Edwin van der Walt is an incredible South African Actor who has featured in films such as Wonderlus, Ballade vir ‘n Enkeling & Hollywood in my huis. We asked him 12 Questions where he shares more about his passion for acting and the beauty & the challenges in the filming industry.
1. What/Who inspired you as a child/teenager to become an actor?
My passion for acting and inspiration for acting came from an early age. I was told, by my parents, that I used to entertain their friends with dance and impersonations. I was inspired by Rowan Aktinson – Mr. Bean. I use to do it over and over when family and friends came to visit.
2. What was the most challenging role you had to play, and why?
Every single role had it’s own unique challenges – emotionally (Ballade vir ‘n Enkeling, Die Pro, Wonderlus) or physically (Die Pro, Jagveld, My Father’s War) or just psychologically (Hollywood In My Huis – that was my first film, I didn’t know if what I’m doing was working but I had to battle that self-doubt and trust my instincts).
3. If you could make an appearance in any movie/series, which one would it be & why?
Any Martin Scorsese film.
4. If you could spend a day with an actor/actress that is inspires you, who would it be & what would you do for the day?
Heath Ledger – go surfing, braai and go out for a drink at his favorite Bar.
5. What part of the filming industry do you find most challenging?
Financial aspect of the film industry. In the beginning it’s all fine and you make it work, but then you realise you need to get medical aid, want to maybe buy a house or a car or eat more healthy – then not knowing, as any freelancers will know, when you’re next role will come, can become a mental challenge.
6. When you feel creatively exhausted, what do you do to get those creative juices flowing again?
I exercise or do things completely unrelated to my current creative output. If I’m in the process of studying a character, and I feel creatively exhausted, I will help my girlfriend with her art or baking bread or cook (cooking has become a Go-To for my mental break and creative reset button) OR I exercise – take a jog or throw around a kettlebell or do a epic session of own bodyweight training. Then I come with new perspective and creative juices seem to be flowing but I will feel it on the day, then decide what my body/mind needs.
7. Are there any other parts of the filming industry that you would love to pursue other than acting?
I would love to direct, but it should be a story that I truly feel I HAVE to tell, not just because I want to direct. If I find that story and feel I don’t have a choice but to direct it, then that might be a challenging adventure to take on.
8. If you could spend another day in the life of one of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?
Great question. Pieter – Wonderlus. I guess, because the film ends right before he needs to make a big decision in his life, as to what will I (or we) do now? And he’s been through so much – I would love to see how his mindset looks like after that wedding and having the conversation with his bride after we leave the two characters in silence. I don’t know, I guess I’m just curious more than anything about what happens next.
9. What do you do to relax after a hard day of working as a creator?
I love to cook. I truly find some “we-time” (cooking with no cellphones, just me and my girlfriend) and having some beautiful conversations or just cook and be with each other in silence. I also enjoy a meditation session to let my body and mind know, “it’s time to switch off buddy” and add an epic reality TV-series episode… That really gets me to switch off.
10. Which South African actress/actor inspires you most ?
Stian Bam and Jacques Bessenger.
11. Any coffee shops/restaurants in your home town that inspires you?
My Uncle has a restaurant called, Olive Bistro, and I’m a massive fan of Pizza’s, and it’s truly not because I am related but their pizzas is NEXT-LEVEL and the vibe gets me to truly relax. Another place that inspires me is Pizza Vesuvio, Bellville. This restaurant is run by an authentic Italian family. You feel it the moment you walk in; warm, unapologetic, smell of pizza and wine and loud voices and laughter… inspirational.
12. Where can readers follow you to keep up?
Instagram: @edwinvdwalt
Blog: https://edwinvdwalt.wixsite.com/tipsthoughtshacks
Thank you for joining us!
Bren
B R E N 