The young talent Heinrich Wentzel may have once dreamed of a medical career, but once the acting bug bit, he knew exactly where he belonged and we shine a well-deserved spotlight on him as he currently stars in the kykNET drama series Een keer om die son.
In last night’s episode, viewers got to know Heinrich Wentzel as Elijah, a young man who, like Leandri, has to receive dialysis. In the past year, the rising star has been seen in two of kykNET‘s drama series first in Niggies as the young Hans Theron and then in Die Nuusmakers as Daniël Joubert.
He reflects on his role, what sparked his love for storytelling and more.
What made you decide to study drama?
I grew up in a small town in the Western Cape, Bonnievale, and went to Bonnievale High School where drama was not offered as a subject. I did however always participate in the school plays that we performed for the town. Although I really enjoyed it, I never thought it would be realistic to make a career out of it.
But then, during my high school years, I watched good movies and saw productions on the KKNK stage that made me realize that this is what I want to do one day: to create films and theatre and take on a variety of characters – diverse characters that are either completely removed from my reality or that I can relate to. I completed my degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at Stellenbosch University in 2025.
What does Bonnievale mean to you?
Wow, I see it as a massive privilege to have been able to grow up in such a small and close-knit community. I grew up on a farm outside of town, and that was the dream for me. As a child, I could run around the farm and discover something new every day to study or climb on. I could keep myself busy for hours. It may sound silly, but I really think it’s the people who make Bonnievale stand out. It’s a community that can see excitement and beauty in the small things and that can tackle any project together.
Stage or the camera: Do you have a favorite?
Eish, it’s hard. Although theatre is rehearsed to be tempo, emphasis and energy specific, you never know exactly how the performance is going to go. The energy it takes to perform in a play brings so much adrenaline and life to the experience. With film and TV, it feels like you can take different types of risks in the moment, with the director guiding you scene by scene. The intimacy of working in front of the camera brings a different type of focus and excitement to acting. I love both equally.
When it comes to South African actors, who is an inspiration to you?
There are many. I can look at Albert Pretorius‘ work for hours. You believe every word he says, no matter what character he plays, and he makes such interesting and brave choices in his acting, without ever not being 100 percent present. Then also Frank Opperman, Rolanda Marais, Nicole Holm, who was one of my lecturers, Jarrid Geduld and De Klerk Oelofse, to name just a few.
Which international actors’ careers do you follow?
I’d look at the work of Paul Mescal, Woody Harrelson, Ayo Edebiri, Olivia Colman, Harris Dickinson, Frances McDormand and Andrew Scott any day.
How did you prepare for the role of Elijah?
I’m still very new to the industry. So, my preparation process for each occasion looks different. I always start with the full script to see how the character acts and to get a sense of his relationship with other characters. From there, I create a background for the character to know how he will react in different situations.
I also focus in my preparation on what the character’s goal is in each scene. That’s something that Cintaine Schutte and Carel Nel taught me practically. The director of Een keer om die son ,Ivan Botha, had a very specific vision for the series and my character. So, he was able to guide me scene by scene.
Elijah has acute kidney failure, and I had to prepare to deal with his health condition and how he reacts to it. The character has a realistic and slightly cynical outlook on life, but always tries to make others laugh. He hides his hardships with humor, which was also important for me to keep in mind: to balance his frightening reality with humor.
What does your diary look like for the rest of the year?
I’m currently freelancing. So, I can’t say for sure what lies ahead for me yet. There are two student productions from last year that we’re touring with this year. The KKNK is usually one of the highlights of my year, and I’m really looking forward to performing there this year with the children’s production Kaskenades! and the tragicomedy Akrasia . Later in February I’ll be working on a short film. I recently started voice work for dubbing foreign series, and I’m looking forward to doing more of that.
What do you do in your free time?
I cook, with a variety of music blasting through my headphones, until friends call me to go for a walk, go to the beach or watch a movie at the cinema. I actually enjoy any moment I spend with nice people – my family and friends are what make life fun. And camping! I really love camping.
You also have a talent for writing and were honored for it a few times at school. Is there anything on your computer that you hope will become more?
I’ve tried writing, but I can’t call it a talent yet. I’d like to experiment a bit this year and see if I can write, but I usually leave that to those who do have the gift.
You have the budget you need. What production (theatre, TV or film) would you like to be a part of? Who is the director, co-stars and where is it set?
If I can dream now, The White Lotus comes to mind. Maybe another season set on the Mediterranean coast like in season two. I would also give a leg up to star in a Yorgos Lanthimos movie. I will choose my co-actors as soon as I see the script. Starring in a production by Marthinus Basson and Nico Scheepers is also an Afrikaans dream of mine.
Een keer om die son airs Tuesdays at 20:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). Episodes are also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
