Jan Combrink: Meet Die Toring’s heartthrob
Jan Combrink has quite a few things in common with his character in Die Toring. Just like the handsome Theo Burger, he is sporty and never says no to a challenge. But unlike Theo, who grew up on a farm, Jan’s roots are firmly planted in Cape Town.
“I’m a city boy through and through,” says Jan. “I attended Jan van Riebeeck Primary and High School, and both schools were close enough to our home that I could walk there. Living in a city like Cape Town also meant there was always something for my family and me to do.”
Jan had a vivid imagination as a child and once dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot.
“I especially loved planes from the Second World War,” he says. “But I eventually realised that dream wasn’t very realistic, so I channelled my imagination in a different direction, specifically drawing and acting.”
The acting bug bit him in high school.
“In 2017, when I was in Grade 11, I was part of the production Die niks, which eventually made it into the top five of the ATKV-Tienertoneel competition. That’s when I realised I had the ability to take acting further.”
Jan played Hennie Stik in the drama series Juffrou X, but his big breakthrough came when he landed the role of Tristan Field in the series Summertide. Theo in Die Toring is his first leading role in an Afrikaans series.
“The day I heard I got the role, I went to sit in a small park near my house and listened to music. It was a moment of pride and gratitude for this new chapter in my life.”
Die Toring consists of 90 episodes, and Jan has deep appreciation for his fellow cast members.
“We worked incredibly well together and eventually became like family. Simply sharing the set with the other actors has been the biggest highlight.”
Jan is very active, and his current passion is martial arts.
“Boxing and Muay Thai are my favourites. Not that I’ll be stepping into the ring anytime soon, because a Jan with a black eye would look strange on camera,” jokes Jan, who also does modelling work. “I recently started playing guitar, which has become a new hobby for me. I never played instruments as a child, so this is a fun challenge.”
He dreams of working with directors Nico Scheepers (Nêrens, Noord-Kaap, Donkerbos) and Jaco Bouwer (Niggies, Spinners).
“I love their style and think they are taking the Afrikaans film industry in a bold new direction. A dream role would definitely be a cowboy. Our country has so much potential for those kinds of stories, and if I ever get the chance to play a rough-and-tough horse rider, I’m there!”
Die Toring airs every Monday at 21:00 on kykNET (DStv channel 144). The series is also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
