Jacques Loots
Jacques Loots (1925-1991) was an Afrikaans stage, television and film actor, poet.
Initially performed as Willem Loots, later also as Jacques Loots. Popularly known as "Genis", after his most iconic TV role.
Contents
Biography
He was born Willem Jacobus Loots on 24 October 1924 and grew up in Koster in the Western Transvaal.
He began work as a teacher in Worcester, but gave this up for the stage. His first role as professional actor was in Die Vrek for NTO in 1951. In this time he met and was briefly married to Helen Faul (1951-1958).
He later returned to teaching, spending some years at an Afrikaans school in Kenya, before resuming his acting career.
He published a book of poems, Eenhoring, in 1966. He also wrote poetry using the pseudonym Ella Meyer, according to J. C. Kannemeyer.
He was later married to Wilma Loots.
He died at his home in Bethulie in the Free State on 3 October 1991, aged 64.
Contribution to SA theatre, film, media and/or performance
Stage roles include Die Vrek (1951), Sagmoedige Neelsie (1973), Germanicus (his debut for PACT in 1981), Putsonderwater (for PACT in 1981), Ampie (for PACT in 1981), Die Laaste Sondag (PACT 1986), Send for Dolly (for A. T. Productions), Putsonderwater (with PACT), 84 Charing Cross Road at the Market Theatre, Charley se Tante (with PACT), Plaston: DNS-Kind (with SWAPAC), Bloedbruilof (PACT 1985), Don Juan onder die Boere (1986).
Film roles:
These included As Ons Twee Eers Getroud Is! (Jan Perold, 1962), Rip van Wyk (1960), Bye Bye Booysens (1980). Boetie Gaan Border Toe! (released in 1984). "Tampan" in Send for Dolly , Nag van die 19de, Liewe Hemel, Genis!,
TV roles:
He starred as the character "Genis" in the superb TV series Koöperasiestories.
Awards, etc
Nominated for a Vita Award for his role as Sarel in the film Nag van die 19de, award year 1990/1991.
Sources
SACD 1979/80, 1980/81, 1981/82, Limelight 1983/84.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4846889/
https://www.geni.com/people/Willem-Jaques-Loots/6000000004383287780
(Limelight 1983/84)
Obituary published in Beeld, 4 October 1991.
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