Who is John Kani?

John Kani is a South African actor who has appeared in numerous TV shows, films, and stage productions throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he played the character of T'Chaka, the father of the superhero Black Panther.

Kani was born on November 30, 1943, in New Brighton Township, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He grew up during the apartheid era, and his experiences and observations of the oppressive regime heavily influenced his work as an actor and playwright.

Kani began his career in the 1960s as a member of the Serpent Players, a theater company that aimed to use theater as a tool for social change. He gained international recognition in the 1970s for his role in the play "Sizwe Banzi is Dead," which he co-wrote with Athol Fugard and Winston Ntshona.

In addition to his work on stage, Kani has also appeared in several TV shows and films. He played the character of T'Chaka in both "Captain America: Civil War" and "Black Panther," as well as the voice of Rafiki in the live-action adaptation of "The Lion King."

One of Kani's most memorable commercial performances was in the 2019 television commercial "The Richest Man in the World," where he played the role of the grandfather inspiring his grandson to be one of the greatest legends.

Throughout his career, Kani has spoken out against racism and social injustice and has used his platform as an actor to raise awareness of these issues. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, which is awarded to South African citizens who have made significant contributions to the arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, or sports.