Henry Cele Biography
Henry Cele was an accomplished South African actor famously known for his starring role as Shaka Zulu in the television miniseries of the same name, which aired in 1986. Well known in the football world as “Black Cat Cele”, a top “goalie”, Cele was cast as Shaka Zulu in a stage production based on the life of the founder of the Zulu nation.
This led to his being cast by film producer William C. Faure as Shaka in the classic series Shaka Zulu. Global recognition soon followed and with it came a host of roles in feature films and TV series, both local and international.
Lead roles in television include a convict in Running Free, a killer in Letklaka, a detective in The Tangeant Affair, and a business tycoon in the glossy Zulu series Ifa Lacwanthethwa.
Features included Freedom Fighters for Cannon, Hold my Hand, I’m Dying for Jonomo, The Last Samurai, The Trackers, Lamborene, the film of the stage musical Ipi Tombi, and the Paramount movie The Ghost and The Darkness.
After his acting profession, Henry 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 the hospital for two weeks after being admitted with a chest infection.
Henry Cele Age
Henry was 66 years old at the time of his death, he was born Henry Mbongeni Cele on June 20, 1941, in Durban, South Africa. He celebrated his birthday on June 20, every year and his birth sign is Gemini.
Henry Cele Death
Henry died on December 2, 2007 (aged 66 years) in Durban, South Africa. He died of chest complications at St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban. He is buried at the Stellawood Cemetery in Durban eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Henry Cele Education
In his teen years, Henry was a very good soccer player. Soccer remained his first love throughout his life as a South African actor. He continued to coach a football club till his death. Henry was a famous goalkeeper for the Zulu Royals football club. His educational background is not disclosed.
Henry Cele Family
Henry Cele Parents and Siblings
Henry was born on June 20, 1941, in KwaMashu, Durban, South Africa. As a member of the Cele family, he was referred to by his clan name Ndosi, or Magaye. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Henry’s parents is still unclear. We will update this section once this information is available.
Henry Cele First Wife
Henry was previously married to Tozi Duma with whom he had 4 children. Including a son named Khumbulani Cele. Their marriage had ended in divorce after 6 years of marriage.
Henry Cele Wife
After divorcing Duma Henry married an English woman named Jennifer Hollander. The two never had any children. At the time of his death, Henry had been married to Jennifer for 10 years. The love birds met while Henry was touring Europe and it was love at first sight.
Henry Cele Children
Henry was a proud father of four adorable children from his first marriage with Tozi Duma. He has a son named Khumbulani Cele. Further information concerning Henry’s other children in detail will be updated once available.
Henry Cele Net Worth
Henry’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $10 million dollars (Approx) as of 2021. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income was his career as an Actor. Through his various sources of income, Cele had been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Henry Cele Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Henry.
Henry Cele Wikipedia
- Full Names: Henry Mbongeni Cele.
- Popular As: Henry Cele.
- Gender: Male.
- Occupation / Profession: Actor.
- Nationality: South African.
- Race / Ethnicity: Black.
- Religion: Christian.
- Sexual Orientation: Straight.
Henry Cele Birthday
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini.
- Date of Birth: June 20, 1941.
- Place of Birth: Durban, South Africa.
- Date of Death: December 2, 2007 (aged 66 years).
- Place of Death: Durban, South Africa.
- Birthday: June 20.
Henry Cele Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Pending Update.
- Mother: Pending Update.
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Pending Update.
- Marital Status: Was Married.
- First Wife/Spouse: Tozi Duma.
- Wife/Spouse: Was Married to Jennifer Hollander.
- Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable.
- Children: Four.
Henry Cele Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $1 million and $10 million dollars (Approx) as of 2021.
Henry Cele Soccer
Henry, also known as “Black Cat” for his intrepidity as a goalkeeper, played for Aces United in the old South African Soccer League in the 1960s. He also played for Lamontville Golden Arrows f.c soccer team in Lamontville Township and coached a professional soccer club in South Africa till his death. On Saturdays, he played for Durity Football Club in the Commercial Football League in Durban.
Henry Cele Actor
Henry was a global star, performing in his local South Africa and in the United States of America as well. He was chosen for the part of Shaka in the miniseries after performing the same character in a South African stage production of Shaka Zulu.
Henry was highlighted in the African American Jet Magazine concerning his character in Shaka Zulu–The Mini-Series. He featured in important roles in South African films and TV series programs as well as international cinemas.
Henry Cele Cause of Death
Henry, who has been fighting for his life in the ICU of St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban, died on Friday afternoon. Prior to his death specialists at the hospital had told City Press that Henry, who is notable for his role as Shaka Zulu in the movie Shaka, had been tied to his bed and was always sedated because of his brutal act. He was also kept in an isolated ward away from other patients.
“Everybody including patients was terrified of him as he shouted and used obscene language. A nursing sister nearly got hurt when Henry hit her in the abdomen causing her to fall to the ground,” a source said. The source added that the event happened while the nurse was trying to help him take his medicine.
Henry fell ill complaining of chest pain in October of 2007. He stayed in the hospital for 2 weeks and was diagnosed with a chest infection, Henry died on November 2, 2007, after 2 weeks of being hospitalized.
His wife, Jennifer stated that he had to be held on his bed before his death because he had become very violent. His sister, Ruth reportedly told the press that he was pessimistic because he was broke. Moreover, it seemed like South Africa had forgotten about him in his time of need.
The Memorial
His neighbor reported that he had become very thin and was coughing excessively when he was admitted to the hospital. A memorial service was held for Bheki Cele where it had been clear that his ex-wife.
His current wife did not agree with that. The wife said that the funeral was to be attended by only family members. Henry’s ex-wife Duma and her children insisted that Henry was a peoples person. Subsequently, all his fans and celebrity friends should at the funeral.
Henry Cele Movies and TV Shows
- Bush Shrink (1988), Catambilo
- Blind Justice (1988), Kamisu
- Rage to Kill (1988), Wally Arn
- Mercenary Fighters (1988), Jaunde
- The Last Samurai (1988), General Zohani
- Shaka Zulu (1986-1989), Shaka – TV mini-series, episodes 1-10
- In the Name of Blood (1989), Pheto
- The Tangent Affair (1989), B.J. Rickson
- Schweitzer (1990), Oganga
- The Rutanga Tapes (1990), Samaani
- Killer Instinct (1990), Samaani
- Curse III: Blood Sacrifice (1990), Mletch
- Point of Impact (1990), Titus
- Sweating Bullets (1990), Mosoeu
- Deal of a Lifetime (1990), Mosoeu
- Ipi Tombi (1990), Duke
- The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Mahina
- Shaka Zulu: The Last Great Warrior (2001), Shaka Zulu
Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Cele
Who was Henry Cele?
Henry was an accomplished South African actor famously known for his starring role as Shaka Zulu in the television miniseries of the same name, which aired in 1986. Well known in the football world as “Black Cat Cele”, a top “goalie”.
How old was Henry Cele?
Henry was a South African national born on June 20, 1941, in Durban, South Africa.
Was Henry Cele married?
Henry was previously married to Tozi Duma with whom he had 4 children. Including a son named Khumbulani Cele. Their marriage had ended in divorce after 6 years of marriage. After divorcing Duma Henry married an English woman named Jennifer Hollander. The two never had any children.
How much is Henry Cele worth?
Henry has a net worth of $1 million and $10 million dollars (Approx) as of 2021. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Is Henry Cele dead or alive?
Henry died on December 2, 2007 (aged 66 years) in Durban, South Africa. He died of chest complications at St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban.
Henry Cele Social Media Contacts
- Instagram: Pending Update.
- Twitter: Pending Update.
- Facebook: Pending Update.
- Youtube: Pending Update.
- Tiktok: Pending Update.
- Website: Pending Update.
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Reference:
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