On the couch with actor Justin
JUSTIN STRYDOM, who plays Paul King in SABC3’s High Rollers, talks to Billy Suter about his television likes and dislikes.
WHAT television shows do you try to not miss?
I’ve never had a nineto-five job, so I’ve always watched a lot of movies. I also enjoy shows like The Walking Dead, Banshee, House of Cards, Game of Thrones and Daredevil. What makes these shows extraordinary is the detailed and honest exploration of the central characters. Thanks to Showmax and Netflix, I can binge-watch on a regular basis.
The current television shows you find the most overrated?
I watch a lot of shows, and if they don’t grab me in the first episode, I never go back. I believe a cinematic production has the responsibility to make me feel something. If it doesn’t, I’m obviously not relating to the story and I need to move on.
Television shows you have loved over the years?
When I was growing up we had an astounding amount of TV to watch. Shows like Dallas, The A-Team, Swart Kat, Trompie, The Villagers (the start of Isidingo), Ballade vir ’n Enkeling, Shaka Zulu, Knight Rider, The Six Million Dollar Man, Battlestar Gallactica, Star Trek, Agter Elke Man, Magnum PI …I enjoyed them all.
Television shows you have not enjoyed over the years?
Sadly, I became very disillusioned with local television, largely because I struggled to find central characters I could identify with. For me, there’s a big difference between recognising types (something familiar) and truly connecting with someone because I am going to learn from the consequences of the choices they make in a deep and profound way.
Your favourite television character of all time?
This changes from time to time, but right now, it’s Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead. I can’t believe how much this man has to endure.
Your favourite television presenter?
I really enjoy Jimmy Fallon, I catch a lot of his stuff on YouTube. He doesn’t mind sending himself up. I also love Trevor Noah. He is sharp, witty and even a little irreverent.
Favourite TV theme tunes over the years?
Those for Friends, Dawson’s Creek, The Flintstones, Gummi Bears, The Jeffersons, Airwolf and Bonanza are among my favourites.
A television show you would love to see remade?
There are many, but I would love to do a modern version of Man from Atlantis. My spin on it would be that Mark Harris washes up on a deserted beach in South Africa. Probably close to Kosi Bay. What a show ... he inspired a generation of awkward swimmers.
The funniest thing you ever saw on television?
Too many to mention ... but I do watch Brooklyn 911 and there is not an episode that doesn’t have me in stitches.
DStv channels you most enjoy?
M-Net Edge has a great selection of shows, and Fox gives us quality shows. I also love the sport channels as I am a rugby and cricket fan.
A show you would love to see again on TV?
No. I don’t want to look back. Too many new and exciting shows coming up.
If a miniseries were made about your life, who would you like to play you?
I would like it to be a time-travel sci-fi film, with an older me played by Bruce Willis. That way we don’t get wrapped up in the past, and focus on what my life still could be like.
Some of your favourite TV adverts of all time?
I loved the peanut butter ad: “Hey – You kicked sand in my face!” The more recent “born to create drama” ads were also genius. I particularly enjoyed the little girl in the back seat of a car saying: “She’s not my mommy ... help!”
The television celebrity you most like?
Nthati Moshesh, without a doubt. She is incredibly generous and has kept her feet firmly on the ground. I also think she is one hell of an actress.
The television celebrity you most dislike?
No. If you haven’t got anything nice to say ... don’t say it.
What should there be more of on television?
More cutting-edge local drama. Stories that challenge, excite and thrill us.