{"id":2436,"date":"2025-07-31T12:09:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T12:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/?p=2436"},"modified":"2025-07-31T13:31:50","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T13:31:50","slug":"lazarus-boora-biography-profile-lists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/lazarus-boora-biography-profile-lists\/","title":{"rendered":"Lazarus Boora Biography, Profile, Lists"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"249\" height=\"192\" src=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Gringo.png\" alt=\"Gringo\" class=\"wp-image-2437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Gringo.png 249w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Gringo-150x116.png 150w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Gringo-50x39.png 50w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Gringo-100x77.png 100w, https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Gringo-200x154.png 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 249px) 100vw, 249px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><br><br>Gringo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lists:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/votters.com\/list-140-the-best-zimbabwean-comedian-of-all-time\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Best Zimbabwean Comedians Of All Time<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Full Name<\/strong>: Lazarus Boora, popularly known as <strong>Gringo<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Born<\/strong>: October 18, 1973 in Rukweza, a village near Rusape, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pindula.co.zw\/Lazarus_Boora?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong>: Attended <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brabys.com\/zw\/nyazura\/schools\/rukweza-primary-school\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.brabys.com\/zw\/nyazura\/schools\/rukweza-primary-school\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rukweza Primary School<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/discover\/glen-view-2-primary-school-in-zimbabwe\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/discover\/glen-view-2-primary-school-in-zimbabwe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Glen View Number Two Primary School<\/a>. Secondary schooling at Tafara High School in Mabvuku. Studied drama at <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.mutareteachers.ac.zw\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"http:\/\/www.mutareteachers.ac.zw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mutare Teachers\u2019 College<\/a><\/strong>, then pursued <strong>theatre and dance at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uz.ac.zw\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.uz.ac.zw\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Zimbabwe<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Acting Career &amp; Rise to Fame<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>His acting journey began in school plays around 1984, where a teacher, Mr. Sangare, recognised his talent. He later joined local drama groups like Yamaguchi and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tamukaproductions\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tamukaproductions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tamuka Theatrical Arts<\/a>, rehearsed at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RepsTheatre\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/RepsTheatre\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reps Theatre in Avondale<\/a> (around 1993), and refined his skills at Screentalent in Harare.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First television appearance came in 1996 with a cameo as a junior policeman in Aaron Chiundura\u2011Moyo\u2019s <strong>\u201cChihwerure\u201d<\/strong> on Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC)<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pindula.co.zw\/Lazarus_Boora?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">.<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In 1997\u201398, he landed the starring role in the TV comedy-drama <strong>\u201cGringo\u201d<\/strong>, based on a cartoon character by Enock Chihombori. He became an overnight sensation across Zimbabwe for his quirky comedic presence and deadpan delivery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signature Productions &amp; Recognition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Headlined the <strong>\u201cGringo\u201d<\/strong> franchise with sequels and spin-offs over the years, including <em><a href=\"https:\/\/nehandatv.com\/2013\/12\/21\/gringo-ndiani-full-drama\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nehandatv.com\/2013\/12\/21\/gringo-ndiani-full-drama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gringo Ndiani<\/a><\/em> (2001), <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xfZqb3iR-iQ\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=xfZqb3iR-iQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gringo Mari Iripi<\/a><\/em> (2003), and the film <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=Gringo+%E2%80%93+Troublemaker&amp;rlz=1C1CHZN_enZA1039ZA1039&amp;oq=Gringo+%E2%80%93+Troublemaker&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRiPAtIBBzUxMWowajSoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:57ce8b13,vid:gn2qNxOnc0o,st:0\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/search?q=Gringo+%E2%80%93+Troublemaker&amp;rlz=1C1CHZN_enZA1039ZA1039&amp;oq=Gringo+%E2%80%93+Troublemaker&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRiPAtIBBzUxMWowajSoAgCwAgA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#fpstate=ive&amp;vld=cid:57ce8b13,vid:gn2qNxOnc0o,st:0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gringo \u2013 Troublemaker<\/a><\/em> (2013).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Won <strong>Best Actor<\/strong> at Zimbabwe\u2019s inaugural <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nacz.co.zw\/national-arts-merit-awards\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nacz.co.zw\/national-arts-merit-awards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Arts Merit Awards<\/a> (NAMA)<\/strong> in 2002, with the <em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/nehandatv.com\/2013\/12\/21\/gringo-ndiani-full-drama\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/nehandatv.com\/2013\/12\/21\/gringo-ndiani-full-drama\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gringo Ndiani<\/a><\/em><\/em> series earning Best TV Drama Series.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Persona &amp; Off-screen Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gringo\u2019s trademark appearance\u2014khaki shorts, black vest, barefoot, and particularly comedic expressions\u2014made him an iconic figure on local television<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Off-screen attempts at income involved working as an undertaker (2004\u20132005) and engaging in marketing, roadshows, and sales. He has noted that sustaining serious professionalism as an undertaker was difficult due to his comedic reputation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Despite his popularity, piracy and limited earnings led him to juggle side jobs to support his family.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Personal Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Spouse<\/strong>: Married to <strong>Netsai Meki<\/strong>; they had five children together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>His legacy is carried on by his son <strong>Taurai \u201cGringo Jnr\u201d Boora<\/strong>, who produced a continuation titled <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eOC09_w6WC4&amp;pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eOC09_w6WC4&amp;pp=0gcJCfwAo7VqN5tD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Return of Gringo<\/a><\/em> on YouTube. Though responses are mixed, Taurai remains committed to sustaining his father\u2019s impact on Zimbabwean entertainment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Health Struggles &amp; Passing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Suffered from serious health complications, including intestine obstruction (tesnel), back pain, hearing issues, and stomach problems. In 2019 he underwent appendix surgery and later struggled with ongoing complications due to financial constraints.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passed away on <strong>November 9, 2020<\/strong> at Westview Hospital in Ruwa (Zimre Park), aged 47, after battling stomach cancer and related complications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some reports cite <strong>November 20, 2020<\/strong> as the date of death (due to varying official records), but most references mark November 9 as the day of his passing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Legacy &amp; Impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gringo\u2019s physical tombstone was unveiled in October 2024 at his hometown in Rukweza, Nyazura\u2014symbolising enduring respect for his contributions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gringo Jnr<\/strong> continues to champion his father\u2019s art, citing lessons in love, unity, and creativity; alongside fellow actors like Blessing Chimhowa (&#8220;Mbudziyadhura&#8221;), Gringo\u2019s colleagues recall his generosity and mentorship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary Table<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Category<\/th><th>Details<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Name \/ Alias<\/strong><\/td><td>Lazarus Boora \/ Gringo<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Born \/ Died<\/strong><\/td><td>October 18, 1973 (Rukweza, Rusape) \u2013 November 9, 2020 (aged 47)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Education<\/strong><\/td><td>Mutare Teachers\u2019 College (Drama); University of Zimbabwe (Theatre &amp; Dance)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Signature Works<\/strong><\/td><td><em>Gringo<\/em> TV series, <em>Gringo Ndiani<\/em>, <em>Gringo Mari Iripi<\/em>, <em>Gringo \u2013 Troublemaker<\/em> film<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Awards<\/strong><\/td><td>NAMA Best Actor (2002); Best TV Drama Series for <em>Gringo Ndiani<\/em><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Persona<\/strong><\/td><td>Barefoot comedian with signature khaki shorts and vest<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Legacy<\/strong><\/td><td>Son continues <em>Gringo<\/em> legacy online; obituary tributes; tombstone unveiled in 2024<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lazarus \u201cGringo\u201d Boora remains one of Zimbabwe\u2019s most cherished comic actors. His ability to connect with audiences through relatable sketches and witty banter cemented his status as a household name. Though his life ended too soon, his work continues to entertain and inspire new generations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lists:Best Zimbabwean Comedians Of All Time Acting Career &amp; Rise to Fame Signature Productions &amp; Recognition Persona &amp; Off-screen Challenges Personal Life Health Struggles &amp; Passing Legacy &amp; Impact Summary Table Category Details Name \/ Alias Lazarus Boora \/ Gringo Born \/ Died October 18, 1973 (Rukweza, Rusape) \u2013 November 9, 2020 (aged 47) Education [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2437,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[171,170],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2436","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zimbabwe-comedians","category-zimbabwe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2436","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2436"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2436\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2471,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2436\/revisions\/2471"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2437"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2436"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2436"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/votters.com\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2436"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}