PALI Alumni and Facilitator Juanita de Villiers is a woman of many talents. Juanita has an incredible resumé as an actress, starring in popular television shows like Pronk Primêr, Binnelanders and Getroud met Rugby. Her film experience includes Knysna, Die Ontwaking, Spoedgrens, Kampterrein and Aantrekkingskrag– to name a few! But Juanita is also an ambitious entrepreneur. In 2021 she teamed up with Christelle Webb-Joubert to start the popular kids platform, LekkerLuister, providing young children with creative stories in Afrikaans. We checked in with Juanita this month for a quick catch-up.
When and why did you decide to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
The decision to pursue a career in the entertainment industry was not a straight forward one. In fact, it’s a story filled with unexpected twists and turns that led me to where I am today. Let me take you back to the beginning. In my matric year, I had the opportunity to travel overseas for dance and modelling. While it was an incredible experience, it came with sacrifices. I missed my biology exam and managed to pass matric with only five subjects. To say it was nerve-racking would be an understatement. Because of this, I didn’t qualify for university admission and decided to study dental assisting instead—a one-year course. After completing the course, my dream was to further my studies in oral hygiene, but I needed better grades in biology and mathematics to qualify. Determined, I started working while redoing those two subjects. For two years,I submitted applications, but each time, I was met with rejection. Finally, my mother advised me to include a second-choice program on my application—anything that could increase my chances of acceptance. To this day, I’m not entirely sure why I chose Drama as my second option, but it turned out to be a pivotal decision. When I was accepted into the drama department, I was both surprised and curious. By the second week of classes, it became clear to me: this is what I was meant to do. The world of performing arts ignited a passion within me that I hadn’t realized existed. Looking back, the journey may have been unconventional, but every step brought me closer to my calling. From missing exams to rediscovering my purpose, it’s been a long and fascinating road—one I wouldn’t change for anything.
What is your favourite memory of your time at PALI? What was your favourite student production?
My time at PALI holds a special place in my heart, not only for the training I received but for the life-changing moments that shaped my journey. Having previously studied drama at university, which focused primarily on theatre, I pursued film at PALI to expand my horizons. The most treasured memory of my time there has to be meeting my incredible husband. He taught me so much about the art of filmmaking, both in front of and behind the camera. Our shared passion for the craft laid the foundation for a beautiful life together, and I’m forever grateful for the two amazing children we have as part of that journey. Another highlight is the path we walked alongside incredible fellow artists like Shareen Swart, Kaz McFadden, and Lara Lourens. Watching PALI grow from strength to strength has been nothing short of inspiring. Starting as students and later becoming facilitators ourselves has been a privilege, and working with talented young people continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. As for my favourite student production? It’s not just one specific project but rather the joy of seeing how far we’ve come as a community. Watching actors who trained at PALI find their footing in the industry fills my heart with pride and happiness. To witness that growth—from students to industry professionals—is a constant reminder of why I love what Ido.
You are a woman of many talents. Why do you think it is important for an artist to have multiple skills?
As someone who juggles multiple roles—from co-producing Lekker Luister to working as a casting director—I firmly believe that having a diverse skill set is essential for artists. Firstly, many of us in the creative field thrive on variety. Without opportunities to explore different artistic avenues, it’s easy to become uninspired or stagnant. By challenging ourselves to learn and grow in various disciplines, we not only keep our creativity alive but also gain a deeper understanding of the industry as a whole. Secondly, the reality of freelancing as an actor is that it’s rarely enough to sustain a living on its own. Learning new skills ensures you can diversify your income streams and manage the cost of living more effectively. These additional abilities—whether it’s casting, producing or even radio work—open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. Finally, versatility adds value to your résumé. Being able to contribute to different areas of the industry makes you more employable and well-rounded as a professional. For example, my recent foray into radio has been an exciting challenge, and I’m incredibly grateful to have discovered yet another way to contribute to the world of entertainment. In this ever-evolving industry, adaptability and a willingness to learn are key. It’s not just about staying relevant but about finding fulfillment in every aspect of your craft.
Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?
Patience, growth, and self-belief. To anyone dreaming of a career in acting, my first piece of advice is to focus on your craft. The industry is constantly changing and it’s easy to get side-tracked by distractions like social media or the pressures of instant success. Before anything else, invest time in developing your acting, filmmaking or producing skills. Strive to be the best at what you do, and let the rest follow naturally. Acting is a journey that requires time, experience and life lessons. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself and the process. If opportunities don’t come immediately, keep building your network and saying yes to every chance to perform—even if it’s in children’s theatre or small productions. Every project, no matter how modest, contributes to your growth and experience. Most importantly, believe in yourself. Work on your inner strength, because often your own thoughts and self-doubt can be your biggest obstacles. Cultivate resilience and confidence and trust that your hard work will pay off. Acting is a career of passion, dedication and perseverance. Stay focused, keep learning, and never stop chasing your dreams.
