A Portland man went from being a chaperone for actors to scoring a part in a TV show.
Marco Julie, 49, plays the role of Tubby in Melody, which screens on SABC 2. He plays the bad guy in the series and a bodyguard to the character, Jack.
It was in 2019, that Mr Julie got the opportunity to be part of the series after having worked as a chaperone and driver for hotels, Parliament and shows such as Pop Idols, Sarah se geheim and Melody.
“The director gave me an opportunity to play this role, I did not hesitate to do it. I perform alongside the lead actor Abduraghman Adams and Moeniel Jacobs. They have really been guiding me,” he said.
He could relate to the part, he said, because of his environment and what was happening in his community. “However, the character is not me in real life,” he added.
“I was surprised by this. My team was very proud and supportive of me playing this role. People like us from our communities can achieve anything and go for our dreams. I hope this will motivate other parents too.”
Mr Julie is a single father, who raised and lives with his daughter, Amber Julie, 22, in their Portland home.
“It was challenging for me at the time because I had to devote my life to my daughter. I did the best I could to give my daughter all that she needed. Today my daughter is an air hostess, and I am so proud of her,” he said.
Mr Julie continues to work as a chaperone for the film industry. Melody usually airs on SABC 2 on a Tuesday at 7:30pm, but is currently not airing due to lockdown and its restrictions on the film industry.