Mortimer Williams (born 22 April 1974) is a South African actor, singer, dancer, presenter, producer, and entertainer. He is best known for his starring role as Ricci September in the SABC2 drama series Erfsondes. He held a recurring role as Petersen in Skeem Saam. Mortimer also made appearances in popular shows such as 7de Laan, Isidingo, Scandal!, and Soul Buddyz.
Biography: Mortimer Williams 
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Full Name: Mortimer Williams |
Place of Birth: Cape Town, South Africa |
Date of Birth: 22 April 1974 (Age - 52) |
Occupation: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Presenter, Producer, Entertainer |
Known As: Ricci September in Erfsondes drama |
Children: 1 child as of 2026 |
Nationality: South African |
Early Life and Background
Mortimer Williams was born on 22 April 1974 in Cape Town, South Africa. He attended Grassy Park Senior Secondary. Growing up, he had a strong passion for the performing arts. As a result, he began his professional career in the mid-1990s.
He developed a wide range of creative skills. He sings as a tenor and plays the piano. In addition, he writes songs and works in sound recording and production. He also dances, performs mime, and does voice-overs. Furthermore, he directs and presents.
At the same time, he built strong language skills. He speaks English, Afrikaans, and French. Moreover, he performs in various accents, including American, Australian, South African, and European. [1]
Stage Career of Mortimer Williams
Meanwhile, Williams launched his stage career in 1994. He debuted in Poison by David Kramer and Taliep Petersen at the Baxter Theatre. Soon after, the production toured internationally to Malaysia and Singapore. [2]
He then expanded his theatre portfolio. He performed in productions such as Fiddler on the Roof, Grease – The Musical, and Fiela’s Child, where he played Dawid. In addition, he appeared in Evita and Antjie Somers at venues like Artscape Theatre.
In 2000, he took on a lead role in Honk! as Ugly. This performance earned him a Vita Award nomination. Consequently, his reputation in theatre grew.
Furthermore, he worked on major productions by Richard Loring. These include African Footprint, which toured internationally to Atlanta, China, India, and Australia. He also appeared in The Young Ones and That’ll Be The Day – The Legend of Buddy Holly.
Over the years, he continued to secure diverse roles. He performed in Dream Girls and Buddy Holly as Jimmy Early and Richie Valens. He also starred in The Full Monty, Peter Pan, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Additionally, he featured in productions like Chef Rattle & Roll, Songs From The Mediterranean, and Grease – The Stadium Spectacular.
Moreover, he shared stages with international artists such as Marsha Barrett of Boney M and Bon Jovi. At the same time, he participated in corporate events and community workshops. [3]
Television and Film Career of Mortimer Williams
Alongside theatre, Williams built a strong screen presence. He became widely known for his role as Ricci September in the SABC2 drama Erfsondes. He played the character across multiple seasons.
He also took on other notable television roles. In 2010, he portrayed Mannie Rasdien in Rasdien. Later, in 2013, he played Clifton “Cliffy” Adonis in Safe as Hauser’s. This role stood out for its bold and flamboyant characterisation.
In addition, he held a recurring role as Petersen in Skeem Saam which has Hungani Ndlovu and Cedric Fourie as lead actors. He also made appearances in popular shows such as 7de Laan, Isidingo, Scandal!, and Soul Buddyz. Furthermore, he appeared in productions like danZ!, Kompleks, City Ses’la, Die Vlieënde Springbokkie, and The Docket.
On the film side, he expanded his portfolio. He appeared in Barakat (2020) and Everyman’s Taxi (2012). He also featured in The Patrick Dickson Story, where he played Arthur Dickson. [4]
Beyond acting, he worked as a co-producer and businessperson in the entertainment industry. [5]
Other Achievements and Interests
In addition to his performances, Williams earned recognition for his work. He received a Vita Award nomination for Honk!. Later, in 2021, he gained recognition at an international film festival. [6]
He continues to explore his creative passions. He plays piano and focuses on songwriting and production. At the same time, he remains active in corporate entertainment, working with brands like Nedbank and Vodacom.
Moreover, he supports community arts initiatives. Through this work, he contributes to developing talent and promoting the arts. [7]
Public Presence and Legacy
As his career continues, Williams remains active in the entertainment industry. He works with agencies such as i Artist Management. In addition, he connects with audiences through social media (@mortimerwilliams on Instagram).
Overall, he stands out as a versatile performer. He excels in acting, singing, and dancing. As a result, he remains a respected figure in South African musical theatre and television.
References |
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| 1. | CV Mortimer Williams – on 30 June 2023 | I ARTIST MANAGEMENT (iartistmanagement.com) |
| 2. | Mortimer Williams | Stellenbosch University (esat.sun.ac.za) |
| 3. | Mortimer Williams | TVSA (tvsa.co.za) |
| 4. | Mortimer Williams is known for Barakat (2020) | IMDb (imdb.com) |
| 5. | Robert Peterson, Mortimer Williams Was Born 22 April 1974 – By Mr Rutenga Music on 13 July 2025 | Facebook.com |
| 6. | Mortimer Williams wins big at international film festival – By Neo Phashe on 26 Apr 2021 | NorthCliff Melville Times (citizen.co.za) |
| 7. | Theatre Review: The Full Morty – Memento Morty, Or Mirth And The Male Mindn– By Bruce Dannill on 17 Aug 2015 | brucedennill.co.za |