Born on June 16, 1962, in Pretoria, South Africa, he began his acting career in local theater before transitioning to film and television. He gained international recognition for his role as Imhotep in "The Mummy" (1999) and its sequel "The Mummy Returns" (2001). Known for his versatile performances, he has appeared in various films and TV series, often portraying villains. He became a naturalized U.S. citizen and continues to work in both American and international productions.