South African actress Jo da Silva, who is famously known for her villainous role of Gita McGregor on SABC2’s Afrikaans show 7de Laan hasn’t appeared on any local soapies for a few years. Where is she now?Contrary to popular belief, the former 7de Laan star Jo da Silva is not only an actress, but also a producer, director and presenter. She was nominated for a Royalty Soapie Award in 2013 and 2015 for her role as Gita McGregor in the category, Outstanding Female Villain.
TVSA reports that she’s also worked on feature films, comedy shows, short films, theatre productions such as Gabriel, Arsenaal, Madam & Eve, Suburban Bliss, Isidingo, Egoli and many more.
Da Silva was married to former 7de Laan actor Eckard Rabe, who is famously known for his role as Chris Edwards in Egoli: Place of Gold. Rabe and Da Silva, who were married for 12 years have a daughter named Caitlin.
The talented actress played the popular role of Gita McGregor in the SABC2 soapie for over five years. TshisaLIVE reported in May 2016 that she was leaving the show to move to Cape Town to be closer to her daughter, who was studying there.
“We at 7de Laan are sad at the loss of a wonderful actress but wish her everything of the best for the future. It’s not goodbye‚ just a temporary farewell‚” said a representative from the show.The popular 7de Laan star Jo da Silva revealed to Sarafina Magazine in February 2018 that she was returning to stage after a decade long hiatus from theatre.
The radio and TV personality also revealed to the publication that she’s been spat on, punched, shouted, sworn at by fans who were convinced she was the villainous role she played in the Afrikaans soapie.
“Those moments were very difficult to make sense of but for the most part, the fans are lovely. It’s just the small handful that are quite convinced that you really are Gita in real life.”
She adds that Gita was a superb role and has no regrets in playing her, so she’s delighted that she was cause for so much conversation in homes and nunneries.
“I had entire churches praying for my soul! I’m very glad that I got people talking if nothing else,” adds the talented actress.