Musetta Vander
Musetta Vander and husband, JJ Juman also a UJ alumni
Musetta Vander at her Graduation Day at RAU, 1983
Not that she was a stranger to the stage. The Durban-born beauty’s mother was a ballet teacher and opera singer, and her granny played the piano in the dance studio. The world of music and dance became her playground and, later, her life. She explains: After obtaining my degree, I worked on numerous dance productions for television, movies and corporate events. One day my modelling agent sent me to audition for the host of a TV show called Telemuzik. I auditioned and went back to work. A few days later a reporter called, asking me how I felt about being the new anchor host for Telemuzik! It was a big surprise. I had no idea I booked the job. During her stint as Telemuzik host, Musetta met American actor Jeff Celentano, married him, and moved
Unpredictable gipsy lifestyle An actor’s job is to reflect society like a mirror. To be real under imaginary circumstances. To help create a place where people can go to forget about themselves for a while, see life from a different perspective, and hopefully come away enriched by the experience. Musetta explains: Being in the entertainment business isn’t easy. It can be an unpredictable gipsy lifestyle but wonderful at the same time and very rewarding. Expect the unexpected and expect nothing at all. Your life can change in an instant. The more versatile you are as a performer, the more opportunities will be available to you. According to her, what should today’s aspiring young actors know about their chosen field?
to the United States. Living in the US finally allowed her to pursue her acting dream. She enrolled for acting classes and courses, studied the Meisner Method, and worked on her craft. After about a year and a half, she showcased her work in a play and found herself a theatrical agent. Shortly after that, she booked her first job. Her South African accent landed her in the sci-fi genre or playing villains at first: It took me a while to convince Hollywood, but I finally managed to move beyond accented roles. I advise any actor from another country to make sure you have the American accent down before you go out to meet anyone. You only have one chance to make a first impression. And it’s tough to change opinions.
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 50
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