Hailing from Belhar in Cape Town, Dillon Windvogel is taking the industry by storm. The actor is best known for his role as Vernon Booysen in kykNET local soapie Arendsvlei and now making international waves with the hit Netflix series Blood & Water where he stars as fan favourite and underdog Wade Daniels. Dillon has starred in multiple productions and is eager to act in more.
Upon the global streamer Netflix premiering the third season of Blood & Water, Poppulse had a chat with Dillon about being part of such a massive production, how he landed his big role, the fame that comes with it and how he compares to his on screen character Wade. Keep reading for the full interview!
There’s a tradition at Poppulse where we start off with every star introducing themselves, please tell us who Dillon is and where he comes from?
D: Hi there, my name is Dillon Windvogel. I am an actor and dancer. I am the middle child of three children and I love sleeping. I am from Belhar, in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town.
Who would you say had the most impact in your life and career choices?
D: There’s a lot of things and a few people who have had an impact in my life and each one’s role is as big as the others. God most definitely plays a big role in my life and my career choices. I pray before making any decision that has to do with my life and career. My parents, family and close friends have played a massive role in my life a well. Their support is endless and really motivating.
Someone who played a massive role in myself entering performance or even doing it, is my late primary school dance teacher, Ms Manuel. She believed in me before I even thought that I could perform and played a big role in investing in my growth. I would also like to thank my High school Drama and Dance teachers, Mrs Japhta and Mrs Viljoen, who also played massive roles in helping me to hone my craft and elevate it to a higher level. They helped me break out of the “shy shell” I had become comfortable in.
What was your audition process like for Blood & Water?
D: It started with an email, a request casting to audition for the show Blood & Water and for the role of Wade Daniels. And I initially missed the audition on the day it was being held due to me being on set for another production on that day. Devastated by the opportunity I missed, I then received another email inviting me to audition on the day of the call-backs. I was ecstatic and extremely grateful. I then auditioned and the waiting then started. I was extremely nervous throughout the whole waiting process. Two to three weeks later, I got the call to say that I got the role! And the rest is history.
How do you feel about the Coloured representation on SA TV?
D: I feel like Coloureds are finally being shown in a light other than gangsterism. Being a gangster, street child, funny nosy neighbour etc, were all the typecast roles that coloureds used to get.
We are finally seeing Coloured people and Coloured culture in a different light. A light that shows that we too have means, we too dream big and achieve it; we don’t always fall into gangsterism. Our stories about our culture is so much richer than just being gangsters, and it’s finally getting shown.
What song do you currently have on repeat?
D: Last First Kiss – Abe Parker
Besides yourself, what other actor would you have liked to see tackle the character of Wade?
D: I would love to see the actor Chad Baai tackle the role of Wade. Chad is a very very good friend of mine, my brother for life. Our friendship started at high school where we met in grade 9 and we’ve been close ever since. Except for Chad being one of my closest friends, he’s a phenomenal actor. His take on comedy and portrayal of awkwardness is amazing. And I would love to see what he would’ve done with Wade if given the chance.
What differences and similarities are there between you and Wade?
D: There isn’t much of a difference between myself and Wade. Both of us carry a similar energy and are loyal to those whom we care about. But I think our biggest difference is how Wade isn’t necessarily shy ,where I am very shy. So I think that would be our biggest difference if not our only. Both of us do martial arts, both of us are momma’s boys.
How are you handling the fame that comes with being on such a global platform like Netflix? Is it what you thought it would be?
D: I still get mind boggled by it. I didn’t expect Blood & Water to be received the way it was and to make the waves it did. My head still struggles every now and then to wrap itself around the success of the show. It’s been a massive blessing and I’m super grateful for the opportunity that Gambit Films and Netflix gave me.
What is your dream role?
D: My dream role would be anything alongside Denzel Washington. I admire his work and I admire him even more as a person. It would be the greatest honour to work with him. Whether that be alongside Mr Washington or to be directed by him. That would be my dream role.
Final Question. Are we in for another explosive season finale?
D: Most definitely! This season is action packed ,much darker than before and fast paced. Hold onto your seats whilst you watch and make sure to stay glued so that you don’t miss a thing.
Season 3 of Blood & Water is now streaming on Netflix!
so so good!!! can’t wait to get into the new season😍