John Kani
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John Kani
Connection
BIO
Bonisile John Kani is a South African actor, author, director and playwright. He is known for portraying T'Chaka in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther, Rafiki in the 2019 remake of The Lion King and Colonel Ulenga in the Netflix film Murder Mystery.
Photos
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Hans Zimmer, Chance The Rapper, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Shahadi Wright Joseph, JD McCrary, Director/Producer Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Kani, Alfre Woodard, Keegan-Michael Key, Florence Kasumba, and Eric Andre
Date:
07/10/2019
From: Photo Flash: See Beyonce, Donald Glover, and More on THE LION KING Red Carpet!
Writing
Playwright
Playwright
Author
Author
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Awards and Nominations
Olivier Awards - 1984 - Actor of the Year in a New Play
John KaniMaster Harold And The Boys
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actor - Play
John Kani, Sizwe Banzi Is Dead
Drama Desk Awards - 1975 - Outstanding Actor - Play
John Kani, The Island
winner
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
John Kani, Sizwe Banzi is Dead
winner
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
John Kani, The Island
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Play
John Kani, Sizwe Banzi is Dead
Tony Awards - 1975 - Best Play
John Kani, The Island
Videos
Video: South African Cultural Gospel Choir Performs 'Milele' From MUFASA: THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-12 13:58:58
Video: New Clip of MUFASA: THE LION KING Song by Lin-Manuel Miranda
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-06 17:45:57
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Barry Jenkins Discuss MUFASA: THE LION KING Music
by Josh Sharpe - 2024-12-02 12:51:43
VIDEO: David Tennant and More in Royal Shakespeare Company's #ShareYourShakespeare Campaign
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2020-04-23 03:01:00
VIDEO: THE LION KING Stars Beyonce & Donald Glover Debut 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight?' In New Teaser
by A.A. Cristi - 2019-06-20 22:32:04
VIDEO: Watch the First Teaser Trailer for the Live-Action THE LION KING - Coming in 2019!
by Robert Diamond - 2018-11-22 18:52:19
VIDEO: Who Will Have to Wait to Be King? Saturday Night Live Shares Screen Tests of THE LION KING Hopefuls
by Julie Musbach - 2017-11-12 10:12:06
News
Review: SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD at Crossroads-Riveting and Entertaining
by Marina Kennedy - May 29, 2026
The time is now to see the powerful award-winning play, SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD at the renowned Crossroads Theatre Company (CTC)
by Marina Kennedy - May 29, 2026
The time is now to see the powerful award-winning play, SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD at the renowned Crossroads Theatre Company (CTC)
WAKE, 2021, and More Set For ArtsEmerson 2026/27 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2026
ArtsEmerson announced its 2026/27 season, featuring eight theatrical events from the U.S., Ireland, Canada, and South Africa, including works by Taylor Mac and Tony Award nominee Patrick Page.
by Stephi Wild - May 21, 2026
ArtsEmerson announced its 2026/27 season, featuring eight theatrical events from the U.S., Ireland, Canada, and South Africa, including works by Taylor Mac and Tony Award nominee Patrick Page.
Book Review: WALKING SHADOW LOVE, LOSS AND SHAKESPEARE, By Greg Doran
by Cheryl Markosky - May 15, 2026
While The Winter's Tale's regarded as a play of two halves (set in Sicilia and Bohemia), former Royal Shakespeare Company director Greg Doran's poignant and absorbing Walking Shadow is a book of two halves.
by Cheryl Markosky - May 15, 2026
While The Winter's Tale's regarded as a play of two halves (set in Sicilia and Bohemia), former Royal Shakespeare Company director Greg Doran's poignant and absorbing Walking Shadow is a book of two halves.
BWW Q&A: Ben Beatty Talks MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS at Geffen Playhouse
by Joshua Wright - May 5, 2026
Geffen Playhouse audiences are getting a rare opportunity to experience Athol Fugard's 'MASTER HAROLD'…AND THE BOYS, the deeply personal drama set in a 1950s South African tea shop where a single rainy afternoon exposes the realities of race, power, and betrayal between a white teenager and the two Black waiters who have helped raise him.
by Joshua Wright - May 5, 2026
Geffen Playhouse audiences are getting a rare opportunity to experience Athol Fugard's 'MASTER HAROLD'…AND THE BOYS, the deeply personal drama set in a 1950s South African tea shop where a single rainy afternoon exposes the realities of race, power, and betrayal between a white teenager and the two Black waiters who have helped raise him.
Cast Set For SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD From Crossroads Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
Crossroads Theatre Company will present SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD, directed by Ricardo Khan alongside Tony winner John Kani. Atandwa Kani and Kelcey Watson star in the apartheid-era classic at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 30, 2026
Crossroads Theatre Company will present SIZWE BANZI IS DEAD, directed by Ricardo Khan alongside Tony winner John Kani. Atandwa Kani and Kelcey Watson star in the apartheid-era classic at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center.
Review: MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS at Geffen Playhouse
by Evan Henerson - Apr 21, 2026
The Southland has had its share of memorable Fugard stagings, and the newly-opened revival of “MASTER HAROLD” at the Geffen Playhouse boasts an impressive roster of artists and creatives – onstage and off – who bring this tale vibrantly to life.
by Evan Henerson - Apr 21, 2026
The Southland has had its share of memorable Fugard stagings, and the newly-opened revival of “MASTER HAROLD” at the Geffen Playhouse boasts an impressive roster of artists and creatives – onstage and off – who bring this tale vibrantly to life.
Photos: 'MASTER HAROLD'...AND THE BOYS at Geffen Playhouse
by Gillian Blum - Apr 11, 2026
Check out production photos from 'Master Harold' ...and the Boys, written by Athol Fugard, running at Geffen Playhouse from April 16, 2026 through May 10, 2026.
by Gillian Blum - Apr 11, 2026
Check out production photos from 'Master Harold' ...and the Boys, written by Athol Fugard, running at Geffen Playhouse from April 16, 2026 through May 10, 2026.
Video: What to Expect From MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS at Geffen Playhouse
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2026
Master Harold”…and the Boys begins in the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse. Ahead of the show's first performance, hear from the company about the timeliness of the show, and what audiences can expect to see.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2026
Master Harold”…and the Boys begins in the Gil Cates Theater at Geffen Playhouse. Ahead of the show's first performance, hear from the company about the timeliness of the show, and what audiences can expect to see.
David Strathairn in WAITING FOR GODOT and More Set for Guthrie Theater 26-27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2026
The Guthrie Theater has revealed the nine productions that will make up its 2026–2027 mainstage season. The full lineup includes Samuel Beckett’s seminal play Waiting for Godot, featuring Academy Award nominee David Strathairn and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2026
The Guthrie Theater has revealed the nine productions that will make up its 2026–2027 mainstage season. The full lineup includes Samuel Beckett’s seminal play Waiting for Godot, featuring Academy Award nominee David Strathairn and more.
Full Cast Set For MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS at Geffen Playhouse
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026
Geffen Playhouse has announced the full cast for its upcoming production of MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS, set to open in 2026. Learn more about the production and the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026
Geffen Playhouse has announced the full cast for its upcoming production of MASTER HAROLD...AND THE BOYS, set to open in 2026. Learn more about the production and the cast here!
CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY and More Set for Crossroads Theatre Company 2025/2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025
Crossroads Theatre Company is launching 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 7, 2025
Crossroads Theatre Company is launching 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets here!
CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY and More Set for Crossroads 2025-2026 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025
Crossroads Theatre Company is launching its 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup here and learn how to purchase tickets!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025
Crossroads Theatre Company is launching its 47th season celebrating two new productions of iconic stories from the diaspora, plus more. See the full lineup here and learn how to purchase tickets!
Interview: Writer and Performer Jack Klaff and KAFKA at 59E59 Theaters
by Marina Kennedy - Jun 17, 2025
Kafka is now on stage at 59E59 Theaters running through June 29th. Directed by Colin Watkeys and produced by Twilight Theatre Co., writer and performer Jack Klaff portrays acclaimed author Franz Kafka’s friends, lovers, and critics.
by Marina Kennedy - Jun 17, 2025
Kafka is now on stage at 59E59 Theaters running through June 29th. Directed by Colin Watkeys and produced by Twilight Theatre Co., writer and performer Jack Klaff portrays acclaimed author Franz Kafka’s friends, lovers, and critics.
Cast Set For MATILDA THE MUSICAL Jr at the People's Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2025
The cast of Matilda The Musical Jr, debuting on stage at Peoples Theatre next week, are hard at work in rehearsal, excited to bring this iconic Roald Dahl classic book to life on stage for Joburg audiences for the very first time on their stage.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 3, 2025
The cast of Matilda The Musical Jr, debuting on stage at Peoples Theatre next week, are hard at work in rehearsal, excited to bring this iconic Roald Dahl classic book to life on stage for Joburg audiences for the very first time on their stage.
Royal Court Will Host A London Theatre Celebration of the Life and Work of Athol Fugard
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2025
Join the Royal Court Theatre for a special evening honouring the life and legacy of Athol Fugard (11 June 1932 – 8 March 2025), South Africa’s Lifetime Achievement Tony Award-winning playwright and a towering figure in world theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2025
Join the Royal Court Theatre for a special evening honouring the life and legacy of Athol Fugard (11 June 1932 – 8 March 2025), South Africa’s Lifetime Achievement Tony Award-winning playwright and a towering figure in world theatre.
Carnegie Hall to Release New Live Album By NYO Jazz This Summer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025
Carnegie Hall will present the release of NYO Jazz's first live album and second full-length album, Live in Johannesburg. Learn more about the upcoming album here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025
Carnegie Hall will present the release of NYO Jazz's first live album and second full-length album, Live in Johannesburg. Learn more about the upcoming album here!
MUFASA: THE LION KING Sets Disney+ Streaming Debut
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 11, 2025
Streaming audiences around the world will experience the epic adventure, unforgettable music, and cinematic visuals of Mufasa: The Lion King when the film journeys to Disney+ on March 26.
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 11, 2025
Streaming audiences around the world will experience the epic adventure, unforgettable music, and cinematic visuals of Mufasa: The Lion King when the film journeys to Disney+ on March 26.
Review: KUNENE AND THE KING at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Feb 24, 2025
'Kunene and the King' is a captivating and moving examination of character and society. It also feels particularly timely for American audiences to explore, while helping us all connect a bit better by urging us to truly see each other.
by Rachael F. Goldberg - Feb 24, 2025
'Kunene and the King' is a captivating and moving examination of character and society. It also feels particularly timely for American audiences to explore, while helping us all connect a bit better by urging us to truly see each other.
KUNENE AND THE KING & More Lead Washington, DC's February 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Feb 5, 2025
Washington, DC is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. February 2025 top picks include Kunene and the King, Schmigadoon, & more!
by Team BWW - Feb 5, 2025
Washington, DC is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. February 2025 top picks include Kunene and the King, Schmigadoon, & more!
MUFASA: THE LION KING Digital and Blu-ray Release Date Announced – Exclusive Bonus Content Awaits Fans!
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 3, 2025
Mufasa returns in Disney's 2024 origin story, complete with new Lin-Manuel Miranda songs. Get ready for the digital and physical release packed with exclusive bonus content, including a sing-along and deleted scenes.
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 3, 2025
Mufasa returns in Disney's 2024 origin story, complete with new Lin-Manuel Miranda songs. Get ready for the digital and physical release packed with exclusive bonus content, including a sing-along and deleted scenes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has John Kani been in?
John Kani has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.
How many West End shows has John Kani been in?
John Kani has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has John Kani been nominated for?
Actor of the Year in a New Play (Olivier Awards) for Master Harold And The Boys, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Sizwe Banzi Is Dead , Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Island, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Sizwe Banzi is Dead, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Island, Best Play (Tony Awards) for Sizwe Banzi is Dead and Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Island.
What awards has John Kani won?
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Sizwe Banzi is Dead; Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) nomination for The Lion and the Jewel; Best Male Actor (Dora Mavor Moore Awards) for The Island; and Best Supporting Actor (South African Film and Television Awards) for Nothing But the Truth.
How many shows has John Kani written?
John Kani has written 2 shows including Sizwe Banzi Is Dead (Playwright), The Island (Playwright).
Tickets From $73
Tickets From $89
Tickets From $89
Tickets From $65