Draft:Francois Stemmet

Francois Philippus Stemmet (born 11 October 1945) is a South African actor, voice actor and writer.Francois Stemmet is best known for his role as Sarel Seemonster on the Afrikaans children's variety programme "Wielie Walie," created by Louise Smit. He is also recognized for his performances in the films "Vergeet My Nie" (1976), "Breekpunt" (1971), and "Ridder van die Grootpad" (1976).

He has appeared in several films, such as "Fiela se Kind," as well as television programs including "7de Laan."

Early Life and Education
Stemmet spent his early years in various locations due to his father's job as a farm foreman. He attended school in Montagu, Vyeboom, and Franschhoek, where he began to show an interest in acting. Despite facing social challenges as a farm foreman's child, he participated in school debates, concerts, and served as a master of ceremonies for various school events.

In 1963, during aptitude tests at Stellenbosch University, a professor suggested that drama was his calling. Stemmet faced ridicule from his peers for his interest in drama but continued to pursue his passion. He played tennis and rugby in school and for the town's club shortly after matriculating from Franschhoek High School in 1963.

Stemmet completed his diploma in Speech and Drama at UNISA and studied Drama at the Rita Maas School of Drama and Dancing in Cape Town.

Career
Stemmet joined the South African Police in 1964l. While in the police, he attended evening classes at the Maas Phillips School for Drama and Dancing.

In January 1968, Stemmet was appointed at KRUIK in Cape Town, marking the beginning of his professional career as an artist. He worked with KRUIK for two years, touring the Cape Province with plays alongside actors like Wena Naude, James Norval, and Anna Cloete. He played roles in various productions, including "Lappies" in "Lappies die slappiesmous" and Christian de Nuivillette in "Cyrano de Bergerac" under the direction of Professor Robert Mohr.

In January 1970, Stemmet moved to Pretoria to join TRUK, where he toured the Transvaal province, visiting schools and performing in plays such as "Antigony" under Karel Trichardt and "Afrikaners is plesierig" by Andre P. Brink. He began freelancing in 1971 and started his film career with the Jans Rautenbach film "Katrina," starring Jill Kirkland.

Stemmet's career continued to expand into radio, where he played roles in serials like "Die wildtemmer" and "Die Rosseaus van La Rochelle." He also wrote and acted in numerous radio dramas and mini-serials for the Afrikaans service, and later for RSG.

He completed his diploma in speech and drama at UNISA and ventured into dubbing, translating, and directing numerous foreign series into Afrikaans. Stemmet became one of the recognizable commercial voices, notably for Sun City advertisements.

Stemmet has also made significant contributions to dubbing and translation of numerous series from American, British, Dutch, French, and German origins. Among his notable dubbing roles are Petrocelli in the series T.J. Hooker, where he lent his voice to characters in the Afrikaans version of the show.

Throughout his career, Stemmet has been a prominent voice in commercials and has worked extensively in television series and single dramas. He has also appeared in various TV series, including "Song vir Katryn," "Sonkring ," and "Dryfsand."

Writing Career
Stemmet's writing career began with radio stories, and he eventually moved on to self-publishing his novel "KAMBRO,". He later published "TANJA" based on one of his RSG stories, which became a bestseller.

Stemmet's association with Malherbe Uitgewers led to the publication of "Kambro," "Katbos," "Mis oor die see," "Mis oor die see 2," and his first radio story, "Die pad oor Kleinbegin."

Personal Life
Stemmet married Laetitia Vermaak on December 14, 1974. The couple moved to Johannesburg in 1976, they have two children and six grandchildren.

Theatre

 * Antigonie, (Sentry, dir.Carel Trichardt)
 * Kinkels in die Kabel, (Drommel vannie Kaap, dir. Carel Trichardt)
 * Cyrano de Bergerac, (Christian de Nuvielette, dir. Prof Robert Mohr)
 * Richard III, (Various parts,CAPAB)
 * Lappies die Lappiesmous, (Lappies,CAPAB)
 * Moeder Courage, (Eilef, dir. Truida Pohl)

Radio
 Books 
 * Bloedmaan
 * Die derde rit
 * Die Heks by C Louis Leipoldt
 * Die Lëe Graf
 * Die Tjello by Michiel Potgieter
 * Die Selle
 * Somer van ses-en-vyftig(Engela van Rooyen-Linde)
 * Saterdagresep(RSG)
 * Blomme vir die winter by NP van Wyk Louw


 * Tanja
 * Mis oor die see 1(2020) Malherbe Uitgewers,  ISBN 9781928512493
 * Mis oor die see II(2020) Malherbe Uitgewers,,ISBN 9781928513568
 * Kambro(2020) Malherbe Uitgewers, ISBN 9781928513766
 * Katbos(2020) Malherbe Uitgewers, ISBN 9781928513773
 * Die pad oor klein begin, ISBN 9798719326023
 * Oupa, dis Donker,ISBN 9781776462254