Ben Voss

VOSS, Ben (1973- ), comedian, actor and playwright.

Biography

Born in Zimbabwe. Matriculated at Uthongathi School, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1990. Went on to complete an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering and a post-graduate degree in Human Resources at the University of Natal. After a gap year in South East Asia returned to Durban to take up a post as an engineer in the paper industry. Became disillusioned with his engineering career and in January 1997, with no formal training in the performing arts, started a career in acting.

Training

Career

Started a career in performing arts in 1997.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

Set up a production company, Mamba Productions and together with John van de Ruit produced and performed the comedy skit shows Green Mamba and Black Mamba. In Spud - the Movie, Voss plays Mr Lily, Spud's art teacher and rugby coach. In addition to his contributions to the South African comedy circuit, he is also an accomplished actor and script-writer with particular accolades for his performances in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night in 2001 and the title role in Macbeth in 2002.

Best known for his portrayal of the fictional South African business woman, Beauty Ramapelepele - uses the Ramapelepele alter-ego to deliver satirical social commentary on life in post-apartheid South Africa. His shows, Beauty and the B.E.E. and Bend it like Beauty have played in South Africa and abroad. Voss has also shared the stage with Pieter-Dirk Uys's Evita.