Franci Swanepoel (born on 4 July 1972) was a South African actress, TV presenter, news reader, producer, director, and actor. She was best known for playing Toeks Joubert in the M-Net soap opera Binnelanders.

The prolific actress appeared in many other TV productions such as Getroud met Rugby and Sterlopers. She played the starring role in films like Die vierde Kabinet, Stroomop, and Lien se Lankstaanskoene. 

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Early Life

Franci Swanepoel was born on 4 July 1972 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She was the daughter of Nic Swanepoel, who died in 1998, and Marida Swanepoel.

Since her parents were legends in the entertainment industry, she grew up liking what they did. She was part of radio dramas since the age of five, such as Leon van Nierop’s Stralerjakkers.

Education

Swanepoel matriculated at Linden high school. She studied for a drama degree at the University of Stellenbosch.

Career

After graduating from the university, she started presenting and reading the news on kykNET. She was also a show host for Swerftyd and Fiesta, a show she produced.

Franci entered the television industry in 1980 after starring in Mtunzini Spa, directed by Stephan Bouwer. After impressing the viewers and other directors, more earned more appearances.

The prolific actress played Mevrou Burger in 7 de Laan, Netta Pretorius in Bloedbroers, and Gasspeler in Die Uwe Pottie Potgieter. She bagged roles in Desert Flower and Somebody to Love by Jan Scholtz.

Franci made stage play appearances in the acclaimed Siener in die Suburbs and Swatskaap. She was a continuity presenter for the family public television channel SABC2. 

Swanepoel won many starring roles in many television productions and shows. She starred in Binnelanders, Getroud met Rugby,and Sterlopers.

The Afrikaans actress was cast in the film – Die vierde kabinet, Stroomop and Lien se Lankstaanskoene. She was filming a new drama series on kykNET at the time of her death.

Personal Life

Franci Swanepoel was married to Max Baer, and the couple had a child. She passed away on Saturday, 15 October 2022.

Cause of Death

Afrikaans actress Franci Swanepoel died on Saturday, 15 October 2022. Franci is survived by her husband Max Baer, mother, brother Jan Adriaan and sister Elsje.

Swanepoel died in her sleep and was found in the morning the following day. A cause of death has not yet been made public.

Memorial Service

Her memorial service took place on 22 October. People praised the late actress as someone who was very creative and had a heart of gold.

Braer spoke at the memorial service that “he expected many challenges after her death.” 

A friend of the family Reverend Johan Symington was at the service. He said she was a “source of life, a piece of creativity with a heart of gold.”

Filmography

Swanepoel played many starring roles in Afrikaans shows, films, and stage productions throughout her career:

  • 7de Laan as Mevrou Burger
  • Arsenaal as Nuusleser
  • Binnelanders as Toeks Muller
  • Bloedbroers as Netta Pretorius
  • Die Uwe Pottie Potgieter as Gasspeler
  • Die Vierde Kabinet as Tania
  • Donkerland as Truida de Jager
  • Elke Skewe Pot as Sandra Koekemoer
  • Getroud met Rugby: Die Sepie as Laetitia du Preez
  • Hartland as Antoinette Cilliers
  • Hotel as Shanette
  • Spoorloos as Therese van Tonder
  • Sterlopers as Lorraine Jooste