When it comes to celebrities, some of these public figures make sure to lead private lives. However, when it comes to their lineage, these celebrities were not afraid to share that they have South African roots.
Below is a list of five internationally-renowned celebrities who have South African parents.
1. Doja Cat
Known for hits like Kiss Me More, Streets, and most recently, Paint The Town Red, singer Doja Cat’s real name is Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini. If the surname sounds familiar, that’s because she has a famous South African father, Sarafina! actor Dumisani Dlamini.
The two, however, do not have a close, personal relationship. “He’s an incredible dancer and a great actor, But yeah, I don’t know him very well,” said Doja of Dumisani, according to the American weekly magazine, People. The Tia Tamera rapper grew up in Los Angeles and New York in the United States with her mother, Deborah Sawyer while Dumisani stayed in South Africa.
2. Roger Federer
Like the famous world-renowned South African comedian, Trevor Noah, former professional tennis player Roger Federer has a South African mother and a Swiss father. However, unlike Trevor, Roger was not born in South Africa but in Switzerland.
Because of his mother, Lynette Du Rand Federer (who hails from Kempton Park, Gauteng), the Swiss eight-time Wimbledon winner also holds South African citizenship, states the sports media house, EssentiallySports.
3. Lesley-Ann Brandt
Best known for the role of Mazikeen on the television series Lucifer, actress Lesley-Ann Brandt grew up in Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town, and emigrated with her South African parents and brother to New Zealand in 1999, the local publication Briefly previously reported.
“New Zealand, my second home, I love you dearly, but my blood flows green and gold,” said Lesley-Ann on Instagram referring to the World Cup Rugby champions, the Springboks.
4. Sienna Miller
Although Sienna Miller is known to many as an American-British actress, she also has South African roots. Sienna’s mother, Jo Miller, is a South African former model and was reportedly a personal assistant to British singer David Bowie before she moved to London to manage a drama school, reports the UK publication, Daily Mail.
5. Madelaine Petsch
Riverdale fans will be delighted to know that actress Madelaine Grobbelaar Petsch was born to South African parents. The pop culture-focused publication The Thing states that although Madelaine was born in Washington in the United States and grew up “between countries,” she continues to show love to South Africa.
