Willem de la Querra

Willem de la Querra(19**-) was a stage and film actor, technician and administrator.

Biography

Born and raised in George, he becamed enamoured with theatre and performance as a young boy when Pagel's Circus came to town, and he volunteered his services as a helper. He was fascinated by the performances of the clowns, and the spellbinding atmosphere of the performance.

He was married and had 5 children, including Billy de la Querra and Carin de la Querra

Career

Hebecame a professional actor in 1945. At first he toured with the Johan Fourie Company, then In the early 50's he had his own touring company, playing in the Cape Province and South West Africa. At the age of 30, when his first child was on its way, he dissolved his company, to find a more 'stable' job.

and later with the NTO. He started his own company in 1950. From 1965 to 1979 he was a permanent member of CAPAB Drama.

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

He became famous for his leading role as "Faan" in Pieter Fourie's Faan se Trein (1976) and Faan se Stasie (198*), which he played on and off for five years.

Other highlights were roles in 'n Seder val in Waterkloof, Die Paddas, Othello, Mooi Maria and Die Geldpot.

In films he acted in King Hendrik (Emil Nofal/1965) and Kootjie Emmer (Koos Roets/1977) and, for television, Die Koster, (Stephan Bouwer/1985).