Helene Truter: a look into the life and career of a celebrated South African actress

Helene Truter: a look into the life and career of a celebrated South African actress

Helene Truter is one of the creative minds behind some of South Africa’s leading local dramas. She is best known for writing scripts for Generations, Hart van Staal, and Bergeertes. Helene has also starred in popular local soapies, including Swartwater, Erfsondes, Home Affairs, and Huis Lelieveld.

Helene Truter in a floral dress, and she smiles for a selfie
Helene Truter in a floral dress (L), and she smiles for a selfie (R). Photo: @Helene Truter (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • Helene Truter is an actress, screenwriter, and director best known for her work in Swartwater, Erfsondes, Home Affairs, and Huis Lelieveld.
  • She is married to Percy Pretorius, and together, they have a daughter named Jana Pretorius.
  • Helene is an alumna of Stellenbosch University.

Profile summary

Full name

Hélène Truter

Gender

Female

Date of birth

13 October

Place of birth

Onrus, Western Cape, South Africa

Current residence

Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa

Nationality

South African

Ethnicity

Afrikaner

Zodiac sign

Libra

Hair colour

Blonde

Eye colour

Green

Marital status

Married

Husband

Percy Pretorius

Children

1

Education

Stellenbosch University

Profession

Actress, screenwriter, and director

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Who is Helene Truter?

Hélène Truter is an actress, screenwriter, and director. She has been in the South African entertainment industry for over 25 years.

How old is Helene Truter?

The actress' birthday is celebrated on 13 October. However, Helene Truter's age is still a mystery since her year of birth is yet to be revealed to the public.

Top 5 facts about Helene Truter
Top 5 facts about Helene Truter. Photo: @Helene Truter (modified by author)
Source: Original

Career

Helene Truter, a graduate of Stellenbosch University, started her film and TV career in the eighties. Her role as Poppie on Vetkoekpaleis, an SABC 2 sitcom from 1998 to 2005 was one of her earliest projects.

In the early 90s, she was a scriptwriter for Egoli – Piek van Goud, where she wrote 300 scripts. She later joined Generations in 1997 as an assistant head writer, and in 2001, she was made the telenovela’s head writer.

What are some of Helene Truter's works?

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Other television shows that the actress has worked on as a head writer and creator include the following:

  • Hart van Staal on kykET and later on M-NET as a co-writer
  • Begeertes on kykET as a headwriter and co-writer
  • Erfsondes as a co-creator
  • Swartwater on SABC 2 as a head writer and creator

Helene Truter has had several roles on South African TV shows. Some of them are listed below.

  • Alies Malan (Season 1) as Mevrou Goosen
  • Amalia (Season 1 and 2) as Tina Wilsenach
  • Die Boekklub (Season 2) as Orpa
  • Die Boland Moorde (Season 2) as Hannah
  • Die Byl (Season 2) as Louise du Preez
  • Die Kasteel (Season 1) as Bettie Viljoen
  • Die Sonkring (Season 1 and 2) as Christine Bruwer
  • Erfsondes (Season 4) as Elna
  • Fynskrif (Season 2 and 3) as Jana
  • Huis Lelieveld (Season 1 and 2) from 2019 to 2020 as Poppie Delport
  • Swartwater (Season 1 to 3) as Meisie van Rensburg
  • Vallei van Sluiers (Season 3 and 4) as a psychologist

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The veteran actress has also starred in several films. Her credits include:

  • Vir Altyd (2016) as Ronel
  • A Paw-Paw for My Darling (2016) as Huiie Holzapfel
  • The Pro (2015) as Elize Nothnagel
  • Klein Karoo (2013) as Hermientjie
  • Running Riot (2006) Celeste Wentzel
  • Vetkoek-Palace (1996) as Poppie Delport
  • Lipstiek Dipstiek (1994) as Poppie
  • Who Laughs Last (1986) as Hester Bentley
Helene Truter working behind the camera and she smiles in a floral outfit
Helene Truter working behind the camera (L), and she smiles in a floral outfit (R). Photo: @Helene Truter
Source: UGC

Helene Truter's nominations

Helene has over 30 years of experience in the South African film and television industry. The actress has been recognised several times for her contribution, and the following are some of the award nominations she has received.

  • SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Achievement in Scriptwriting in a TV Drama (Swartwater in 2015 and Inconceivable in 2021)
  • SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama (Home Affairs in 2011)
  • SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Comedy (Laugh Out Loud in 2007)
  • SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Achievement in scriptwriting in a TV comedy (Gabriel in 2007)

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Who is Helene Truter's husband?

The veteran actress is married to Percy Pretorius, a South African actor and script editor. The two have a daughter named Jana Pretorius, a graduate of the Stellebosch Academy of Photography and Design.

Helene Truter's family owns the Helene Truter shop in Hermanus called Amulet.

Does Helene Truter have social media?

Helene Truter does not have verified social media accounts, but he is quite active on her Facebook account. Fans can catch her latest life and career updates from the platform.

Trivia

  • Helene Truter is an animal lover.
  • She enjoys travelling with her daughter.
  • The seasoned actress is young at heart, and her Facebook bio reads "18 till I die".
  • Helene Truter is a business-oriented person who sells cute tops on social media.
  • She is fluent in English and Afrikaans.

Helene Truter has made an iconic contribution to film and television that has promoted the growth of South Africa’s entertainment industry. Through her and other actors, the Mzansi culture has been preserved and celebrated not only locally but across the world.

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Beyond her budding music career, she actively advocates against gender-based violence. Mawhoo began singing at eleven years old but had to finish school before pursuing her passion professionally.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
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Alice Wabwile (Lifestyle writer) Alice Wabwile is a multifaceted content creator and Project Assistant at AfDAN, boasting over four years of experience. Holding a BCom degree from the University of Nairobi School of Business, she has cultivated a dynamic skill set through roles such as her tenure at Strathmore University's Data Science Department, where she contributed significantly to research. Recognized for her exceptional talent, she clinched the Writer of the Year Award. Beyond her professional endeavours, Alice is an engaged member of the Rotaract Club of Kabete. For inquiries, reach out to her at alicenjoro01@gmail.com

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Cyprine Apindi (Lifestyle writer) Cyprine Apindi is a content creator and educator with over six years of experience. She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University. Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course. Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com