
Zakes Mokae
ActingAbout Zakes Mokae
Zakes Makgona Mokae (August 5, 1934 – September 11, 2009) was a South African stage and screen actor. For his role in playwright Athol Fugard's "Master Harold"...and the Boys, Mokae won the 1982 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. His major films include Cry Freedom (1987), A Dry White Season (1989), The Island (1980), Vampire in Brooklyn (1995), Outbreak (1995), and Waterworld (1995). He also had memorable guest appearances on many television series such as The X-Files, The West Wing, and Monk.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Zakes Mokae reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 32 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Zakes Mokae's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 19% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Zakes Mokae remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Cry Freedom, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Zakes Mokae Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Zakes Mokae's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Zakes Mokae.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Krippendorf's Tribe | Sulukim | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Vampire in Brooklyn | Dr. Zeko | Flop | Similar → |
| 1995 | Waterworld | Priam | Average | Similar → |
| 1995 | Outbreak | Dr. Benjamin Iwabi | Hit | Similar → |
| 1994 | Rise and Walk: The Dennis Byrd Story | Harding | Flop | Similar → |
| 1994 | In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Slaughter of the Innocents | Library Janitor | Flop | Similar → |
| 1993 | Percy & Thunder | Pee Wee | Flop | Similar → |
| 1992 | Dust Devil | Ben Mukurob | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | Body Parts | Detective Sawchuck | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | The Doctor | Dr. Charles Reed (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1991 | A Rage in Harlem | Big Kathy | Flop | Similar → |
| 1990 | Parker Kane | Kid Lightning | Flop | Similar → |
| 1989 | Dad | Dr. Chad | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Gross Anatomy | Dr. Banumbra | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | A Dry White Season | Stanley Makhaya | Hit | Similar → |
| 1988 | The Serpent and the Rainbow | Dargent Peytraud | Average | Similar → |
| 1987 | Cry Freedom | Father Kani | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | 'Master Harold'... and the Boys | Sam | Hit | Similar → |
| 1983 | A Caribbean Mystery | Cap. Daventry | Average | Similar → |
| 1981 | Roar | Committee | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | The Island | Wescott | Flop | Similar → |
| 1978 | One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story | Pee Wee Spencer | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The River Niger | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer | Mugger (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1970 | Fragment of Fear | (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | Separation | Uncredited | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Comedians | Michel | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Jemima + Johnny | Blind Man | Flop | Similar → |
| 1965 | Darling | Black Man at French Party (uncredited) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Dilemma | Steven Sitole | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Dark Africa | Sergeant (as Zachariah Nokae) | Flop | Similar → |
Zakes Mokae - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Zakes Mokae?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Zakes Mokae is "Cry Freedom" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Zakes Mokae acted in?
Zakes Mokae has been featured in at least 32 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Zakes Mokae?
Other notable films include "The River Niger", "Darling", and "Outbreak".




