Biography
Chris van Niekerk (born October 5, 1951) is a South African actor. He is best known for playing the recurring role Oom Francois on the SABC2 soap opera 7de Laan in 2003.
Early Life
| Chris van Niekerk | |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Chris van Niekerk |
| Born: | October 5, 1951 (age 71 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Education: | Drama |
| Alma mater: | University of Pretoria |
| Occupation: | Actor |
| Known for: | Oom Francois on 7de Laan |
Chris van Niekerk was born on October 5, 1951, in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.
Education
Niekerk studied drama at the University of Pretoria. He graduated with a BA Hons in drama. Designer and director Neels Hansen were among his lecturers.
Career
Chris joined SWAPAC in Windhoek and spent one year with PACOFS in Bloemfontein. Later, he turned to freelancing.
The actor gained prominence for being an original cast member of the Afrikaans TV soap opera Sewende Laan. He joined at the start of television production.
Chris has run a theater restaurant in Kalk Bay and Rosendal in the Free State. He started to manage the Saronsberg Theatre in Tulbagh in 2009. His debut production is Die Ryk Weduwee.
Filmography
Television shows
- 7de Laan as Oom Francois
- Afgrond as Desmond Steyn
- Arendsvlei as Godfrey Martens
- Binnelanders as Inspector Ras
- Die Boekklub as Stef
- Die Boland Moorde as Francois
- Die Byl as Andre Verwey
- Fluiters as Pieter Roos
- Fynskrif as Hans van Wyk
- Lui Maar Op, Belinda as Frans
- Onder die Suiderkruis as Oupa Stevie
- Riemvasmaak as Frank
- Vloeksteen as Japie De Lange
Performances
Chris has contributed to the South African theatre, film, and media industries. He has performed as an actor in many productions on stage and off-stage.
Since the 90s, he appeared in;
- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
- Twaalfde Nag
- Die Kersietuin
- Die Swanesang van Majoor Sommer
- Die Vleiroos
- Die Jogger
- Magspel
- Twaalfde Nag
- My Vrou se Man se Lyk se Tas
Other stage roles;
- Ek
- Anna van Wyk
- Forbidden Fruits
- The Horny House
- Die Huweliksbedrog
- Exit the King
- See How They Run
- Die Skandaal 2
- Die Spook van Donkergat
- A Doll’s House
- Strip!
- A Tale of Two Cities
- Playing with Fire
- Die Laaste Strooi
- Hiert Jou Bliksem!
- Accidental Death of an Anarchist
- Die Tweede Dood van Robey Leibbrandt
- Kwaggapolitiek
Awards
Chris van Niekerk was a nominee for the following awards;
- Vita Award (national) 1997 best-supporting actor, Die Jogger.
- 2011 Fleur du Cap best actor Dinsdae by Morrie
