#ATYPICALINTERVIEW: SAMEER NAIK

Award-winning Joburg-born actress and voice-over artist Susan Danford is best known for her TV roles as Annette in the soapie 7de Laan, and as Grace Foster in M-net drama series Known Gods.

Danford has played numerous leading roles internationally and in South Africa in film, TV and on stage.

She is bilingual, performing in both English and Afrikaans. Her international work includes British and American dialects and has won and been nominated for various acting awards for both her stage and film work.

The actress’ feature film highlights include Hotstuff with acclaimed film director, Philip Noyce, starring Tim Robbins.

She has played opposite F Murray Abraham as his daughter in the comedy The Adventures of Laurel and Hardy and with Kim Basinger and Daniel Craig in I Dreamed of Africa.

Danford’s international TV roles include in The Colour of Friendship, Emmy and NAACP Award winning MOW; Ace Lightning, and the role of US naval intelligence officer Landon in the mini-series The Triangle, with Eric Stoltz and Sam Neill. She also features in hit sci-fi series Raised by Wolves and movies Friend Request and Poppie Nongena.

Most recently she was featured in hit local action movie, Indemnity.

You can star alongside any actor in a Hollywood blockbuster. Who do you choose to star alongside?

Dame Judi Dench – It would be a gift from the gods – her body of work, from Shakespeare to ‘M’ in the James

Bond films – her mastery as an actor, underpinned by her sparkling sense of humour shines through everything she so generously shares with the world.

Your biggest regret in life is?

Not spending enough quality downtime with friends and family.

The meal that most reminds you of your childhood is?

My mom’s home-made pancakes, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Your favourite role as an actress?

It really is hard to choose – other than Juliet, in Romeo and Juliet, more recent favourites include; Justina, in the Hbomax, sci-fi series, Raised by Wolves, created by Sir Ridley Scott (director of Blade Runner and Gladiator), and Dr Gillian Tunbridge Indemnity feature film, working alongside

South African writer, director, producer, Travis Taute.

Your celebrity crush growing up was? Sting. No explanation needed.

You have been elected president of South Africa. What is your first priority?

I would prioritise, measurable, visible consequences for those responsible for the billions stolen from the people of

South Africa. I would then (with transparent audited accountability) and with great urgency, get the money back and use it to rebuild the infrastructure of our healthcare, education, and transport systems.

What is the worst purchase you have ever made in your life?

Vertigo inducing high-heeled shoes for an award ceremony at The Baxter Theatre – I had to hang onto the handrails, to navigate my way, safely down the stairs

and into the theatre. The description, “graceful entrance” did not apply.

If you had to switch places with another famous person for a day, who would it be with?

Jon Batiste – Singer, songwriter, musician, band leader and TV personality. Jon recently won five Grammys including best album of the year, We Are. He is the embodiment of all the best that a creative artist can be.

You are stuck on an island with your fellow cast members of Indemnity. Who do you choose to team up with?

Gail Mabalane, – I would want to team up with Gail – she is caring and empathetic, with a great sense of humour. I imagine she would be a clear, strategic team player, with the mental and physical agility to help anyone stranded on an island.