Gantane Kusch
What’s going on in your favourite actress’s head?
Gantane Kusch knows how to turn on the charm and it’s easy to see why his doctor character Siya turns heads in Suidooster (2015- current, see p26). But that’s just his outward appearance, explains the 28-year-old actor. “Siya has a soft heart and it’s easy for him to bond with the other characters – and fans.” While Siya is wearing his lab- coat and suits on the soap, Gantane is far more at home in tracksuits, sweats and sneakers while bingeing his favourite shows.
What was the first TV show you acted out with friends? Pokémon (1997- current) if I remember correctly. It was just as the animated series was becoming popular.
Who was your first TV crush? Ilse Roos (Rita in Suidooster, 2015- current). I was head- over-heels in love with her.
What did you do when an adult moment came on while you were watching TV with family? What most young men did, I assume: closed my eyes tight and went cherry red.
What product have you wanted ever since you saw it on TV? As an adult, a Mercedes Benz G63 car. As a child, it was pretty much any toy or pair of takkies.
Whose TV wardrobe do you want? The wardrobe from comedy series Black-ish (2014- current), drama Power (2014- current) and music drama Empire (2015- current). The characters are always stylish and I love wearing sneakers.
Whose TV house would you love to live in? Talkshow host Trevor Noah from The Daily Show (2015- current) – he’s just bought a R280 million mansion in LA.
What shows are you fanatical about now? There are so many that I watch, but right now it’s Netflix fantasy comedy A Series Of Unfortunate Events (2017- current).
If you worked behind the scenes, which job would you want and why? The actor in me would love to work in directing, but Gantane the photographer – my hobby – would love to be director of photography on a show.
What is your nightmare scenario while filming? That one of the set lights comes loose, falls and sets the studio on fire.
With all the reboots happening, which series would you like to reboot and be part of? They’re both local – drama series Yizo Yizo (1999-2004) and sitcom Madam & Eve (2001-2005).
If you could play any character on any show, who would it be and why? I would probably choose James “Ghost” St Patrick from Power. Actor Omari Hardwick is amazing at how he portrays Ghost, who is a complex character and that’s the kind of role that would test my talents.
What show are you bingeing on currently? Animated action series Archer (2009- current). It’s highly underrated but so good.
Your favourite TV icon is? Will Smith, who changed the industry with his character in The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (1990-1996).
And if you could change one thing about your current character, it would be… His wardrobe. I would prefer Siya to wear sneakers and comfier, more informal outfits.