Henry Cele}’s portrait

Henry Cele

  • 58 years old
  • Born Jan 30, 1949
  • Died Nov 02, 2007
  • Durban, South Africa
This page is to remember Henry Cele, star of Shaka Zulu and an inspiration to millions
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About

Henry Cele

Actor Henry Cele, famous for his role as Shaka Zulu, died in Durban's St Augustine's Hospital on Nov 2.

The 58-year old actor passed away in the intensive care unit of the hospital, after being admitted more than a week ago with a chest infection.

Cele first became famous as a professional goalkeeper. Known as Henry "Black Cat" Cele, he played for several professional soccer clubs before landing a role in the television series "Shaka Zulu". The series was so popular it was made into a film and Cele became a household name.

He also starred in films such as the 1993 film Point of Impact and the 1990 film The Last Samurai.

Cele's funeral will be held next week in Durban. His wife, Jenny Hollander, was at his bedside when he passed away.

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Memories

Gorgeous

Kayla Turner 2 days ago

Ahh. Henry Cele, such a gorgeous man. Being Jamaican American woman and eager to know my roots, I searched for anything involving Africa's past to enlighten me and then it happened. Instantly i became attached to Mr. Henry Cele. I first saw him in the miniseries Shaka Zulu, ofcourse being born in 1988 i didnt see it when it aired on tv, but i watched the series on youtube...over, and over, and over and over again. Each time, i just thought how passionate he must have been to re-live the life of one of Africas greatest warriors, Shaka Zulu. So much so that when one watches him act, its almost as if you are seeing the real man and real events then and there. Amazement, infatuation and awe are the only words close enough to describe how i felt and continue to feel. Beautiful man with such an amazing built and stature. He will truely be missed by me..when i found out he died though its been since 2007, i felt like part of me evaporated but i know he is resting in a better place and although I never met him, I am greatful to God for creating such an outstanding, extraordinary being. RIP Henry Cele.

Blackness Personified

elle Oct 18, 2009

The history of the true black man was fully embodied in the spirit of Henry Cele in his fantastic portrayal of Shaka Zulu. Rememebered always in high regards.
Laverne K Williams
South Florida

Bayethe

Neo Sep 13, 2009

He played the role of King Shaka as if he were truly him. Watching the movie was in fact, not like watching a film, but watching real life take place, it was as if you were there. He was a brilliant actor. And to this day, this movie remains my favorite of all time. I was sad to learn he died an 'angry man', having to be tied down to his hospital bed towards the end. I assume it was a side effect of his condition. I pray he is at peace, knowing he contributed greatly to the cultural fabric of South Africa.

R.I.P.

One of the great

Tom Aug 31, 2009

For me Henri emboddied the recollections of Shaka Zulu. I can imagine that through his play, he could revive the unity of south africans and so causing a threat to many white (former british colonistst or dutch) men.
I don't know how it's possible to die of a chest infection in 2007. What I do know is that I feel sad still, after nearly two years that we miss him.
Jenny, my thoughts are with you and your children.

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