Steven John Ward

**Steven John Ward: A Biography**

Steven John Ward is a prominent South African actor, celebrated for his portrayal of Dracule Mihawk in the highly anticipated Netflix live-action adaptation of the legendary manga series, One Piece, which has achieved remarkable sales records worldwide.

Ward's foundation in the performing arts was laid at AFDA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Live Performance. His training continued under the guidance of various esteemed local and international coaches. His diverse acting career spans theatre and film, with notable performances in productions such as Barefoot in the Park, The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and The Day We Didn’t Meet, as well as the critically acclaimed SAFTA-winning film, From a House on Willow Street.

He made his television debut in the 2010 Amstel Class Act competition, ranking 7th nationally. Since then, Steven has become a familiar face on screens globally, featuring in local Telenovelas like Legacy and international series such as Strike Back and Syfy's Vagrant Queen. His versatility was further showcased in South Africa's first commissioned Netflix series, Queen Sono, where he played a Russian mafia figure masquerading as a British philanthropist. In 2024, he starred alongside Charlotte Hope in the gripping drama, Catch Me A Killer.

In addition to his on-screen work, Steven is a highly regarded voice-over artist, lending his vocal talents to numerous commercial projects in South Africa. His extensive experience as a Casting Associate and Director for over a decade has equipped him with valuable insights into the casting process, enhancing his own craft as an actor.