by Thinus Ferreira
The award-winning South African director and actor Gerrit Schoonhoven has lost his battle against cancer. He was 62.
He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and received chemotherapy.
Until recently Gerrit Schoonhoven was a director at kykNET's (DStv 144) weekday Afrikaans soap Binnelanders produced by Stark Films.
As a director his filmography includes work on Meeulanders, Vierspel, Isidingo, Soutmansland, Plek van die Vleisvreters, Orion, Hartland and Twee Grade van Moord.
On-screen he had roles in numerous South African films and TV series like Broer Matie, Cul de sac, Sweet 'n Short, The Visual Bible: Matthew, MMG Engineers, The Mangler, Onder Draai die Duiwel Rond, Molly & Wors, Knysna, Schuks! Pay Back the Money!, Dominee Tienie and Droomman.
He also directed and appeared on stage in numerous plays over several decades, and wrote the one-act play Trajek van Tralies.
Among numerous accolades and awards for his contribution to South Africa's theatre, film and TV industry was the honorary award from the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns in 2006 for his contribution to Afrikaans television.
Gerrit Schoonhoven was born on 27 September 1958 and studied drama at the University of Potchefstroom where he graduated with an honours degree in 1981 where he also later lectured.
On 27 September this year on his 62nd birthday, Gerrit Schoonhoven got married to Marius Meyer; they've been a couple for the past 30 years.
Stark Films in a statement tells TVwithThinus that "it's with great sadness that the Binnelanders team notes the passing of our beloved director Gerrit".
"Gerrit was a valued and respected member of our directors' corps and his absence will leave a big void. His last words to actors before filming a scene was usually, 'Be brilliant!'. That is how we will always remember him: As a passionate person who tackled and lived life with enthusiasm".
