Family backgrounds can shape the stories of many people, including South African celebrities. For some, growing up with absent fathers—particularly in mixed-race families—has played a major role in their lives.

Here are nine South African celebrities who were rejected by their white fathers, often leaving them to navigate life with only one parent and sometimes a lingering sense of loss. Despite these challenges, each of them has achieved success and made their mark in the entertainment industry.

1. Joanne Rea

Known for her roles in Mango Asel and Rhythm City, actress Joanne Rea was raised by her Zulu mother after her white father, Johan Rik, left them when she was a toddler.

Joanne has publicly sought her father’s recognition, even reaching out via the SAC1 Kum platform, hoping to connect with him and her half-siblings. Unfortunately, her father has yet to respond, leaving her without closure and with a lasting sense of separation.

2. Brighton Ngoma

Brighton Ngoma, best known for his role as Quinton on Scandal, grew up without his white father, who abandoned him at the age of five.

His father, a doctor, could have provided support, but he chose not to stay in Brighton’s life. Following his mother’s death when he was 17, Brighton and his brother had to fend for themselves. Though he faced a difficult journey, Brighton’s strength and resilience have led him to great success as a well-respected actor in South Africa.

3. Angela Sithole

Angela Sithole, celebrated for her roles in Rhythm City and Smoke and Mirrors, was raised solely by her mother after her Italian father left when she was just six. Despite her Italian heritage, Angela likely uses her mother’s surname and has remained close to her African roots. Growing up with a single parent, she managed to build a career in acting, appearing in numerous TV dramas and becoming a prominent figure in the industry.

4. Pumeza Rashe

Actress, singer, and model Pumeza Rashe, known for her role in Scandal, also faced rejection from her white German father. He left the family while Pumeza was still a toddler, even denying her as his daughter at birth. Later in life, Pumeza hosted a TV show called Abandoned, which focused on helping people reconnect with estranged family members. In the last episode of the first season, Pumeza reached out to her father, who initially refused to meet her. Eventually, he agreed, allowing her to experience a brief reunion that she shared with her fans on social media.

5. Trevor Noah

Globally recognized comedian and host Trevor Noah grew up with his Xhosa mother and grandmother in Soweto. His white Swiss-German father was supportive but could not be part of Trevor’s daily life due to apartheid laws that prohibited interracial relationships.

While his father did not entirely abandon him, apartheid restrictions kept them apart to prevent potential consequences from the government. Trevor’s mixed-race background has been a recurring theme in his stand-up and writing, particularly in his memoir, Born a Crime.

6. Sarah Langa

Blogger, social media influencer, and academic Sarah Langa was born to a British father and a South African mother in 1993. While she tends to keep details about her family private, her father was reportedly involved in her life until his death in 2016. Though she hasn’t publicly shared much about her upbringing, it appears her relationship with her father was somewhat supportive compared to others on this list.

7. Sho Madjozi

Musician Sho Madjozi, famous for her hit song “John Cena,” is the daughter of a black Tsonga mother and a Swedish father. Her father, an NGO founder, traveled extensively across Africa, which limited their time together. While he was not entirely absent, Sho Madjozi was primarily raised by her mother after her parents’ separation. Despite the complexities of her family dynamic, her father’s influence is present in her music and worldview, as she embraces her multicultural heritage.

8. Miranda Ntshangase

Actress Miranda Ntshangase’s experience with her white father stands out as unique. Her father remained present in her life until his death during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unusual case compared to others who faced abandonment. Miranda’s story is a reminder that not all mixed-race families had distant or absent fathers. Raised primarily by her mother’s family in the Free State, Miranda continued to stay connected with her father throughout her life.

9. Amanda Du-Pont

Actress and television personality Amanda Du-Pont, of French, Italian, Portuguese, and Swazi descent, grew up with a colored father who was partially present in her life. Her father’s ancestry traces back to a white French grandfather, giving her a complex and multicultural background. Unlike others on this list, Amanda’s father remained involved, allowing her to maintain a relationship with him as she pursued her career in South Africa’s entertainment industry.

These celebrities’ experiences highlight a range of family dynamics, from complete absence to partial support and complex cultural connections. While many faced challenging childhoods, often with only one parent present, each has used their unique story as motivation. They have risen to prominence, not only becoming stars in South Africa but also serving as inspirations for overcoming adversity. These experiences remind us of the resilience needed to face difficult beginnings and pursue success despite the odds. Thank you for reading, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories of South African celebrities.