Actor Presley Chweneyage Dies at 40
Johannesburg – South Africa grieves the passing of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyage, known for his role in the film Tsotsi, who has tragically died at the age of 40.
On Tuesday, MLA, a leading artists’ agency, announced his passing, expressing, “It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely loss of one of South Africa’s most gifted and cherished performers, Presley Chweneyage, at the age of 40.”
Chweneyage rose to prominence in 2005 for his pivotal role in Tsotsi, which was awarded the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards.
He was also highly regarded for his portrayal of Cobra in the popular television series The River.
His impressive career spanned theatre, television, and film, featuring notable roles in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) and the acclaimed series The River (2018).
On stage, Presley’s powerful and transformative presence was evident in numerous productions, including:
- Hamlet in Hamlet
- Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar
- Bottom and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
- Orestes in Dikeledi (an adaptation of Electro)
- He also showcased his talent in Relativity, Urban Reality, Jack in The Box, The Grandball, Silent Voice, Kalushi, Cards, Beautiful Things, and many others
“Presley was not only a gifted writer and director, but he also co-authored the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom, published by STE Publishers, and directed the renowned production CELL NO 4,” stated MLA.
“He was a beloved member of the MLA family – beyond a client, he was a friend, a mentor to many, and a symbol of creativity and resilience.
“His commitment to uplifting the next generation of artists will forever be a crucial part of his legacy.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues, and all those who had the fortune to know and love him.
“As we mourn the significant loss of such an extraordinary talent, we also celebrate the joy he brought to the world.”