She may play the role of a supervillain on TV, but off-screen, Charlene le Roux is a humble hardworking single mom from Wetton.
The 39-year-old actress and radio personality play the role of the mischievous Nina Richter on popular kykNET soapie Suidooster.
You may also recognise her as the voice of the Afternoon Drive traffic presenter on Cape Talk radio.
“Nina” has been causing quite a stir and Charlene, from Wetton, says this has spilled over into her real life.
“People have built up so much anger against Nina that it actually shows when I walk in a public place,” she says.
OPPIE JOB: Charlene and co-star. Photo: SUPPLIED
“Some people would look at me funny and some would actually make remarks.”
Nina is plotting to bomb Suidooster Properties, but Charlene says fans can relax, she is nothing like her character.
“I am an only child so to play an older sister figure to Wade (Dean John Smith) was a challenge, but I trusted the process.
“Nina had a father whom she loved dearly and meant the world to her. I was raised by a single mother and had my grandfather as a father figure.
“I think we are similar in that she is calm and in control, but I use it in a good way whereas Nina is manipulative, which I am not.”
Charlene studied at UCT and obtained a Bilingual Performers Diploma in Theatre.
Before joining Suidooster in October, she featured in a range of short films, movies and theatre productions, including Four Corners and Krotoa.
She also plays Sara Strandloper in the short film Benjamin, which showed at the Silwerskermfees 2018.