Two TV icons will be celebrated at the kykNET Silwerskerm Awards later this month for their lifetime contributions to the industry.
Hans Strydom, 77, who has appeared as At Koster in Binnelanders since 2005, and Denise Newman, who has played Bridgette Jacobs in Suidooster since 2015, will be honoured on Saturday evening 31 August during the kykNET Silwerskerm Awards in Cape Town.
Hans Strydom
Born 14 May 1947 in Durban, Strydom spent a year in the navy before studying law.
He first became a prosecutor and later a magistrate and even though he became a full-time actor with a highly successful career, his legal background was not lost.
Strydom advocates for the rights of actors and is a founding member of the South African Guild of Actors.
In 1973, filmmaker Elmo de Witt noticed him and offered him the lead role in the feature film Môre-môre.
Many fans will remember him as Dr Stephen Marshall from "The Gods Must Be Crazy II" and Die Mannheim-sage.
“The award came out of the blue,” says Hans. “It is a great honour. Thank you to kykNET and all the fans who have supported me over the years. Without them, such an award would not have been possible.”
Denise Newman
Newman's first professional role on stage was in the early 80's at the Baxter Theatre, by then South Africa already started TV broadcasts but roles for coloured actresses were extremely scarce.
Denise, whose roots lie in Athlone in Cape Town, studied social work but was always drawn back to the stage.
In the 90's more opportunities arose, eventually making her a household name.
With the drama series Onder Engele (1995) and Tussen Duiwels (1996), in which Denise played the role of Bokkietjie September, she became recognised across the country.
She also excelled in films and on stage, from Oliver Hermanus’ award-winning Shirley Adams (2009) and Endless River (2015) to works by Shakespeare, Athol Fugard and Pieter-Dirk Uys.
In her iconic role as Bridgette in Suidooster, she became a beloved face on television screens in living rooms across South Africa.
Denise, who turned 70 earlier this year said she was surprised to hear that she would be honoured.
“I didn’t expect it at all. What an honour. Thank you very much!”
Her longtime friend and colleague Vinette Ebrahim will commend the award.
