PALI alumna Mia-Anne O’Kennedy has had a long lasting career with many successes.
She is currently screening as Antoinette du Preez in the Showmax telenovela Reënboogrant. Some of her acting credits include Binnelanders, Getroud met Rugby, 7de Laan and recently the kykNET film Melk en Vleis. For this month’s Focus On we had a quick catch up with Mia-Anne.
When did you realise you would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?
In high school, I dreamed of becoming a presenter. I was an avid viewer of Top Billing, and it quickly became part of my “one day I’m going to be…” narrative. I believed that studying Drama would be the first step toward achieving that goal, so I enrolled in the BA Drama program at the University of Pretoria. During my studies, I discovered that my true passion lay in television and film acting. Since film training wasn’t offered as part of the curriculum at Tuks at that stage, many of us sought additional training through PALI, where Shareen Swart played a pivotal role in helping us secure auditions. At the end of my third year, I landed my first acting role in KykNET’s Villa Rosa.
What is your favourite memory of your time at PALI?
While training at PALI, we attended evening classes once or twice a week. There was a real sense of connection among everyone during that time, and we genuinely enjoyed every moment together. It’s hard to choose just one standout memory, as my time at PALI was truly one of the highlights of my student years. I loved the night classes, the photoshoots, the fashion shows and the overall professionalism that Shareen and Kaz brought to every session.
"... the most important skills an actor should have are humility, respect and adaptability. "
In your opinion, what is the most important skill an actor should have?
I believe the most important skills an actor should have are humility, respect and adaptability. These qualities are essential—not only in how you approach the character you’re portraying, but also in how you engage with the production as a whole and everyone involved in it. Acting is a collaborative process, and it requires you to be open, grounded and willing to listen. You need to respect the director’s vision, the crew’s hard work and your fellow actors’ creative processes. Adaptability is just as crucial, as every set, role and team is different. The ability to adjust, take direction and remain professional in ever-changing environments can make all the difference in an actor’s growth and success.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?
Three things I’ve learned that I wish every aspiring artist would keep in mind.
1. Stay curious and keep training. Talent gets you noticed, but continuous learning keeps you growing. Take classes, read plays, watch films from different eras and cultures, and study people—both on and off the stage.
2. Cultivate humility.
3. Build resilience and a life outside the industry. Rejection is part of the journey, not a verdict on your worth. Develop interests, relationships and routines that nourish you beyond your work. A well‑rounded life fuels richer performances and protects your mental health.
Catch Mia-Anne in Reënboogrant! New episodes are released on Showmax every Wednesday and the show also screens on kykNET every Friday.
