Presley Chweneyagae, acclaimed actor of 'Tsotsi,' dies at 40
Briefly

Presley Chweneyagae, who gained fame for his role as Tsotsi in the 2005 Oscar-winning film, died on May 27 at 40 from respiratory complications. Growing up in a South African township, he pursued acting through his mother's encouragement. Chweneyagae starred in various Shakespearean productions before landing the lead role in 'Tsotsi', a film that depicted the harsh realities of life in Johannesburg's Soweto. His intense portrayal of the character Tsotsi, a hardened gang leader, resonated widely, highlighting the struggles and redemption in a violent environment.
"She didn't want me to end up like most of the guys I know, so she took me to this drama institution" - Presley Chweneyagae reflects on his mother's influence.
"The character Tsotsi, played by the charismatic newcomer Presley Chweneyagae, seems to have consumed his share of big-screen shoot-'em-ups" - Manohla Dargis of the New York Times.
Read at The Washington Post
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