It’s been almost a year since I last spoke to then newcomer, Jason Willemse – he had just bagged his breakthrough soap role as Cameron Jansen in e.tv’s Scandal.
This time the conversation centred more on his latest role as Riaan Huisman in SABC3’s new Afrikaans drama, Roer Jou Voete. And before Scandal fans get all panicky – he hasn’t left the soap.
Sharing the limelight with some of South Africa’s heavyweights like Ilse Klink (Tamara Van Niekerk), Jose Domingos (Toni Palguiera) and Grethe Fox (Gertruida Pretorius), Willemse shares: “I’m aiming for a Safta for this one. Last year, I was nominated for YOU Spectacular’s Favourite Newcomer award.”
Having worked hard to plant his roots in TV, he says that the past year has been incredible.
“It’s been crazy the way that people recognise me now. When I’m in the Free State, it’s more for my bad guy role in Vlug Na Egipte. Here, it’s for Scandal.”
Roer Jou Voete is the brainchild of Justin Strydom (headwriter) and Joshua Rous, who is also involved in SABC3’s High Rollers. Interestingly, Rous also worked on Scandal and that’s where Willemse crossed paths with him.
The 20-something shares: “I auditioned for the pastor role, but ended up getting the role of a 17-year-old character instead. I’m still getting all these schoolboy roles because I look much younger. I still get asked for my ID sometimes.”
And because Scandal graciously allow their actors to sometimes explore other opportunities, accepting the part was not a problem.
He adds: “Also, Joshua and Scandal have a good relationship so they were accommodating with the schedule.”
The actor reflects: “Both my characters are similar in a way – they are smart people. It seems like I’m attracted to that kind of role.”
Shedding light on his character in the drama series, he says: “Riaan is 17. He is the boyfriend of Janine van Niekerk (Robyn Brophy). He is brought up in a very strict family. His mum died from cancer when he was a baby. His dad promised her he would raise him the best way possible. Then Riaan’s life gets turned upside down by Janine.
“The more I read the character, the more I fell in love with him. It’s a juicy storyline. There is a lot of stuff happening. I have to dig deep – to that teen side of me. It’s a tricky balance between trying to keep it a bit lighter with the heavy drama.”
Oh, he has his Magic Mike moment, too.
He laughs: “This is the first time I take my shirt off for TV. I had some home gyming training with my father-in-law, who is an ex- bodybuilder.”
The actor also reveals that he is most excited to be working alongside Brophy.
“I know Ilse from way back… when I first came to Jozi. Robyn, she was on So You Think You Can Dance, is also new. So we are learning together in this series. And we have a lot of intimate kissing scenes. I hope it comes across well on TV, those are never easy because you have to get comfortable.”
Thankfully, he has a wife who is most understanding of what his job entails.
Willemse shares: “This is some of my best work on screen. It’s a 26-episode series.”
In the meantime, much is brewing for his character in Scandal. Let’s just say the writers are mining for fresh ideas to take Cameron’s relationship with Ingrid to the next level.
He teases: “I hope they give him a pay raise so he can take her out more. I’m still loving Scandal and I’m very grateful for what it is doing for me.”
Roer Jou Voete airs on SABC3 on Wednesdays at 8pm.