Colin Moss

Colin Moss (February 9, 1976 – July 6 2008 ) was a South African TV presenter and celebrity, most famous for presenting the South African incarnation of the popular reality TV show Pop Idol. He also starred in the 2005 South African film "Straight Outta Benoni", created by the Crazy Monkey team. Most recently had Colin co-starred in the comedy Big Fellas in 2007.

Early years

Colin Moss was born a month early on the 9th of February 1976 at Park Lane Clinic in Johannesburg. He graduated from the University of Natal in Durban, majoring in Drama and Music. During his years at university, he starred in many productions, among them Shakespeare's "As You Like It" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream", Bertolt Brecht's "Caucasian Chalk Circle" and Timberlake Wertenbaker's "Our Country’s Good".

As a student, he became a well known personality in improvised comedy shows - Comedy Games, Comedy Clash and Soapfish, appearing in Durban, Johannesburg and Grahamstown. Other memorable early Durban work included children's theatre with Garth Anderson Productions – "The Minerva Children" and "Where the Rainbow Ends". He was also a member of Garth Anderson's Actors' Co-operative and appeared in "The Lunatic, The Lover and The Poet", a salute to Shakespeare.

After a few years of menial labour (including many hot hours dressed in animal costumes), he landed the role of Stuart Buller on the popular South African soap, Isidingo, (the character later died a tragic, painful death allowing him to move to Cape Town). Since then his television engagements have included presenting "City Life", "Fear Factor SA", "Idols 2003", "Top Billing" and "Idols 2005". His film roles have included the role of Roderigo in the South African film version of Othello and minor parts in Red Phone, Citizen Verdict and Charlie. He played the antagonist, Chad, in Crazy Monkey's "Straight out of Benoni" and the title role in "Number 10". Colin is also one of South Africa's headline stand-up comics — he regularly plays comedy clubs around the country and in the UK.

Television

"Isidingo: The Need"

At 21, Colin relocated to Johannesburg, where he worked as an all-night barman for two months before landing the role of Stewart Buller in SABC 3's "Isidingo", in which he fast became every mother's favourite son and the idol of teens. The death of Stewart Buller two years later (at Moss' request), sparked a national outcry. Radio 702 invited him to spend a few hours on radio fielding calls from listeners, in order to prove that he was still very much alive.

"Fear Factor"

A big break for Moss was being selected as the presenter of the South African version of the hit international reality show, "Fear Factor"."I had to be a hard-arsed, unforgiving task master, which showed a completely different side of me," said Moss of his role in this adrenalin-pumping adventure series which challenges contestants to overcome their fears.

"City Life"

Colin was the Cape Town presenter on the popular magazine programme "City Life", a lifestyle series, aimed at showcasing the best on offer in entertainment, leisure, food and eating out.

"Idols"

Moss had, as of 2008, presented or co-presented three seasons (2003,2005 and 2007) of the South African hit reality show "Idols".

Idols 2003 (Season 2)

Colin relocated to Johannesburg for five months when he was offered the job as co-presenter of "Idols 2003" along with Letoya Makhene. In December 2003, Colin accompanied the 2002 winner Heinz Winckler, to London where Winckler participated in the "World Idol" final.

Idols 2005 (Season 3)

Moss presented the 2005 season of "Idols" without the aid of a co-presenter.

Idols 2007 (Season 4)

Moss presented the 2007 season of "Idols" which began on the 19th of August 2007

Top Billing

Moss made regular appearances on the South African lifestyle magazine program "Top Billing" in 2004.

Miscellaneous TV appearances

* "Cave Girl" - TV Series for CBBC
* "Comedy Series 2002" - Two Hats Productions
* "The Stevie Show"

Film

"Straight Outta Benoni"

Moss played a major role in the South African film "Straight Outta Benoni", created by the Crazy Monkey team.

Number 10

Colin appeared in his first title role as a fly-half in the South African rugby drama "Number 10" which was released in 2006 to poor ratings.

Miscellaneous film appearances

* "Berzerker" (2000] )
* "Red Phone" (2001)
* "Othello" (2002)
* "Ultimatum" (2003)
* "Citizen Verdict" (2003)

Big Fellas

Moss co-starred in a South African movie entitled "Big Fellas" which is a comedy about two men in their quest to find a BEE partner. Big Fellas was released on November 23, 2007 at all NuMetro outlets.

tage

Comedy

Moss was a well-known and respected comedian in the South African comedy scene. He had performed locally and abroad in the UK.

Miscellaneous stage appearances

* My Zinc Bed (2005)

Commercials

Colin lived in Cape Town where he kept busy each year during season, shooting South African as well as international commercials. He had starred in excess of thirty international commercials over the past couple of years. Most recently he could be seen in the "Bond" style DSTV commercials.

External links

* [http://www.colinmoss.com ColinMoss.com (official site)]
* [http://entertainment.iafrica.com/movies/no_10/439974.htm Colin Moss Biography on iAfrica.com news site]