Vanessa Haywood
Vanessa Haywood
Izimvo has the pleasure of introducing talented actress, model and business woman; Vanessa Haywood.
Propelled into the international spotlight for her leading role as Tania in the 2009 smash hit District 9, Vanessa is not only a talented actress but also a successful business woman, model and sports woman. Some of Vanessa’s many career highlights include roles in “Hey Boy” and “Blood Diamond“, Shape Magazine’s Cover Look of the Year winner in 2007 and 4th place in the 2005 international Miss Fitness competition.
Website: http://www.vanessahaywood.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/VanHaywood
Location: Cape Town
Vanessa was kind enough to answer the following questions:
Personal
Q: How would you like to be introduced at a social event?
A: THE “One and Only”…. Vanessa Haywood!!! Ha ha! Just kidding! Actress and business woman, Vanessa Haywood??
Q: Tell us something that not many others know about you. This could be anything from a phobia to your favorite scene in a movie.
A: I am completely terrified of spiders. I have proper arachnophobia.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you want to get away from it all?
A: Riding on my mountain bike, going for a walk on the mountain, reading, watching a movie.
Q: How would you describe your dream holiday home and where in South African would you like it to be?
A: Dream holiday is spent doing nothing but reading, running, cycling, sleeping and watching movies! I’m in love with the wild and grew up on various game farms so I’d love to spend time at a luxury game farm anywhere in SA!
South African Film
Q: South African film has gone through a renaissance with the recent success of movies such as Totsi and District 9. To what would you attribute the success and do you feel that enough is being done to promote South African film to local audiences?
A: We have great “movie makers” in SA! Our production companies are world-class, professional and very hard-working. We have amazing crews and very good actors. I really don’t think enough is being done for actual South African films though and they are not marketed nearly well enough!
Q: How did the District 9 adventure start for you and looking back, what did you enjoy the most from the experience? Did you ever expect it would become the international blockbuster it did?
A: It all started with an audition… and then a few call backs… and then the phone call saying “You got it!” I enjoyed every moment on set but the defining moment was definitely when we watched the pre-screening a week before the premier when my name appeared on the screen. It was surreal! We all knew that District 9 would be successful but not that it would be at number 1 world-wide for weeks and rake in so much cash!
Q: Do you have any news regarding a District 9 sequel? Do you think Tania and Wikus will ever reunite?
A: I don’t! I know it’s on the cards but nothing set in stone as yet! I hope Wikus and Tania will reunite and I hope Tania gets to kick some butt in the sequel too! Ha ha! I’m an action gal!
Q: Which young South African film makers have recently impressed you and who do you consider as South Africa’s greatest film maker?
A: Neil Blomkamp (District 9 – obviously!), Gavin Hood (Tsotsi) , Jan Turner (White Wedding)
Q: What advice would you offer those wanting a career in film?
A: Mmmm…. persevere! It is an extremely difficult industry which doesn’t depend only on how good an actor you are! It involves your education, background, networking, experience and a whole lot of luck! Set yourself a time period and if you haven’t got any roles by a certain date, it’s time to move on! You don’t want to be stuck running after your dream your whole life when it’s simply not meant to be!
Life in South Africa
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a South African?
A: I am proudly South African because we are such friendly, warm-hearted people in general! I have traveled all over the world and have lived in many places but there is no place like home! The beauty of this country is also something you cannot find anywhere else in the world!
Q: What advice would you offer to first-time visitors looking for the ultimate South African experience?
A: It’s not nearly as dangerous as you think! Like any other place in the world, look after your valuables and don’t visit dodgy areas. Absorb our diverse cultures, eat our food, visit our beautiful popular sights like Table Mountain and historical places like the Castle of Good Hope.
Q: Looking back, what was your favorite moment of the recent Soccer World Cup?
A: Watching the Spain – Portugal game live at Green Point stadium in Cape Town! What a vibe!?
Q: Favorite holiday destination for a relaxing holiday with family?
A: We had many family holidays on the South Coast when I was younger. I have so many fond memories of that area and those holidays!
General
Q: You have recently completed the grueling BIG 5 challenge raising money and awareness for Starfish Greathearts Foundation. Tell us about the challenge and why you selected Starfish as your charity?
A: The Big 5 involved 218km of running and cycling over a few days. 50km Mountain bike race, 100km road bike race, XTerra (off-road) Duathlon, 21km half marathon, 15km trail run. I chose the Starfish Foundation as it’s a foundation close to my heart. They look after children affected or orphaned by HIV/AIDS. I lost a friend to AIDS and her children are now all alone!
Q: Which 80′s television series remake would you most like to star in?
cheetara
A: Mmmm…. Cheetara from Thundercats! Would love to do an action film with loads of special effects and martial arts!
Q: If you could invite any three South African personalities to join you for a long weekend break, who would you invite and which destination would you pick?
A: Trevor Noah (comedian) to make me laugh and keep the group entertained! Ryan Sandes (my other half- world champion ultra marathon trail runner) cos he’s a big part of my life. Jo-Anne Strauss (Miss SA 2000) – she’s been a friend since the year we were both Miss SA finalists in 2000 and I love her to bits! I’d take them to my friend’s game farm, Kichaka in the Eastern Cape. I’ve been there with friends before and we had the best time ever!!!
Q: As a fitness athlete you placed 4th in the international Miss Fitness competition and were chosen as Shape’s 2007 cover of the year. Do you have any health and fitness secrets for those wanting to improve their overall fitness?
A: Life is all about balance! Eat well, exercise a few times a week, sleep/relax enough, laugh a lot, wear sunblock always, don’t smoke and don’t drink excessively. As far as fitness is concerned, the best thing to do is exercise regularly! Try get to gym/power walk/cycle/run at least 3 times a week.
Q: What advice would you offer parents whose children display a natural talent for the performing arts from a young age?
A: Wow! I’ve never been asked that! Well, I would never discourage my children from doing something they love. The only problem with the film industry is that it doesn’t have a lot to do with talent… your location, drama education, agent and who you know have a lot to do with your success. Your talent is only a part of the whole equation. It has a lot to do with luck which is unfair! As far as musical and dancing talent is concerned… parents must always encourage children to pursue their talents!
Q: Who would you most like to read about on Izimvo and what would you ask them?
A: Someone like Elizabeth Taylor. She’s not going to be around for much longer and she is a legend! She’s had a crazy, incredible life. I’d ask her all about her journey into film and her experiences.
We’d like to thank Vanessa for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her every success for the future.
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