Jannie in demand

Gallery Update Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - When Mossel Bay's Jannie Ras went to Johannesburg two weeks ago for the filming of his small role in the television soapie, 7de Laan, he was told: "There's no way you're leaving after this. We want you for Diepe Waters and The River as well."

So, the scenes were filmed and he will appear on three soapies now, not just one. He is still waiting to hear the broadcast dates.

PHOTO GALLERY: A once-off role in the popular soapie, 7de Laan

And Jannie almost missed his break to appear on 7de Laan.

Actor and talent scout Jacques Gombault gave a workshop in conjunction with ACE Models in Hartenbos and Jannie almost did not go, because he already has much experience in acting, mainly in theatre.

In the end, he attended and it was a video Jacques took of him during the workshop, that secured Jannie the spot on 7de Laan.

Jannie, who spent decades at Creare Training Centre, the Christian creative arts and ministry school in Bloemfontein, has been in many stage productions.

Married

Jannie and his wife, Doretta, have been married for 27 years. They met at Creare.

The owner of a construction company and a surfing school in Mossel Bay, Jannie acts, dances, plays the drums, the base and lead guitar and sings.

He also coaches surfing. Jannie tried modelling in his youth, coming second in a competition in Bloemfontein, which earned him a spot in the Mr South Africa top 10, but aspects of the modelling industry jarred with his faith, so he did not continue.

Opportunity

Fourteen years ago, he was offered the opportunity to audition for 7de Laan, but at that time his father passed away. He had worked in his father's construction business. Work and family commitments did not allow Jannie the time to pursue the 7de Laan opportunity.

Jannie thoroughly enjoyed the experience of acting in the soapies two weeks ago. He said the 7de Laan team was extremely welcoming and friendly. "I thought I would have to fight for my spot, but it was not like that."

He said: "The actors and crew are like a family because they have worked together for so many years. The Diepe Waters and The River teams were also really friendly."

When Jannie and Doretta were assessed by an educationist for their suitability to home school their two children several years ago, the educationist said she had never met anyone like Jannie, who could fit so comfortably in so many environments.

'Comfortable'

Jannie says: "I am comfortable selling insurance, which I did for 10 years, I can spend the whole day out surfing on my own and I love being on stage." His company also builds stage sets and modelling ramps.

Jannie, who grew up in Mossel Bay and attended Park Primary and Point High schools, says he felt like a fish out of water during the decades he lived in Bloemfontein and Meyerton. "When people asked me the time, I would answer 'high tide' or 'low tide' because I always had the tides on my phone."

He brought his family to settle in Mossel Bay in 2017 and now he loves being able to surf whenever he likes.

He plans to continue living in Mossel Bay and travel to Johannesburg, should any more opportunities arise.

Jannie believes the reason he looks younger than his 49 years is that he has never smoked or been drunk.