Meet Kenneth Fok

Kenneth Fok is an actor that has worked his way into roles reaching a mainstream audience worldwide in films such as Safe House and Eye in the Sky. His versatility has led him to performances with Oscar winner Alicia Vikander and Daniel Wu in Tomb Raider to Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey in The Dark Tower releasing in August 2017.

Proudly Chinese SA had the honour of interviewing Kenneth during his busy schedule. Read about why Kenneth is proud to be Chinese and proud to be South African.

Keep making us proud Kenneth!

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Name: Kenneth Fok

Occupation: Actor

1. Where were you born?

I was born in Germiston and moved to Krugersdorp when I was five, a mini great trek from east to west from one exotic location to the next.

2. What schools/colleges/universities did you go to?

Chinese Kuo Ting High School
Matriculated at Glenvista High School
Studied drama at AFDA

3. What is your fondest childhood memory, growing up as a Chinese child?

Having regular family get togethers on our vegetable farm in Krugersdorp. My parents would prepare delicious meals, a favourite being sweet and sour pork which was devoured straight out of the fryer by hungry hovering family members. Inevitably they’d also have freshly picked vegetables to take home free of charge.

4. What is your favourite Chinese food?

Too many favourites but roast pork belly ranks number one…or Hong Kong style wonton noodle soup. Tough one.

5. Where do you live?

Fourways... with all its traffic.

6. What work do you do?

I’m an actor acting in various films and TV series.

7. What do you love about your job?

I love the challenge of getting under a character’s skin and creating an interesting and believable character from the inside out even to the extent of having a physical transformation. I thrive on soaking up the experience working with Oscar and Emmy winners and learning from them. There’s also the opportunity to learn new skills I might not have otherwise done on my own that forces you out of your comfort zone.

8. Who has been the most interesting actor/actress that you have worked with, and why?

Matthew McConaughey has been the most interesting so far. I was keen to observe how an Oscar winner prepares for a scene and it was a different experience to other actors I’ve worked with. Seeing it up close and personal gave me a different perspective in preparing for a performance which will hopefully help improve my craft.

9. What is your proudest achievement?

It has to be working on my first bonafide Hollywood blockbuster where we shot part of the film at the Universal Studios lot in California which went on to become a box office hit. It was a ‘pinch yourself’ moment working on a big budget production with A-list stars that I grew up watching.

10. Why are you proud to be South African?

We have a diverse and colourful cast of characters that are uniquely South African that can’t help but make you smile. Our story is always developing and is filled with drama, suspense and outright comedy at times, thanks to Zuma, but I’m hopeful we’ll have a romantic third act.

11. Why are you proud to be Chinese?

The gathering of family to honour the death anniversary of our ancestors, at the risk of sounding too morbid. But I think it’s more of a celebration to remember the sacrifices and opportunities we’ve been provided by them. There’s a lot of people who are a lot less fortunate than we are and it’s a way to give thanks for the ground work they laid down for us.

12. What advice would you give to the Chinese youth today in South Africa?