Jaco Muller, watch this space

With the Afrikaans film industry booming, young actors have a chance to get their names out there. Jaco Muller from Struben’s Valley has recently gained fame for his roles in Die Ontwaking, Binnelanders and Modder en Bloed.

Muller said that he was born in the West Rand in Johannesburg and went to Laerskool Roodekrans, Laerskool Florida and Hoerskool Florida. He studied communications and audiovisual production management at the University of Johannesburg. He also has an honours degree in drama and film from Wits.

“As a child I enjoyed playing games where I pretended to be another person or an animal, but only later I learned that it is called drama,” said Muller. He added that if he wasn’t an actor he would still be in the entertainment industry, either doing something with music or behind the cameras. “Anything where I can be creative, is fine by me,” said Muller.

Muller started acting at an early age. His first role was at the age of five. “I was the bear in Die Gemmerkoekmannetjie. It was a room full of chairs for the mothers and fathers of the young actors.” Muller can’t choose one best role as he said that every role has something he wants to do over again. “My most challenging role was Ordinary People as it was so early in my career,” said Muller.

Muller said that his role in Ontwaking was a fantastic experience as this film is so different. Muller played a journalist who got killed in a very gruesome way by a psychopath. Recently Muller landed a role in Binnelanders, a Afrikaans soapie. “Binnelanders is such a good platform for young actors. The entire layout of the series is so good,” said Muller.

For young actors Muller said that one should not try and become famous. “Your focus has to be on wanting to be a good actor. Making money should not overtake the love of the art form,” said Muller.

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