Sa rising stars in film

From Sharlto Copley to Sasha Pieterse, we track down SA's biggest stars breaking into Hollywood.

1. Sharlto Copley
Born and bred on our sunny shores, Sharlto Copley gained international stardom when he played Wikus van der Merwe in the Oscar-nominated District 9. Copley got his first taste of acting when he was still at Redhill High School playing in amateur productions. A fan of breaking boundaries, Copley was notorious for producing and starring in risqué school plays. All his efforts seem to have paid off because he was cast as legendary Murdock in the star-studded film version of The A-Team. Landing our number one spot, Copley is on the fast track to international acclaim.

2. Sasha Pieterse
Fourteen-year-old Pieterse made her acting debut at age six when she was cast as Buffy in the American hit series Family Affair. Making more of a mark on the small screen, Pieterse was nominated for an Emmy Award for her role as a cancer patient in House. Having already acted in Good Luck Chuck and Heroes this Joburger is well on her way to becoming SA's biggest export - watch this space.

3. Troye Sivan
Hailing from SA but currently living in Australia, Sivan is most recognisable for his striking singing voice - and it's exactly his talent as a vocalist that landed him the lead role in the flick Spud, based on the bestselling novel, that also stars John Cleese. Making his movie debut alongside Hugh Jackman in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Sivan is shining as a young star. And he has no plans on stopping there.

4. Kandyse McClure
Luckily for us, the South African-Canadian beauty decided not to pursue her first dream of becoming a doctor. McClure's initial claim to fame was when she starred alongside Hayden Christensen in Higher Ground. Indulging her acting abilities by starring in numerous sci-fi series, including Smallville, The Outer Limits and Battlestar Galactica, she has also tried her hand at acting on the silver screen. But even though McClure's been featured in films such as See Spot Run and Romeo Must Die, her first love in undoubtedly the small screen. And to top it off, she's frequently in the country on holiday in her hometown of Durban, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled next time you're at the coast.

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