On TV, Oubaas and his “bride", the quirky Hilda, are inseparable, and when actor Pierre van Pletzen is at home, he only has eyes for his real-life wife, Sandra. tvplus found out about staying young, loving life – and some far-too-eager fans.
Tell us about yourself. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born on 1 May 1952 in Klerksdorp, but we lived in Stilfontein, and I wrote matric there. My parents, Maureen and Van van Pletzen, both worked in the mine. I have two brothers, Johan and Gerhard. I was the baby. My mother died in 1995 and my father in 2004.
You are very young in spirit . . . how do you keep it that way?
I've been surrounded by youngsters all my life – in all my years in the theatre, here in the TV industry, my children (his daughter Zetske plays Kara in Binnelanders, and his son Pierre-Henri, aka Peach, is an actor and musician), my wife . . . I enjoy young people. I have few friends, but of those I do have, not one is older than 40. Other than that, I just have a young spirit. Sadly, I can't say the same about the body . . .
Your wife (Sandra Vaughn, who played Debbie in 7de Laan, and whom Pierre married in 1996) is much younger than you . . .
An age difference does have an effect on a relationship, but a marriage is based on so much more than numbers. The body measures in years, the soul measures in love. Sandra and I are soulmates. Besides, women generally mature quicker than men – so an age gap can work in some cases. You say I'm young in spirit – so match me with an “old soul" of 20 or 30, and there's a good chance we'd have a wonderful relationship!
How do you spoil your wife?
By kissing and hugging her, saying I love her – and taking her out to dinner! Her favourite is our friends Dino and Christine's restaurant, Prosopa.
A reader, Lizette Boucher from Vryheid, wants to know if you're also a big churchgoer, like Oubaas?
I am a Christian, like Oubaas – but not as big a churchgoer. I do go to church, but not as much as I should. I don't like crowds much. Like everyone, I'm also just an imperfect Christian. My daughter Zetske once wrote in a birthday card: “Dad, no matter how old you get, don't forget that cute little boy inside you." I think Oubaas is also a little boy. Beyond that, I don't see many other similarities. Others might disagree.
What's your typical day like?
On weekdays, I get up at 4:15, go to work, learn my lines, do some admin and eat breakfast. I start working on 7de Laan scenes at 7:30, either as an actor or as director. We start shooting at 10:00 and we carry on until late afternoon or early evening. Then I go home, eat, bath, learn my lines, read and sleep. Exciting, hey? On weekends I make sure I don't do any of these things.
How do you keep your public persona and your private life separate?
Do fans sometimes cross the line? I don't really have a public persona. I'm basically the same person at work and at home as I am in public, and I think I handle fans well. I'm friendly and civil. But don't push me, insist I shake your hand, or be over-familiar with me. Remember, we don't know each other. I'm very loving with children – they are innocents. The funniest incident I've had with a fan was when an old tannie gave me a hug before pushing her tongue down my throat! She really gave my mouth a good cleaning all round. Shame, she seemed to get a big kick from it, so I didn't say anything.
Which of Oubaas' characteristics do you like most?
His honesty, his zest for life, his passion, and his absolute generosity of spirit.
Do you have pets?
Yes! I have two Jack Russells, Luigi and Amelie. Luigi is my brother. Amelie is still working on becoming my sister. They are very cute, an absolute “tonic", and I love them very much. They really make me laugh. Any man who passes the 50-year mark should make sure he has a dog.
What's on your bedside table?
A reading light, sleeping tablets, pens and tissues. In the cupboard next to it: my bibles, books, bible study notes, and more books! There's also a small bowl with dry, raw oats.
Why?
Only I know.
What makes you angry?
I don't get very angry any more. I've been working at it for 15 years, and I think I've overcome my anger, but I do get angry sometimes. Oh, the usual stuff in our country: disregard for clear, internationally-accepted traffic signs, disrespect for fellow human beings, people who hold a grudge, and the inability to love thy neighbour.
Who will you be cheering for at the 2010 World Cup?
The teams that play the best.
What will your life after 7de Laan look like?
I enjoy my work, my working conditions and the people at 7de Laan so much that I hope it continues for years to come. After that? I'll keep acting, writing and directing – until I don't want to, or can't any more. Then I'll travel and read.
What are you scared of?
I'm not generally a scared person, but the violence in SA does frighten me. I pray for my loved ones' safety in their houses and on the roads. I don't want to lose a loved one; I'm only human. Every moment is a blessing.
Favourites
TV: Programmes on the History and Crime and Investigation channels, but no soaps, thank you!
Book: Just one? I have about 40 favourites.
Sport: Rugby (but just to watch). I play golf now and then - and I'm terrible!
Food: Leg of lamb – like Sandra makes it! And to nibble on – nuts.
Music: Rock music, like the Stones and The Beatles. And my son Peach's band, Yesterday's Pupil.
Movie: Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Forrest Gump, Benjamin Button and Citizen Kane.
Actor/actress: I don't really have one of those; sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad. Rachel McAdams impressed me in The Notebook.
Holiday spot: Europe, with its old cities. The south of England and parts of rural France, especially a tiny little town named Pervillac. I relax best overseas, where nobody knows me! In South Africa: The Drakensberg, the Karoo, the Cape coast in the winter when the wind and rain are howling, and Baviaanskloof.
Whiskey or brandy? I don't drink any strong drinks – it all tastes terrible to me. Just beer and wine.
Cooking or washing dishes? Definitely washing dishes!
Tell us about yourself. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born on 1 May 1952 in Klerksdorp, but we lived in Stilfontein, and I wrote matric there. My parents, Maureen and Van van Pletzen, both worked in the mine. I have two brothers, Johan and Gerhard. I was the baby. My mother died in 1995 and my father in 2004.
You are very young in spirit . . . how do you keep it that way?
I've been surrounded by youngsters all my life – in all my years in the theatre, here in the TV industry, my children (his daughter Zetske plays Kara in Binnelanders, and his son Pierre-Henri, aka Peach, is an actor and musician), my wife . . . I enjoy young people. I have few friends, but of those I do have, not one is older than 40. Other than that, I just have a young spirit. Sadly, I can't say the same about the body . . .
Your wife (Sandra Vaughn, who played Debbie in 7de Laan, and whom Pierre married in 1996) is much younger than you . . .
An age difference does have an effect on a relationship, but a marriage is based on so much more than numbers. The body measures in years, the soul measures in love. Sandra and I are soulmates. Besides, women generally mature quicker than men – so an age gap can work in some cases. You say I'm young in spirit – so match me with an “old soul" of 20 or 30, and there's a good chance we'd have a wonderful relationship!
How do you spoil your wife?
By kissing and hugging her, saying I love her – and taking her out to dinner! Her favourite is our friends Dino and Christine's restaurant, Prosopa.
A reader, Lizette Boucher from Vryheid, wants to know if you're also a big churchgoer, like Oubaas?
I am a Christian, like Oubaas – but not as big a churchgoer. I do go to church, but not as much as I should. I don't like crowds much. Like everyone, I'm also just an imperfect Christian. My daughter Zetske once wrote in a birthday card: “Dad, no matter how old you get, don't forget that cute little boy inside you." I think Oubaas is also a little boy. Beyond that, I don't see many other similarities. Others might disagree.
What's your typical day like?
On weekdays, I get up at 4:15, go to work, learn my lines, do some admin and eat breakfast. I start working on 7de Laan scenes at 7:30, either as an actor or as director. We start shooting at 10:00 and we carry on until late afternoon or early evening. Then I go home, eat, bath, learn my lines, read and sleep. Exciting, hey? On weekends I make sure I don't do any of these things.
How do you keep your public persona and your private life separate?
Do fans sometimes cross the line? I don't really have a public persona. I'm basically the same person at work and at home as I am in public, and I think I handle fans well. I'm friendly and civil. But don't push me, insist I shake your hand, or be over-familiar with me. Remember, we don't know each other. I'm very loving with children – they are innocents. The funniest incident I've had with a fan was when an old tannie gave me a hug before pushing her tongue down my throat! She really gave my mouth a good cleaning all round. Shame, she seemed to get a big kick from it, so I didn't say anything.
Which of Oubaas' characteristics do you like most?
His honesty, his zest for life, his passion, and his absolute generosity of spirit.
Do you have pets?
Yes! I have two Jack Russells, Luigi and Amelie. Luigi is my brother. Amelie is still working on becoming my sister. They are very cute, an absolute “tonic", and I love them very much. They really make me laugh. Any man who passes the 50-year mark should make sure he has a dog.
What's on your bedside table?
A reading light, sleeping tablets, pens and tissues. In the cupboard next to it: my bibles, books, bible study notes, and more books! There's also a small bowl with dry, raw oats.
Why?
Only I know.
What makes you angry?
I don't get very angry any more. I've been working at it for 15 years, and I think I've overcome my anger, but I do get angry sometimes. Oh, the usual stuff in our country: disregard for clear, internationally-accepted traffic signs, disrespect for fellow human beings, people who hold a grudge, and the inability to love thy neighbour.
Who will you be cheering for at the 2010 World Cup?
The teams that play the best.
What will your life after 7de Laan look like?
I enjoy my work, my working conditions and the people at 7de Laan so much that I hope it continues for years to come. After that? I'll keep acting, writing and directing – until I don't want to, or can't any more. Then I'll travel and read.
What are you scared of?
I'm not generally a scared person, but the violence in SA does frighten me. I pray for my loved ones' safety in their houses and on the roads. I don't want to lose a loved one; I'm only human. Every moment is a blessing.
Favourites
TV: Programmes on the History and Crime and Investigation channels, but no soaps, thank you!
Book: Just one? I have about 40 favourites.
Sport: Rugby (but just to watch). I play golf now and then - and I'm terrible!
Food: Leg of lamb – like Sandra makes it! And to nibble on – nuts.
Music: Rock music, like the Stones and The Beatles. And my son Peach's band, Yesterday's Pupil.
Movie: Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Forrest Gump, Benjamin Button and Citizen Kane.
Actor/actress: I don't really have one of those; sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad. Rachel McAdams impressed me in The Notebook.
Holiday spot: Europe, with its old cities. The south of England and parts of rural France, especially a tiny little town named Pervillac. I relax best overseas, where nobody knows me! In South Africa: The Drakensberg, the Karoo, the Cape coast in the winter when the wind and rain are howling, and Baviaanskloof.
Whiskey or brandy? I don't drink any strong drinks – it all tastes terrible to me. Just beer and wine.
Cooking or washing dishes? Definitely washing dishes!