“Diepe Waters” character Chris van Staden, portrayed by actor Henri Strauss, has had fans glued to their TV screens for the past few weeks as he revealed his sexual orientation to his father.
The character is a deep thinker who loves poetry and esoteric novels and is currently studying philosophy in Stellenbosch.
Chris quotes philosophers and questions the world he finds himself in without trying to be a know-it-all. He is also kind and very smart, sweet and understanding.
For Strauss, this storyline has been particularly personal for him because his character challenges the same traditional Afrikaans norms he was so scared of when he came out to his family as a queer individual.
Strauss said: “I am incredibly grateful to be portraying the role of Chris and being allowed to interpret his journey the way that I have been able to, to keep Chris authentic.”
He added: “For gay kids like me, it’s difficult to grow up in a world that showed so much hate. But I want to take this moment to thank everyone who stands up for us.”
Strauss, who grappled with self-acceptance within his conservative Afrikaans Christian community, said he wants to use this new platform to be an example to others facing the same or similar challenges.
“I hope I can be an example for others, who may feel just like I once did, so that they can see that in this world, things can turn out okay.”
His advice to those experiencing a similar struggle is to not focus on the negative.
“Know that you don’t need to change for anyone. You deserve to be happy, just as you are.”
This TV role marks Strauss’s acting debut. His character was introduced to viewers in December last year during the show’s second season.
Prior to acting, Strauss worked behind the scenes on KykNET’s reality shows, “Die Brug” and “Vetkoek Paleis 2”.
From the shy boy in Hartbeespoort to the unapologetically queer individual he is today, Strauss is eagerly working towards the next exciting chapter in his career.
In the interim, he promises viewers a “journey marked by creativity, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the art of storytelling”.
∎ Catch Strauss on “Diepe Waters” on KykNET (DStv channel 144) from Monday to Thursday at 6.30pm.