Born in Port Elizabeth in South Africa, actor Atandwa Kani is no stranger to show business. He is the son of John Kani, a well-known actor in South Africa. At a young age, he already gained wide exposure to the entertainment industry. After spending time with his father while reading scripts and attending theater performances, he was greatly influenced to follow the footsteps of his father. He has been educated at the University of Witwatersrand, where he studied theater performance. He has also made himself known by actively participating in school productions.
Atandwa Kani also became known for his role in the film The Bet. He continued to develop his acting skills and expanding his range. The Bet was an opportunity for Kani to work with the Nelson Mandela Foundation as well. The encouragement he received from the films and his family has pushed him to make his American television debut. He was cast in 2007 for the role of Tumelo on the CW television series Life is Wild. The situation that his character faces oddly differs from his real life. He plays an African native whose father disapproves of his career choice to become a veterinarian. The dreamer in Atandwa Kani will be tested when he has to play the passionate youth who believes in overcoming obstacles to his goals. He became a regular cast member on the show since its pilot episode, allowing him to work with other seasoned actors like Andrew St. John, Stephanie Niznik, D.W. Moffett, David Butler and Leah Pipes. Though a focused actor, Kani also has other hobbies. He enjoys reading, playing soccer, watching movies and going to clubs. Having a normal side to life is also important for the actor, as he tries to keep himself down-to-earth by regularly chatting with his friends online.
(Photo courtesy of The CW)