Danny de Bruyne
00000000000000000000000000Danny de Bruyne is a South African actor known for his multilingualism and versatility. He is 48 years old as of 2025. Danny is best known for several television roles including portraying De Wet on etv soapie drama Scandal!.
Early Life and Background
Danny de Bruyne was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1977. He attended Pretoria Technical High School. While limited public information is available about his early childhood and family background, Danny’s path to acting began relatively later in life — at around the age of 34. He has described his early days in the film and television industry as a time of learning through observation, starting out as a background artist on various productions. This period helped him understand the craft and on-set dynamics of professional acting before transitioning to larger roles. His fluency in English, Afrikaans, and Greek has proven to be an asset in South Africa’s bilingual entertainment environment, giving him access to diverse acting opportunities across linguistic markets. (1)
Acting Training and Development
Recognizing the importance of formal training, Danny undertook comprehensive studies to sharpen his acting craft. He studied Method Acting and the Meisner Technique, both known for their emphasis on emotional authenticity and natural performance. He also received training through The Actors Foundry in the USA, further enhancing his understanding of performance technique and camera work. This blend of local and international training has shaped his acting style into one grounded in realism and emotional truth.
Career Beginnings
Danny de Bruyne began his career with smaller background and supporting roles. He used these experiences to build his screen presence and gain professional exposure. Over time, his persistence paid off, leading to more substantial opportunities. His first notable breakthrough came in 2017 with a lead role in the Afrikaans television series Die Man Met Die Snor, broadcast on kykNET. That same year, he made a cameo appearance in the popular South African soap opera 7de Laan, marking his entry into mainstream television.
Television and Film Work
Danny’s acting portfolio has since grown to include a range of television and streaming productions. Notably, he played Detective Pienaar in the series The Executive (2022), one of his standout screen roles. He also appeared in Lioness and The Estate during 2022, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable and adaptable actor. In March 2025 Danny joined etv soapie drama Scandal! where he portrayed the role of De Wet, Tshidi’s husband. His television work reflects a steady climb from minor appearances to significant supporting and lead roles within the South African entertainment landscape.
Theatre and Stage Work
Beyond television and film, Danny has also built a strong theatre background. In 2019, he showcased his range in musical theatre, performing dual roles — Alfie Doolittle and Zoltán Karpathy — in My Fair Lady with Full House Productions. That same year, he starred in Cupcakes & Commiserations at the Meisner Studio Johannesburg, taking on a lead stage role that highlighted his versatility and commitment to live performance.
Skills and Personal Interests
Danny stands approximately 1.72 m (5′6″) tall . Outside of acting, he possesses a wide range of talents and hobbies, including singing, cricket, golf, swimming, and fly-fishing. These interests not only enrich his off-screen life but also contribute to his adaptability for diverse acting roles that demand physicality or performance skills.
Overview and Legacy
Danny de Bruyne exemplifies the working actor’s journey — beginning with background work, pursuing professional training, and gradually earning lead roles in both stage and screen productions. His story underscores the perseverance required to succeed in South Africa’s competitive entertainment industry. Though not yet a global household name, he continues to build an impressive body of work through dedication, linguistic diversity, and a passion for storytelling.
