Siobhan Hodgson makes a splash as Bernadette du Plessis in Skemergrond
Actress Siobhan Hodgson recently made her first appearance in Skemergrond and immediately had viewers buzzing. Her character, Bernadette du Plessis, is anything but ordinary: an impulsive, energetic and free-spirited woman with a past full of passion, longing and unexpected twists.
Siobhan says:
“Bernadette is an impulsive, sensual and free-thinking woman. She has spent most of her life chasing fantasies and men in her pursuit of the fairy tale she’s always dreamed of.”
Born and raised in Gemoedsdrif, Bernadette returns home after years of adventure, romance and disappointment abroad. Now 49, she finds herself at a crossroads and clings to the hope of winning back her high school love, Manny.
Siobhan adds:
“She’s a classic disruptor and escape artist. She struggles with responsibility, loves to party, and is drawn to all things new age, like yoga and astrology. She dresses provocatively and uses her charm and flirtiness to captivate others – always seeking attention, love and security. But behind her glittering exterior lies deep insecurity and a fear of aging and losing her appeal.”
Her preparation for the role was far from conventional.
Siobhan explains:
“A month before filming, I was in a remote part of India. I sometimes had to climb a mountain or sit on a hotel rooftop to get enough WiFi to watch episodes of Skemergrond and learn more about the world and the characters.”
She says the screen test with the director and styling teams helped further refine Bernadette’s look and attitude.
When asked what she enjoyed most about playing the role, she says:
“I loved her bold, flirtatious side – often so inappropriate that it raised quite a few eyebrows.”
Her biggest challenge?
“Making sure that despite her larger-than-life personality, she didn’t come across as a caricature. I wanted her to feel real – believable and authentic,” she says. “I thought the steamy scenes with Manny might be uncomfortable, but they weren’t at all. Dirk Stoltz is an absolute gentleman, and we laughed a lot.”
While there are many differences between Siobhan and her character, there are also overlaps.
“I’m an introvert, rarely wear makeup, often forget to brush my hair, and feel most comfortable in a tracksuit and sneakers. I’m much more grounded than she is. But we both grew up in small towns with big dreams of adventure. I’ve actually visited many of the exotic places she talks about.”
And does she like Bernadette?
“Yes and no. I love her adventurous, creative spirit, but not her mean streak.”
Siobhan, whose relationship with Penguin Films goes back to her first lead role in the TV series S.O.S. (2000–2004), says joining Skemergrond was an easy yes.
“The actors and crew are warm, professional and incredibly talented. They take the work seriously but not themselves, and that’s my favourite kind of set.”
Although she originally wanted to become a wildlife vet, Siobhan somehow ended up in this career.
“My first professional role was in a Reza de Wet play at the Pretoria State Theatre, performing with legendary actors from whom I learned so much. I’ve since worked with incredible artists over the years in a range of guest, supporting and lead roles. My favourite characters in recent local productions include Heike (AKA Jill), Christelle’s nosy and unhappy German neighbour in Koek, the shy and broken Helen in Die Byl and Parkinson’s patient Beth in Projek Dina. My favourite roles in recent international projects include Victoria, a machine gun-wielding sergeant in the US series Revelation Road, and the Scottish Dr Buchanan in Recipes for Love and Murder.”
Siobhan also has experience behind the camera. In 2022, she directed and co-produced a youth nature series for Disney and National Geographic and is currently developing two more nature-focused projects.
What’s next?
“I’ve just accepted a role as an Irish nun in a Scottish period film set in 1912, and I’m saving up for a photo expedition to Bhutan in 2026.”
Skemergrond airs every Monday to Thursday at 19:30 on kykNET&kie (DStv channel 145) to see what Bernadette will get up to next. It’s also available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.
