Henry Cele

Who was Henry Cele?

Henry Cele was a South African actor famous for his chilling performance as Shaka Zulu in SABC's Shaka Zulu miniseries. Born in Durban, South Africa, he landed the role of Shaka in the miniseries after acting out the same role in a South African stage production of Shaka Zulu.

Henry also had a minor role in The Ghost and the Darkness. After Shaka Zulu, he acted out various minor roles in such action films as Hold my hand, I'm dying and The Last Samurai. He also appeared in major roles in South African movies and television series programmes. He was married to Jennifer "Jenny" Hollander.

Prior to acting in Shaka Zulu, Cele, nicknamed "Black Cat," was a football goalkeeper. He coached a professional soccer club in South Africa until his death.

After his acting career, Cele moved from his suburban home in Glenmore, South of Durban and went back to Kwamashu township.

At the time of his death he had been in hospital for two weeks after being admitted with a chest infection.

His last name is pronounced with a dental click.