Henry Cele was a South African actor and footballer who rose to fame for his portrayal of the Zulu king Shaka in the 1986 miniseries Shaka Zulu. He also appeared in several other films and television shows, such as The Ghost and the Darkness, Rage to Kill, and Shaka Zulu: The Citadel. However, his life and career were not without challenges and controversies. He died in 2007 at the age of 58, after suffering from a chest infection. How did Henry Cele cause of death happen? What were the circumstances that led to his demise? This article will explore the rise and fall of Henry Cele, and how he died an angry and violent man.
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Early Life and Football Career
Henry Cele was born on June 20, 1949, in KwaMashu, a township near Durban. He was raised by his grandmother, and had to leave school at the age of 16 due to financial problems. He turned to sports, and became a goalkeeper for Aces United in the South African Soccer League in the 1960s. He was nicknamed “Black Cat” for his agility and reflexes. He also played for Lamontville Golden Arrows and Durity Football Club. He retired from football in 1978, and started coaching and managing players.
Acting Career and Shaka Zulu Fame
In 1981, Cele was approached to audition for the role of Shaka, the legendary Zulu warrior king who fought against the British empire in the 19th century, in a stage production that ran for a year. He impressed the director Bill Faure, who later cast him for the same role in the television miniseries Shaka Zulu in 1986. The miniseries was a huge success, both locally and internationally, and made Cele a star. He received praise for his powerful and charismatic performance, and became synonymous with the character of Shaka.
Cele went on to act in other films and television shows, such as Rage to Kill (1988), Freedom Fighters (1988), Curse III: Blood Sacrifice (1990), The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), and Shaka Zulu: The Citadel (2001). He also reprised his role as Shaka in a statue at Camden Market in London, which was based on his facial features.
Personal Life and Controversies
Cele married Jenny Hollander, a white woman from England, in 1997. They did not have any children together, but Cele had four children from a previous marriage. Their interracial marriage caused some controversy in South Africa, especially among the Zulu community, who saw Cele as a traitor to his culture and heritage. Cele also faced criticism for his lifestyle choices, such as drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes, which were considered un-Zulu-like.
Cele also had a violent temper, which often landed him in trouble with the law. He was arrested several times for assault, domestic violence, public disorder, and drunk driving. He once attacked a journalist who tried to interview him at his home. He also had a feud with another actor, Mbongeni Ngema, who accused him of stealing his idea for a musical about Shaka.
Death and Legacy
Cele fell ill in October 2007, complaining of chest pain. He was admitted to St Augustine’s Hospital in Durban, where he was diagnosed with a chest infection. He stayed in the hospital for two weeks, but his condition did not improve. He died on December 2, 2007, at the age of 58.
According to sources at the hospital, Cele died an angry and violent man. He was tied to his bed and drugged because of his aggressive behaviour. He shouted and used vulgar language, and even kicked a nurse who tried to help him. He was isolated from other patients, who were scared of him.
Cele’s death was mourned by his family, friends, fans, and colleagues in the entertainment industry. His widow described him as a passionate and loving husband, who loved to be around people from his township. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, who paid tribute to his talent and legacy.
Henry Cele cause of death was tragic and unfortunate. He was a talented actor and footballer who brought fame and pride to South Africa. He also faced many challenges and controversies that affected his life and career. He died an angry man who could not find peace or happiness. He will always be remembered as Shaka Zulu, the iconic role that defined him.
