Biography

Eugene Khumbanyiwa is a Malawian, South Africa- based stage, television, film and voice actor, popularly known for playing the role of 'Obesandjo' in the 2009 Oscar- nominated sci-fi hit 'District 9.'

Khumbanyiwa was born at Cobbe Barracks Hospital in Zomba, Malawi's former capital. His father is Major Stewart Khumbanyiwa, a retired soldier, and his mother a retired primary school teacher. He moved to South Africa and worked as an IT specialist before pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a professional actor.

He started his acting career in a most humble way possible, as an extra in the 2004 Oscar-nominated 'Hotel Rwanda,' starring Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, playing one of the hotel staff members. After that he worked sporadically, hustling his way in the film industry by appearing in TV commercials and prime-time soaps like 'Generations,' 'Scandal,' and also had a role in South African independently produced hit film Jerusalema (Gangster's Paradise) before landing a role as an underground war-lord in the Peter Jackson-produced and Neill Blomkamp-directed four-times Oscar-nominated sci-fi hit 'District 9.' Upon gaining critical acclaim for his performance in 'District 9,' he appeared in an American TV commercial for a famous security product.

He went on to feature in Hollywood movies like 'Death Race 3,' alongside stars like Danny Trejo and Luke Goss, 'Chappie,' starring Sharlto Copley, Hugh Jackman, Dev Patel and Sigourney Weaver. He teamed up with Sigourney Weaver again playing a lead role in a short film called 'Rakka.' Khumbanyiwa has appeared in three of Hollywood director Neill Blomkamp's films.

Khumbanyiwa has over 25 screen acting credit to his name. He continues to soar in pursuit of his dream of making Africa proud in film industry.

On 9th July, 2016, Khumbanyiwa was awarded an award for the Best Achiever in Entertainment at the Malawi Achievers Awards- South Africa.
- IMDb mini biography by: wazzy