Dolly Rathebe - Actor Profile

Dolly Rathebe

Acting
Freshness: Jan 22, 2026
11Total Films
6.7 Highest Rated
Born: Apr 2, 1928
Birth Place: Randfontein, South Africa

About Dolly Rathebe

Dolly Rathebe (OIS) (2 April 1928 – 16 September 2004) was a South African musician and actress who performed with the Elite Swingsters jazz band, and in Alf Herbert's African Jazz and Variety Show. Rathebe died on 16 September 2004 from a stroke. Description above from the Wikipedia article Dolly Rathebe, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Dolly Rathebe reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 11 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Dolly Rathebe's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 18% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Dolly Rathebe remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Cry, the Beloved Country, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Dolly Rathebe Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Dolly Rathebe's career based on audience ratings.

★6.7
Cry, the Beloved Country (1995) movie poster
★6.7

Cry, the Beloved Country: A South-African preacher goes to search for his wayward son who has committed a crime in the big city.

Cry, the Beloved Country

1995•Drama
★6.6
Mapantsula (1988) movie poster
★6.6

Mapantsula: A petty gangster inevitably becomes involved in the growing anti-apartheid struggle and is forced to choose between indi

Mapantsula

1988•Crime
★6.4
Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (2002) movie poster
★6.4

Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony: The struggle to eradicate apartheid in South Africa has been chronicled over time, but no one has addressed the vital ro

Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony

2002•Documentary
★6.3
The Day the Mercedes Became a Hat (1993) movie poster
★6.3

The Day the Mercedes Became a Hat: The story is inspired by the assassination of Chris Hani, leader of the South African Communist Party.

The Day the Mercedes Became a Hat

1993•Drama
★6.0
Sophiatown (2003) movie poster
★6.0

Sophiatown: Little Bird's first South African production, SOPHIATOWN has won the award for Best Documentary at the Cape Town World C

Sophiatown

2003

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Dolly Rathebe.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2003 Sophiatown Self Average Similar →
2002 Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony Self Average Similar →
2001 Malunde - Average Similar →
2001 Hijack Stories Mrs. Dilomo Flop Similar →
1995 Cry, the Beloved Country Mrs. Kumalo Hit Similar →
1994 In a Time of Violence: The Line Gogo Flop Similar →
1994 Friends Innocentia Flop Similar →
1993 The Day the Mercedes Became a Hat Gladys Average Similar →
1988 Mapantsula Ma Mobise Hit Similar →
1951 The Pennywhistle Blues Lili Shabulala Flop Similar →
1949 African Jim Judy Flop Similar →

Dolly Rathebe - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Dolly Rathebe?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dolly Rathebe is "Cry, the Beloved Country" with a rating of 6.7/10.

How many movies has Dolly Rathebe acted in?

Dolly Rathebe has been featured in at least 11 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Dolly Rathebe?

Other notable films include "Mapantsula", "Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony", and "The Day the Mercedes Became a Hat".