Zimbabwean actor Tongayi Chirisa was born on August 8, 1981. After earning his diploma in hotel management, he pursued a career in acting, first appearing in the local radio drama Mopani Junction. He then quickly jumped into theater, playing the lead roles in productions such as Crossroads, Upside Down, The Island and Harry: The Brother from the Older Mother. He got his biggest break, however, in 2003, when he played the role of Detective Trevor Davies in the popular Zimbabwean nightly soap, Studio 263.

Chirisa also has a storied film career. He made his film debut in 2003, in the film Blood Covenant. So far, he has starred in features such as Cousin Brother, Evil in our Midst, Zimbabwe, Ordinary Live and Ace of Hearts. In 2004, his performance in the drama Tanyaradzwa earned him a Best Actor in Film award from the local award-giving body, NAMA. Currently studying at the AFDA in Johannesburg, pursuing a degree in live performance, Chirisa is slated to make his American debut in the NBC series Crusoe, playing Robinson Crusoe’s (Phillip Winchester) companion Friday.