, and political activist. During the 1960s and 1970s, Kgositsile played an important role in the development of the African National Congress. Keorapetse Kgositsile helped bridge the gap between black poetry in the United States of America and African poetry. He was inaugurated as the nation's National Poet Laureate in 2006.

 35 
Steven Pienaar
(South African Former Professional Footballer)
Steven Pienaar
9
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Pisces

Steven Pienaar is a South African former football player who served as the captain of the South African national team. He represented his national team in a couple of World Cups, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup which was hosted by South Africa. He is currently serving as an assistant coach for the Ajax Youth Academy's U-18 team.

 36 
Trevor Rabin
(South African Musician, Guitarist and Former Member of the Progressive Rock Band 'Yes')
Trevor Rabin
2
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 13, 1954
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Trevor Rabin is a South African singer-songwriter, musician, and film composer. Over the years Rabin has been a prolific film composer, winning several Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) film score awards. He was also an important member of the band Yes; he was made an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 as a member of Yes.           

 37 
Craig Johnston
(Australian Former Professional Footballer Who Played as Midfielder)
Craig Johnston
5
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 25, 1960
Sun Sign: Cancer

Craig Johnston is a former football player who played in the English Football League. He is best known for representing Liverpool with which he won five league titles, European Cup, and an FA Cup. Johnston scored 40 goals for Liverpool while appearing in 271 games. Also an innovator, Craig Johnston is credited with designing the prototype for Adidas' Predator boot.

 38 
Gavin Hood
(Actor, Film director, Screenwriter)
Gavin Hood
2
Birthdate: May 12, 1963
Sun Sign: Taurus

Gavin Hood is a South African actor, filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter. Hood garnered international recognition when the crime drama film Tsotsi, which was written and directed by him, won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Gavin Hood has also directed American and British films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Official Secrets, Eye in the Sky, and Ender's Game.

 39 
Charl Schwartzel
(South African Professional Golfer)
Charl Schwartzel
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 31, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo

Charl Schwartzel is a South African golfer who won the 2011 Masters Tournament after birdying the final four holes to win his maiden major championship. The following year, he became the sixth-ranked golfer, his highest world ranking so far. Charl Schwartzel has had several professional wins, including 11 European Tour wins, nine Sunshine Tour wins, and two PGA Tour wins.

 40 
Helen Zille
(Politician, Journalist)
Helen Zille
1
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 9, 1951
Sun Sign: Pisces

Helen Zille is a South African anti-apartheid activist and politician. A former journalist, Zille played a major role in exposing the cover-up surrounding the death of Steve Biko, a fellow anti-apartheid activist. In 2008, she was chosen as World Mayor of the Year.

 41 
Bryce Courtenay
(One of Australia's Best-Selling Authors, Known for His Book ‘The Power of One’)
Bryce Courtenay
3
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 14, 1933
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: November 22, 2012

Bryce Courtenay was a South African-Australian novelist and advertising director. Best remembered for his novel The Power of One, Courtenay remains one of Australia's best-selling writers several years after his death. Bryce Courtenay's relationship with his readers played an important role in his success; he often gave away free books to gain a loyal fan base.

 42 
Jessica Marais
(Australian Actress Best Known for Her Roles in the TV Series 'Packed to the Rafters' and 'Love Child')
Jessica Marais
4
Birthdate: January 29, 1985
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Jessica Marais is an actress whose portrayal of Rachel Rafter in the Australian television program Packed to the Rafters earned her the Logie Award under the Most Popular New Female Talent category in 2009. In the same year, she also won the Graham Kennedy Award for the same role. She has also received awards for her performance in Love Child.

 43 
Greg Joseph
(South African Professional American Football Placekicker)
Greg Joseph
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 4, 1994
Sun Sign: Leo

South African-American footballer Greg Joseph is a well-known placekicker for the NFL team Minnesota Vikings. Born in Johannesburg, he moved with his family to Florida at age 7. He started his professional career with the Miami Dolphins and later also played for the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 44 
Jon Ekerold
(South African Former Professional Motorcycle Racer)
Jon Ekerold
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 8, 1946
Sun Sign: Libra
 45 
Brian Murray
(South African Actor and Theatre Director)
Brian Murray
1
Birthdate: September 10, 1937
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: August 20, 2018

Brian Murray was a South African theatre director and actor. Over the course of his career, which spanned more than five decades, Murray received several awards nominations including three nominations for the prestigious Tony Award. In 1998, he was honored with the Lucille Lortel Award for his contribution to the arts. He also won a couple of Drama Desk Awards.

 46 
Devon Conway
(New Zealand Cricketer)
Devon Conway
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 8, 1991
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 47 
Ivan Glasenberg
(Business executive known as former CEO of Glencore)
Ivan Glasenberg
4
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: January 7, 1957
Sun Sign: Capricorn

While Ivan Glasenberg initially excelled in sports and even went on to become a national race-walking champion for South Africa and Israel, he later earned a business degree and began trading coal in Australia, becoming Australia’s fifth-richest man in 2015. He then took over as the CEO of Glencore and moved to Switzerland.

 48 
Nora En Pure
(DJ)
Nora En Pure
5
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: July 20, 1990
Sun Sign: Cancer

South African-born Daniela Di Lillo, or Nora En Pure, grew up in Switzerland, where she was introduced to music as a child. Now a world-renowned sensation in electronic music, she is known as the Queen of Deep House. The International Dance Music Award winner was previously also part of the Helvetic Nerds.

 49 
Shannon Kook
(South African Actor Known for His Role as 'Zane Park' on the Teen Series 'Degrassi: The Next Generation')
Shannon Kook
5
Birthdate: February 9, 1987
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Shannon Kook-Chun is a South African actor best known for playing important roles in popular television series, such as Degrassi: The Next Generation, Shadowhunters, Carmilla, and The 100. He is also popular for playing Drew Thomas in The Conjuring Universe. Shannon Kook is one of the few South African actors to have gained international recognition.

 50 
Somizi Mhlongo
(Reality Show Judge Seen on Idols South Africa)
Somizi Mhlongo
1
Birthdate: December 23, 1972
Sun Sign: Capricorn