Johannesburg-based actress Chanté Holloway is having a moment, starring in Straat and Breekpunt, two star-studded series currently streaming on Showmax.
In Straat, tongue-in-cheek drama about a whistleblower who is in witness protection, Chanté takes on a role of Surien who is a translator by profession but becomes the “moral compass” to her undercover partner. The series follows a whistleblower in witness protection, forced to go into hiding when shady CEOs and businessmen hire a hitman to silence him before he can testify.
For Chanté, taking on the role was all about pushing her boundaries and stepping outside her comfort zone. “I chose this role because it was the first time I would take on the character of a mom, not being a parent myself. I find roles appealing where I feel like I am challenged. Being able to explore that vulnerability onscreen and tapping into the maternal aspects of motherhood like making sacrifices for your children,” she explains.
The rising star also shines in the Showmax Original Breekpunt, a tennis drama about a teenager fighting for the chance to compete on the international tennis stage. Here, she plays Janine, who dreams of becoming a make-up artist, and is also the cousin of the aspiring tennis player.
For Chanté, stepping into Janine’s shoes felt familiar. “I saw a lot of myself in the character — Janine is supportive, advocates for women, and she’s the creative type, like me. I put a lot of thought into the characterisation by paying attention to the smallest details like how she would have her nails done, for example.”
Breekpunt reunites Chelsea Thomas with her Spinners and Arendsvlei co-star Cantona James, who plays a former tennis champion. Also look out for SAFTA winner Lorcia Cooper-Kumalo (Red Ink, Lockdown) and Sherman Faro (Thys Cupido in Arendsvlei) as her parents.
With a Performing Arts diploma from the New York Film Academy under her belt and a growing résumé across film, television, and commercial work, Chanté Holloway is only getting started. She has her eyes set on leaving her mark in the film and entertainment industry while inspiring other young females and the less privileged to go out and make their dreams a reality.
Catch Chanté Holloway in Straat and Breekpunt, now streaming on Showmax—because this rising star is one to watch.
