24/06/2024
NΗxau ΗToma, the actor who gained fame in "The Gods Must Be Crazy," was a Namibian bush farmer of the San people. Born in 1943 in the Tsumkwe region of Namibia, he lived a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle. His rise to fame was unexpected and serendipitous. In 1980, director Jamie Uys cast NΗxau as the protagonist, Xi, in the comedy film "The Gods Must Be Crazy." The film humorously depicted the disruption caused by a Coca-Cola bottle in his tribe's life. NΗxau's natural charm and comedic timing resonated with global audiences, making the film a massive international success. Despite his newfound fame, NΗxau remained humble and returned to his traditional lifestyle after the film's success, although he did appear in a few sequels and other films. His life story remains a remarkable tale of an indigenous man's brief but impactful encounter with global cinema.
