ON-SCREEN DEBUT. Caspar Lee stars as Garlic in the much anticipated Spud 3: Learning To Fly. Picture: supplied
The South African-raised and London-based internet personality was just one of many kids messing around online, looking for attention.
And attention was what he got, far more than he could ever have imagined. Lee’s main channel has more than 3 million subscribers to date – now a full-time job – and is the 185th most subscribed channel on the website. The channel allowed him to be financially independent at the age of 18.
Grateful for the opportunities he’s had, he says: “I get to do what I love every day. What more could I ask for?”
With his online video success, he is now adding film star to his CV. The YouTube sensation scored his first major role in a feature film, starring as Garlic from Malawi in the third instalment of John van der Ruit’s much-awaited Spud 3: Learning To Fly.
Lee, who was in the country last week for the film’s premiere, says: “I’ve always been a fan of Spud, read all the books and watched all the movies. For me, it is one of those films everybody dreams of being in. Okay, maybe not to the extent of, say, Harry Potter, but I loved it.”
Picture: supplied
Coincidentally, the first film made South African box office history in 2010, exceeding the Harry Potter series.
Growing up in Knysna, Lee was no stranger to the local culture and fitted right in with the crazy eight. Although he has no form of professional training, the youngster has over the years become extremely comfortable in front of the camera.
He acknowledges performing came easy for him, but it also meant giving up full control. While Casper, also known as DiCasper (Director Casper), directs all his videos, he now had to follow the direction of John Barker – which involved a level of trust.
Troye Sivan as Spud and Caspar Lee as Garlic. Picture: supplied.
Troye Sivan as Spud and Caspar Lee as Garlic. Picture: supplied.
Learning from fellow movie star Troye Sivan, who plays Spud in the film, the two have formed an apparently firm friendship. Sivan gives Casper acting tips, while Casper shares video advice with Sivan.
In fact, according to allAfrica.com, Sivan’s subscriber base has jumped from 100 000 to more than 350 000 subscribers in just six months.
“This growth was largely due to adding video blogs to the channel, which features singing, skits and a little bit of crazy.”
Lee has high hopes the role will lead to more big-screen opportunities in the future. He also recently released a video with adult actress Asa Akira.
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