Eric Jansen enjoys the spotlight in the entertainment industry

Most people know him as Koppe from 7de laan or Sam from Binnelanders, but, most importantly, Eric Jansen is Reiger Park’s poster boy for comedy.

He performed around South Africa with many of South Africa’s comedians and was a Comedy Central Roast Battle finalist and 2018 Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards Next Level Comedian of the Year nominee.

Q: Who is the real Eric Jansen?

A: A man of many jokes and much happiness to share. That’s it.

Q: You are a local Reiger Park boy. What makes Reiger Park special, in your opinion?

A: Reiger Park is incredible because some of the most brilliant minds and people are from this place. South African footballer Bernard Parker, one of the highest-ranking judges, resides here, one of SA’s top rising actresses, Altovise Lawrence, an original film-maker Kieven Du Preez and myself, all from the same neck of the woods. Lots of talent from one small area.

Q: You are busy making your mark in the entertainment industry. How did you land up there?

A: I just went for it. Started comedy straight out of high school and never looked back. All about talent plus hard work, timing and luck that landed me where I am.

Q: What is a day in your life like?

A: A day in my life is the same as everyone else’s. Except waking up at 9 a.m., reading notifications like it’s the morning paper, sorting out whatever the day has planned (shoots, voice-overs, castings, etc.) and getting a move on. Somewhere in between is a gym session or writing session with another comedian.

Then at about 7pm is when life starts to make sense for us specifically. We move to the spots like moths to a lamp. Comedy starts at 8pm and depending on where you are on the line-up and what type of show it is, you wait your turn, jump on, do the business and either stick around till the show ends and everyone’s leaving to go do a recon of the nights events with the others or you jump on, and go home straight after. Normal day. Some days get crazier. Shooting ads/series all day, some guys have writing jobs, others have real jobs. The business varies but the nights are a constant.

Q: The highlight of your career so far?

A: Everything people have seen on TV. But mostly Trevor Noah’s NationWild that’s still on Showmax till today.

Q: What is the most challenging part of your career?

A: Not being busy enough. Life needs to be lived to be able to tell the story, so if I’m not busy there’s no new stories.

Q: You deal with a lot people in your career. Who is the most interesting person you worked with so far?

A: Clint Brink on the set of Binnelanders. Grew up watching him on all soapies and he’s genuinely an incredible and brilliant mind who wants us to move forward as a people.

Q: Can you share your best joke with us?

A: Nah. Come to a show. Or check on Showmax. Lol.

Q: You made an appearance as Koppe in 7de laan. Was it challenging for you to play the bad guy?

A: Yes, I’m always smiling and jolly and had to tap into a deeper and darker side of myself to be the bad guy. But learnt how to adapt and be amazing at what I do along the way.

Q: What are you aiming for in this industry?

A: Anything and everything. Whatever I get is what I’m taking and making amazing, no need to limit myself to just one thing.

Q: Your dream role would be?

A: A movie that wins a major award and I’m the lead actor and also selling out a huge auditorium with a one-man comedy show.

Q: Can you tell us five interesting facts about yourself?

A: Well…

• I have the tattoos (at the moment)
• I finished matric with three distinctions and didn’t study anything.
• I can recite the alphabet backwards.
• I couldn’t speak Afrikaans fluently until 2018.
• I’ve never broken a bone or had stitches.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add that you feel is important?

A: Follow me on social media @ericjgjansen, come to comedy shows often and I will be doing my one-man show in Boksburg in 2020.