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IMDBPro Bio 28 October 2025
Jacques Adriaanse is a diverse, award-nominated Cape Town based actor whose work spans American, European, and South African film, television, and theatre. Known for his emotional range and fearless commitment to transformation, Jacques has steadily built a reputation as one of the most versatile performers of his generation.
Born and raised in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Jacques developed an early passion for performance, first discovering his love for storytelling on stage under his opera-singer Grandmother Augusta Fleck (neé van Rooyen) and mother, who conducted choirs when he was little, Jeanne Adriaanse, before transitioning into screen work. He recalls sitting in on recitals and singing lessons as the catalyst for being awestruck by the art of performance.
Jacques Adriaanse was born in South Africa to Jeanne Adriaanse, a now Member of Parliament, and Erik Adriaanse (Acclaimed Agricultural Scientist and Researcher). He grew up in a family that valued both public service and creative expression, shaping his curiosity about human nature and storytelling from an early age.
After completing his BCom (Law) degree, he chose to pursue acting full-time, quickly gaining attention for his bold choices and layered portrayals. Jacques stars as Henry in Match, directed by award-winning Canadian filmmaker Danishka Esterhazy - a role he describes as "the furthest I've ever pushed myself as an actor," and one of his most transformative experiences to date. His film credits also include Nick in Invasive: Getaway (Tubi), John in Netflix's acclaimed comedy Disaster Holiday, and Donald Smith in the award-winning Swedish film Hammarskjöld: Fight for Peace. He can also be seen in Netflix's hit crime series Kings of Jo'burg (Season 2).
In his home country, Jacques has become a recognizable presence on South African screens, starring in acclaimed Afrikaans television dramas such as Niggies, Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, and Binnelanders, as well as in the feature film Die Tragiese Saak van Pamina Vermaak - winner of Best Picture at the 2023 KykNET Silwerskerm Film Festival Awards.
On stage, Jacques was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at Aardklop National Arts Festival 2024 for his performance as Miguel in the two-hander play Forte. Critics praised his ability to balance intensity with vulnerability, a hallmark of his acting style.
In addition to his film, television, and stage work, Jacques has featured prominently in commercial campaigns, playing the lead in Engine Travel and supporting roles in Nivea, Volkswagen, Citizens Bank, and Hidden Valley Ranch, demonstrating his versatility and wide audience appeal.
A trained musician, Jacques sang as a high baritone in the Tuks Camerata Choir, where he also served on the committee as Communications Officer and Stage Manager. He further hones his craft through coaching at AMAW Cape Town under Anthony Meindl, reflecting his commitment to continuous growth as a performer. An actor who thrives on challenge, Jacques is known for pushing creative boundaries and immersing himself fully into each role. Beyond his work on screen and stage, he serves as an elected member of the Executive Committee of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA), where he advocates for a more sustainable, transparent, and unified entertainment industry.
Driven by artistic curiosity and a global outlook, Jacques continues to explore complex, transformative characters across all walks of life - a rising international talent committed to truth, depth, and fearless storytelling.
