Local lad bags role on TV show
Leon Payne who has worked for eThekwini Municipality and the KZN Fashion Council, said mingling with the right people opened doors for him.
Media personality, Leon Payn, is urging young people from the South Coast to use social media as a tool that will open doors for them.
Payn, who is a brand manager said this after bagging a role on the recently released third season of the Real Housewives of Johannesburg.
Born and raised in Harding, Payn said he was approached by legendary actress Sonia Mbele, after she saw the work he does on his social media pages.
Payn said Mbele owns the rights to the Real Housewives of Johannesburg (RHOJ).
RHOJ returned to screens on Friday, May 19 and this season follows six cast members as they navigate their lives and let viewers in on their lavish lifestyles, friendship dynamics, romantic relationships, and everything else in between.
The show also highlights their successes and struggles in their personal lives and the drama which unfolds when they get together.
“Sonia Mbele approached me via my social media and she asked for my contact details and to see me. This was two years ago, and she told me she was presenting a new Real Housewives, saying that there have been a number of applicants, they went through my social media and loved how I presented myself, and would I be interested in being in the show,” said Payn.
He added that viewers do not understand that he was brought in the show to shake the ladies up, saying that it is not who Leon is.
“I don’t want people to think I am this villain or bully because I am not,” he said.
Aside from social media influencing and being on screen, Payn is the brand manager for Angel Smiles Dental in Pretoria.
He said as a celebrity, it is important to have a steady job because knowing that there is a guaranteed salary at the end of the month comes with relief.
“I am not just an influencer. People do not know that I have a 9am to 5pm job. I studied Management, Media, and Communication at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. I like having a full-time job, it keeps you grounded and life is expensive so you have to have something to fall back on,” he said.
Payne who has worked for eThekwini Municipality and the KZN Fashion Council, said mingling with the right people opened doors for him.
“Go to events, network, and be yourself, the right energy will attract you. To the South Coast youth, it is really possible. Just be true to yourself, work hard and persevere,” he said.
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