Valley-Omar celebrates 80 years

One of South Africa’s most enduring and unsung thespian heroes, Fahruq Ismail Valley-Omar, will celebrate his 80th birthday on 23 May, marking more than five decades in the performing arts, a career filled with memorable stage roles, television appearances and international film credits, yet surprisingly has no major industry award to his name.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

Valley-Omar, a stalwart of South African theatre since the 1970s, has starred in productions ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary political dramas. Despite his prolific body of work, colleagues and fans alike express dismay at his lack of formal recognition. “It’s a shame that someone with such talent and consistency hasn’t be