Actress Jo-Anne Reyneke has officially joined the Netflix family, making her much-anticipated debut as the lead in the new series Bad Influencer. The multi-talented actress takes on the role of BK, a small-time scammer and single mother who will do anything to provide for her special needs son.
In the series, BK teams up with aspiring luxury influencer Pinky (played by Cindy Mahlangu) to run an online fake designer handbag business. But things take a dangerous turn when their side hustle catches the attention of both Bra Alex (played by Vincent Mahlape)—a powerful player in a counterfeiting ring—and the police. Caught between criminals and law enforcement, BK and Pinky must use their street smarts to survive, avoid prison, and somehow make their dreams come true.
Speaking to TRUE LOVE, Jo-Anne revealed that the role of BK allowed her to tap into a side of herself that fans rarely get to see.
“I enjoyed playing BK, I am very tomboyish and so is she. I usually play very feminine characters, in gowns and heels, but this time, I can just rock up in sneakers and be myself,” she said.
Reflecting on how the role came about, Jo-Anne expressed deep gratitude to the show’s writer and Netflix for believing in her talent.
“The experience has been absolutely lovely. The lady who wrote the show, her name is Kudi Maradzika, and I met her when I was still at The Estate. She got to see me off-set and realised that I’m actually quite masculine,” she recalled.
“That’s when she was creating the show, and she said, ‘In about three years, when I’m done with this show, I’m going to call you.’ You know, three years is a long time, but true to her word, she called me. There were other people that the channel wanted, but when it’s for you, nothing can stand in the way. I went in there and I killed it, and I don’t say that often, but I killed it this time.”
Jo-Anne shared that she received a call just two days after her audition, a quick turnaround that left her in awe. She also praised Netflix for treating actors with the respect they deserve.
“To get paid what you’re worth for the first time and to have such VIP treatment where nothing touches you, they don’t want anything to happen to you, you’re protected at all costs, and you matter. You’re not at the bottom of the pyramid,” she said.
“I think the rest of the Johannesburg industry should try to push towards putting the actor first, because they are the ones who are either going to sink or sail your ship. So I just want to say to Netflix, this is what actors deserve, and we thank you for thinking that too.”
Outside of Netflix, Jo-Anne is also captivating audiences on YouTube in Chris Q Radebe’s series Shut Up! Men Are Talking. She plays Nontobeko, a widow fighting for her right to choose her own path after her husband’s death.
“I think everybody else read the story and thought of a broken person going through this, but I see a resilient woman who’s not going to lay down and take it,” Jo-Anne said. “What’s unfortunate is how common this story is and how many people are relating to it. I wish it was far-fetched, but it’s not.”
The series’ overwhelming positive reception took her by surprise.
“It was such a pleasure making it with Chris. We had no idea it would have this kind of effect on people, so many people love it. I just hope he can sell it for the money he deserves and that it can be on one of these wonderful channels very soon.”
When asked which of her many characters stands out as her favourite, Jo-Anne didn’t hesitate.
“My favourite character for the longest time was Sli from Side Dish, but she’s been very recently replaced by BK from Bad Influencer. I love those two ladies. They’re just not normal, and that stuff is fun to play.”
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