Pierre van Pletzen

Pierre van Pletzen (19*-) is an actor, writer and director on stage, TV and film, and one-time lecturer in drama.

Biography

Studied at the University of Pretoria. He began work as an actor for PACT and PACOFS. Also taught at Pretoria Technikon’s Drama School. He was part of the original cast of the hugely popular Afrikaans sitcom, 7de Laan ("7th Avenue").

Was married to Elzette Maarschalk (1985-1995), and the couple had two children - the singer Pierre-Henry van Pletzen and the actress and designer Zetske van Pletzen. In 1996 he married actress Sandra Vaughn.

Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance

As actor

Acted in Die Ryk Weduwee (CAPAB 1974).

His role as "Oubaas" in the iconic Afrikaans TV sitcom 7de Laan ("7th Avenue") has made him a household name.

As director

He directed a revival of Anthony Shaffer’s Sleuth at the Andre Huguenet in 1988. He directed the musical Buddy at the Civic in 1993. Other directing credits include Haaks by Chris Vorster. (KKNK, 2005), ** .

As artistic director

He was made Artistic Head of Drama for PACOFS in the mid 1980s.

In TV and Film

His role as "Oubaas" in the iconic Afrikaans TV sitcom 7de Laan ("7th Avenue" - 2000-) has made him a household name. He is also a director for the series.

As translator

His many translations include My Boetie se Sussie se Ou, an Afrikaans version of Ray Cooney's Caught in the Net

As lecturer

Later taught at Pretoria Technikon’s Drama School. * Became beloved national figure when he created the character “Oubaas” in the iconic Afrikaans TV sitcom Sewende Laan. VAN PLETZEN, Pierre , Artistic Head of Drama, PACOFS,+- 1985.