Skemergrond Introduces The Fortuin Family To Gemoedsdrif

Jonty, Teddy and their son Renzo Fortuin made their Skemergrond debut on 10 November, bringing three different personalities to Gemoedsdrif.

Whaden Johannes plays Jonty, Kim Syster takes on Teddy and Ettienne Gertse portrays Renzo in the kykNET & kie series.

Alongside developing their characters, the actors have worked on building a believable family relationship on screen.

Whaden Johannes Plays The Calculating Jonty

Jonty is intelligent and calculating, with a habit of trying to stay ahead of others.

Whaden initially saw him as a know-it-all, but found more to explore as he developed the character.

“I like listening to people so that I can understand them. Jonty, on the other hand, listens so that he can come up with a better, more intellectual answer,” he explains.

Kim Syster’s Teddy Stands Her Ground

Teddy is daring, resilient and protective of her family. She wants to keep them united, but will also stand her ground.

Kim particularly enjoys the exchanges between Teddy and Jonty.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover. Get to know Teddy a little first,” she says.

Renzo Combines Both His Parents’ Personalities

Whaden describes Renzo as an equal mix of Jonty and Teddy.

“50% Jonty and 50% Teddy. Like a double-scoop ice cream, the best of two flavours,” he says.

For Ettienne, joining the series offers an opportunity he has been eager to take. He compares the experience to a player finally getting a chance to leave the bench and enter the game.

He also hopes viewers will recognise aspects of their own lives in the Fortuins’ cultural roots and family history.

Building The Fortuins’ Family Chemistry

The actors regularly hold group calls to work through their scenes.

“We carry each other,” says Kim.

She and Whaden share experiences of parenthood and life partnerships, as well as roots in Mamre. Those connections have helped the trio develop their on-screen relationship.

Where To Watch Skemergrond

Skemergrond airs Mondays to Thursdays at 19:30 on kykNET & kie, DStv channel 145.

The series is also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.

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