How Hans Strydom became a household name in South African television
Hans Strydom is a legend in South African television. He is one of the first people to be on TV from the country. Some of his best works include his roles in the popular serials Generations, Binnelanders, and the The Gods Must Be Crazy II. Explore more about his journey and rise in the entertainment industry.
Source: UGC
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Key takeaways
- Hans Strydom studied law at the university level.
- He worked for the government under the Department of Justice.
- Strydom quit a flourishing career of 12 years to become an actor.
Hans Strydom's profile summary
Full name | Johannes 'Hans' Strydom |
Gender | Male |
Birthdate | 4 May 1947 |
Age | 78 years (as of 2025) |
Zodiac sign | Taurus |
Birth place | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | African |
Alma mater | Potchefstroom University |
Career | Actor, assistant director, writer |
Years active | 1973 – present |
Who is Hans Strydom?
Actor Johannes 'Hans' Strydom was the first person to appear on television in South Africa. While his first "big break" was playing in The Gods Must Be Crazy, some remember him from his radio drama days. For over five decades, he has been a household name in Mzansi and even bagged a few accolades to his name.
What was Strydom's early life like?
The actor has yet to share with the public anything concerning his childhood and family. What's more, there is no information about Hans Strydom's family, including his parents, siblings, and relatives, since he loves to keep his life private.
How old is Hans Strydom?
Hans Strydom is 78 years old (as of 2025). He was born on 14 May 1947 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Source: Original
Educational background
Hans pursued a course in law at Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PU for CHE), which is now called the North-West University (NWU).
Career history
Hans began to work at the Department of Justice in Durban's Magistrate's Court in 1964 after completing law school. He became a public prosecutor in Ladysmith in 1972 and a magistrate at the head office of the Department of Justice between 1972 and 1976.
In 1976, Strydom quit his job to pursue acting. He and David Hall-Green welcomed South Africans on TV in January 1976 during the country's first national broadcasts.
Hans appeared in several popular TV series, including Binnelanders (directed by Tobie Cronje), before making his film debut with Someone Like You in 1976. In 1989, he starred as Dr. Stephen Marshall in the blockbuster comedy film The Gods Must Be Crazy II, which was written, produced, and directed by Jamie Uys.
List of Hans Strydom's TV series
These days, Hans can be seen in the long-running Afrikaans soapie Binnelanders as At Koster. He is the only cast member to be present in every season. The actor has also showcased his prowess in TV series and movies like:
Year | TV series or movie |
1988 | The Emissary |
1989 | The Gods Must Be Crazy II |
1995 | Sleurstroom |
1996 | Hagenheim: Streng Privaat |
1997 | Triptiek II |
1997 | Carpe Diem |
1998 | Die Vierde Kabinet |
1998 | Voete van Goud |
2002 | Arsenaal |
2004 | Plek van die Vleisvreters |
2004 | Platinum |
2005 | Oepse Daisy! |
2009–present | Binnelanders |
In The Gods Must Be Crazy II, Hans played as a pilot, while Lena Farugia was a scientist in a series of comic misadventures when their small ultralight plane went down over the desert. Meanwhile, Marius Weyers played the role of a bumbling scientist, and Pierre Van Pletzen acted as George.
Cindy Swanepoel, Hans Strydom, and Hykie Berg have also acted together in the South African soap opera Binnelanders as Annelize Roux, Dr. At Koster, and Dr. Conrad Bester, respectively.
Meanwhile, the 1982 series Slampampersirkus featured both Sandra Prinsloo and Hans Strydom as part of its cast. Sandra Prinsloo played the role of Joan, the beautiful trapeze artist.
Is Hans Strydom married?
While he may have had several partners in his movies, the public is not quite sure whether he is married or not. There are no public records of anyone claiming to be Hans Strydom's wife or partner.
Where is Hans Strydom's farm?
Hans leads a quiet life on his farm in Krugersdorp, where he keeps sheep and cows for company.
Source: UGC
Who is Hans Strydom, the rugby player?
Johannes Jacobus Strydom was a South African rugby star who played as a lock. He was born on 13 July 1965 and died on 19 November 2023.
The Springboks player earned 21 caps for the team between 1993 and 1997. He represented the Springboks for a total of 21 tests and 10 non-tests.
Who was Hans Strydom?
Aside from Hans Strydom (actor) and Hans Strydom (the late rugby player), other famous South African figures with this name are politician Johannes Gerhardus "Hans" Strijdom (died in 1958) and Hans Strydom (news editor of the Sunday Tribune and Sunday Times who died in 2004. He was the president of the South African Society of Journalists for three years.
Facts about Hans Strydom
- Hans won a case against SABC in 2000 for not properly rewarding actors for rebroadcasts.
- The actor has helped other artists claim the correct fees from the SABC since then.
- He won the ATKV award for the Best Actor in 20017 for his role in Binnelanders.
- Strydom is known for eluding the media, seldom giving interviews.
Hans Strydom will continue to be a legend in South Africa's acting industry. He is respected for having set a pace for other actors when no one thought it would be possible. While a lot about his personal life remains private, his acting achievements continue to be celebrated.
Briefly.co.za shared Wiseman Mncube's biography. The actor is a household name across South Africa, with a career spanning over a decade.
Wiseman is best known for the roles in television serials, such as Gold Diggers, EHostela, Uzalo, and Shaka Ilembe. In 2017, the actor lost his first wife, with whom he shares a daughter named Lwandle, to a shooting incident.
Source: Briefly News
