A turn in the tide in False Bay washes a new character ashore on M-Net’s multi-generational drama Summertide on Sunday 12 May at 18:00, played by multi-hyphenate actor Tanya van Graan.
Van Graan’s character, Charlie, becomes Lucy’s (Evangelina Hallock) educational psychologist – and immediately makes a significant connection with Martin (Frank Rautenbach). What that spark will mean for a man still grieving the loss of his wife, Julia (Amalia Uys), and challenged by his feelings for one-time lover Rebecca Solomons (Monique Rockman) will mean, is set to be revealed over the coming weeks.
The deeply intellectual Charlie is pursuing a PhD focused on gifted children, which reflects a deep curiosity and empathetic nature. Viewers will soon see that she offers a compelling blend of professional drive, personal warmth, and complexity that will change the way things in the cosy enclave are perceived.
South African-born Tanya Van Graan’s local and international career has spanned more than 15 years of work across multiple genres. She was most recently seen on screen as Romy in the CW Network’s Professionals, starring opposite Brendan Fraser and Tom Welling. Locally, she starred as Roxy on kykNET’s Binnelanders, shone in her musical theatre element in Janice Honeyman’s Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates, and performed several show-stopping routines on Strictly Come Dancing.
Tanya spent her formative years learning and perfecting the full spectrum of singing, dancing, and playing numerous musical instruments, which led her to pursue a formal education at Pretoria Technicon and AFDA. Although she grew up as a bush baby on a farm in the Lowveld, her truest and deepest passion and love lies in the ocean and ocean conservation – perfect preparation for joining the cast of Summertide – where she spends any free time she gets in her busy filming schedule, underwater as a certified free diver.
“Joining the Summertide family has truly been one of my favourite experiences till now. I have always been in love with False Bay and Simon’s Town and its incredible coastline, so getting to film here has been a real gift.” Tanya says. She adds, “I absolutely love playing Charlie. I can draw a lot from my own life experiences for this character. My fellow actors are beyond talented and a joy to be around, the crew and the cast feel like family. I believe there will be many people out there that can relate to her story.”
Catch Summertide at 18:00 every Sunday on M-Net, streaming on DStv Stream, and at your leisure on DStv CatchUp. Join the conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #SummertideSA.
Feature image credit: Justin Munitz