Aubrey Poo is an acclaimed South African actor, singer, dancer and television presenter whose career spans television, film, musical theatre and live performance. A versatile and classically trained performer, he has established himself as one of South Africa’s respected screen and stage talents, with a career extending over two decades.
Aubrey trained in Drama at Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology), specialising in performance, singing and dance. His early career was rooted in theatre, where his talent quickly earned industry recognition. In 2002, he won the FNB Vita Award for Best Performance by a New Actor for his performance in the critically acclaimed Play@Risk.
His theatre career has included major productions such as Annie, Far From the Madding Crowd, Aladdin, Rent, Soweto Story and David Kramer’s acclaimed musical Orpheus in Africa. His portrayal of Orpheus McAdoo in Orpheus in Africa earned him a prestigious Fleur du Cap Theatre Award, further cementing his reputation as an accomplished stage performer.
On television, Aubrey became widely recognised as Pelo Mohale in Muvhango and later as Lefa Letswalo in Scandal!. His extensive television credits also include Isidingo, Isibaya, Jacob’s Cross, Gaz’lam, Zone 14, Usindiso, After 9, Streets of Mangaung and The Estate. He has also worked as a television presenter, hosting programmes including All You Need Is Love and The Right to Win.
One of his standout contemporary roles was the formidable Castro Kamanga in SABC3’s The Estate. The performance earned Aubrey the Royalty Soapie Award for Outstanding Lead Actor. He was subsequently nominated again for Outstanding Lead Actor the following year, demonstrating the sustained critical recognition of his performance.
Career Highlights & Awards
- FNB Vita Award – Best Performance by a New Actor for Play@Risk (2002).
- Fleur du Cap Theatre Award for his portrayal of Orpheus McAdoo in Orpheus in Africa.
- Royalty Soapie Award – Outstanding Lead Actor for his role as Castro Kamanga in The Estate.
- Royalty Soapie Awards – Outstanding Lead Actor nominee for The Estate for a second consecutive year.
- Played leading roles in major stage productions including Rent, Soweto Story, Aladdin and Orpheus in Africa.
- Extensive television career encompassing Muvhango, Scandal!, Isidingo, Isibaya, The Estate, Jacob’s Cross and numerous other productions.
- International performance experience, including travelling to Spain to perform in a musical tribute to Motown.
- Co-wrote and performed the lead role in the Barnyard Theatre production Diamonds and Dust and contributed corporate theatre material for the unveiling of the 2010 FIFA World Cup emblem in Berlin.
With his combination of dramatic acting, musical theatre, singing, dance and presenting experience, Aubrey Poo brings considerable versatility and gravitas to both stage and screen. His commanding presence and extensive live-performance background also make him well suited to corporate events, awards ceremonies, entertainment productions and selected MC engagements.
