Jacques De Silva debuted on 7de Laan on Friday 5 February, in the role of Denzil Jonker, a recent divorcee who moves to Hillside in a quest to put his painful past behind him. Jacque’s first encounter with 7de Laan was at the National Arts Festival, 15 years ago when he met Jacques Blignaut who portrays the role of Vince Meintjies. “He was kind, welcoming and encouraging. I’ve come full circle having had my first scenes on 7de Laan with him” says Jacques.
“I’m really happy to be here. As an actor, we’re always looking to play, to enjoy ourselves and for me that happens when I’m challenged by a character, style or format and 7de Laan is offering me the best kinds of challenges to sink my teeth into”, concludes Jacques.
De Silva’s character, Denzil is confident and assertive, as a businessman should be and Hillsiders quickly pick up on this. However, not many take kindly to it when his good intentions are misunderstood and he scores himself the brunt of his rivals shortly after his arrival. Denzil has an air about him that commands respect, viewers will empathise with the character as it unfolds, he will make friends but as any Hillside resident would attest, fitting in is not as easy as it may seem- especially when there are secrets to be uncovered.
