Mortimer Williams is a South African actor, singer, dancer, presenter, producer, and entertainer best known for his role as Ricci September in the SABC2 drama series Erfsondes. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most accomplished stage and television performers.
His impressive career includes theatre, television dramas, sitcoms, films, musical productions, and international performances.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Mortimer Williams |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 22 April 1974 |
| Age | 52 years old |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Actor, Singer, Dancer, Presenter, Producer |
| Years Active | 1994 – Present |
| Known For | Ricci September in Erfsondes |
| Languages | English, Afrikaans, French |
| Children | 1 Child |
| Home City | Cape Town |
Early Life
Mortimer Williams was born on 22 April 1974 in Cape Town, South Africa.
He grew up in Cape Town and attended Grassy Park Senior Secondary School.
From an early age, he displayed a passion for the performing arts, particularly acting, singing, and dancing. This passion eventually led him into professional theatre and later television.
Theatre Career
Mortimer’s professional stage career began in the mid-1990s.
One of his earliest productions was Poison, a stage production created by renowned South African theatre legends David Kramer and Taliep Petersen.
His theatre career quickly expanded and included appearances in:
- Fiddler on the Roof
- Grease – The Musical
- Fiela’s Child
- Evita
- Grease – The Stadium Spectacular
- Antjie Somers
These productions established him as a versatile stage performer capable of handling both dramatic and musical roles.
International Theatre Success
Mortimer worked extensively with renowned producer Richard Loring in productions such as:
- African Footprint
- The Young Ones
- That’ll Be The Day – The Legend of Buddy Holly
Through African Footprint, he toured internationally in countries including:
- China
- India
- Australia
- United States
His performances helped showcase South African talent on the global stage.
Honk! and Award Recognition
One of Mortimer’s most notable theatre achievements came when he played the lead role in Honk!.
His performance earned him a prestigious Vita Award nomination, further cementing his reputation as a talented performer.
Television Career
Early Television Work
Mortimer’s television career began in 1999 when he appeared as Arthur Dickson in The Patrick Dickson Story.
He later appeared in popular South African productions including:
- 7de Laan
- Isidingo
- Scandal!
- Soul Buddyz
These appearances helped him become a familiar face on South African television.
Erfsondes Breakthrough
Mortimer achieved national recognition through his starring role as Ricci September in the SABC2 drama series Erfsondes.
The role remains one of the defining performances of his television career and introduced him to a wider audience.
His portrayal of Ricci earned praise from viewers and industry professionals alike.
Rasdien
In 2010, Mortimer joined the cast of the SABC2 sitcom Rasdien.
He played Mannie Rasdien, the ambitious brother of Ben Rasdien, portrayed by Joey Rasdien.
The role showcased his comedic abilities and further expanded his acting portfolio.
Safe as Hauser’s
In 2013, Mortimer starred as Clifton “Cliffy” Adonis in the SABC3 sitcom Safe as Hauser’s.
The flamboyant and entertaining character became one of the show’s highlights and demonstrated his range as a performer.
Other Television and Film Roles
Over the years, Mortimer has appeared in several productions including:
| Production | Role |
|---|---|
| danZ! | Suleiman “Solly” Omar |
| Barakat | Zaid |
| Hey Jude | Policeman |
| Everyman’s Taxi | Café Waiter |
| Soul Buddyz | Clinton |
| Safe as Hauser’s | Cliffy Adonis |
| Erfsondes | Ricci September |
| Rasdien | Mannie Rasdien |
Skeem Saam
Mortimer Williams later joined the cast of Skeem Saam in a recurring role as Petersen.
His addition to the show introduced him to a new generation of television viewers and further strengthened his already impressive acting résumé.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Mortimer has received several awards and nominations.
Notable Recognition
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vita Awards | Lead Role in Honk! | Nomination | |
| 2021 | Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema | Best Supporting Actor (Barakat) | Winner |
| 2022 | SAFTA Golden Horn Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |
His performance in Barakat earned international acclaim and one of the biggest awards of his career.
Personal Life
Mortimer Williams is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life.
He is a proud father and has one child.
Outside acting, he remains passionate about music, theatre, mentorship, and entertainment development.
Legacy
Few South African performers have enjoyed the longevity and versatility of Mortimer Williams.
From theatre stages in Cape Town to international productions and television screens across South Africa, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism and artistic excellence.
His career serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors, singers, and performers throughout the country.
Conclusion
Mortimer Williams has built an extraordinary career spanning theatre, television, music, and film. Best known for his role as Ricci September in Erfsondes, he has become one of South Africa’s most respected entertainers. With more than three decades in the industry, numerous award nominations, and an international performance history, Mortimer continues to leave a lasting impact on South African entertainment.