South African actor Greg Kriek wins big in Hollywood for a role in a film about horror of Holocaust
By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor
A South African actor is currently making Hollywood waves, winning fabulous acting accolades in a movie about the horror of the Holocaust.
The actor Greg Kriek over the weekend walked home with a [prestigious award Best Supporting Actor of the Year at the Los Angeles Annual Film Awards (Oscar/Bafta qualifier). Kriek is the leading man of Hollywood Holocaust Drama TRUST.
Hetook these top honours in Hollywood for his powerful performance in the true life inspired Holocaust drama TRUST at the Los Angeles Annual Film awards.
Greg winning the Best Supporting Actor of the Year category immediately dedicated his award to survivors of the Holocaust and their families.
With over 35 countries represented at the festival this year this was a major feat for South Africa and Greg. The festival also serves as an official qualifier for the Oscars and the Baftas.
The actorjoins the list of South Africans who in the past and currently are making the country proud in Hollywood. One other person who for years has represented the country well, is Benoni born actress Charlize Theron. ON Broadway the late Zakes Mokae was lauded for his acting abilities, while legendary playwright Athol Fugard continues to do well. Stage plays such as Sarafina also did well in representing the country on Broadway, and so did its film version featuring Whoopi Goldberg as the lead actress.
In TRUST Greg plays a Nazi colonel that is tasked with snuffing out the truth from a young Jewish girl who bravely saves her entire family from execution. Emily Bader from the Paranormal Activity franchise stars opposite Kriek as the leading lady.
“It was a tremendous honor working with such a dedicated team. Our fearless director Diane Lansing set the tone from day one and we could all feel we were making something really powerful and special” Kriek says.
Being well established in Hollywood now – Greg is looking forward to a year of over 7 big global releases ranging from sci-fi, drama, comedy to westerns. His latest release this month is a Paramount film called Condor’s Nest that Greg stars in with his fellow South African colleague Arnold Vosloo.
“At this stage in my career I’m just grateful to have so many diverse opportunities that finally allow me to showcase versatility. It really is a dream come true for me to be a working Hollywood actor now.”
“Keep reinventing yourself” is Kriek’s advice to younger actors. “You never know what is around the corner for you. Keep the dream alive.”
For Greg’s latest /upcoming releases go to – www.imdb.me/gregkriek