Popular actors Annelize van der Ryst, who played Matrone and Pierre van Pletzen, who played Oom Oubaas shattered the hearts of 7de Laan fans when they exited the soapie. Where are they now?
Legendary actors Pierre van Pletzen and Annelize van der Ryst, who are best known for their roles as Matrone Netta Nortje and Septimus van Zyl aka Oom Oubaas in 7de Laan haven’t appeared in the SABC2 soapie for years.
According to TVSA, Annelize van der Ryst (sometimes credited as Annelize van der Ryst-Hattingh) played the role of Matrone since the first episode of the show in April 2000 and exited the soapie after 18 years.
Fans of the soapie haven’t seen her on the show since her last appearance in July 2021 at Fikani and Alexa’s wedding.
Her former co-star Pierre van Pletzen, who played Oom Oubaas for 17 years parted ways with the soapie in July 2017 after his contract was not renewed by the broadcaster.
The 72-year-old South African actor, who also directed the SABC2 soapie revealed on Jacaranda FM how he was notified about his exit and how he preferred the issue to be handled. [WATCH INTERVIEW BELOW]
The actor-director also revealed to TshisaLIVE in July 2017 that the first 14 years on the show was complete bliss and things changed in the last three years when new management took over. He described his last three years as a “dark haze” on the SABC2 soapie.
He said the first 14 years were fantastic and they worked hard and had a lot of fun and one could hear laughter all throughout the building as they were literally one large happy family.
“The new management had the writers and storyliners write stories for me and Hilda (his character’s wife) that were boring and repetitive, hashing up old storylines in a way that definitely did not push the production forward in any way.”‘7DE LAAN’ CANCELLED
The talented star Pierre van Pletzen, who is still famously known as Oom Oubaas has appeared in TV shows such Getroud Met Rugby: Die Sepie, Fynskrif in 2018, Die Byl in 2022 after 7de Laan. His former co-star Annelize van der Ryst, who played Matrone has also appeared in kykNET’s Fynskrif season three in 2020.
The Afrikaans soapie revealed in a statement on Monday, 17 July that the show will not be recommissioned for another season when season 24 comes to an end in December 2023.
“It has been an honour and privilege to produce a show that has touched the lives of so many South Africans for over two decades. As we come to the end of this chapter, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated cast and crew who have poured their talent and passion into bringing the show to life,” the statement read.
“We also extend our deepest appreciation to the viewers and fans whose unwavering support has been the driving force behind our success. It is bittersweet to say goodbye, but we are filled with pride for the impact that 7de Laan has had on our society; addressing important social issues and fostering inclusively, the show has made its mark on South African television,” it added.