He may be young, but Simbithi’s Tayne de Villiers is also ambitious, focused and determined to reach his dreams. We caught up with the 19-year-old model and sportsman.
It’s the ultimate dream. But, when someone tells you they want to be a famous actor in Hollywood, it’s easy to dismiss it as a ‘pipe dream’… unattainable and out of reach.
Somehow though, that’s just not the case when Tayne tells you this is what he has his sights set on. Not after seeing all he has already achieved at such a young age.
From simply being scouted on Instagram, Tayne has already had incredible international exposure and experience in the modelling world. Not only has he been featured in a Roberto Cavalli Vodka campaign and graced the covers of two magazines in Los Angeles, but he is also part of a gallery exhibition that is set to showcase in London, New York and Paris.
His biggest achievement to date, though, Tayne says, is signing a three-year contract with WhiteCross Management, which is owned by celebrity photographer Jim Jordan (who also discovered Tayne on Instagram).
An avid sportsman, former Glenwood Boys High boy Tayne says he was always very focused on his sport, growing up. He made the under 18 junior Sharks rugby club, got his SA colours in karate and KZN colours in Taekwondo. “I loved rugby and cricket at school and even now I would rather go to gym on a Friday night than go out partying.” His current interests include Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and boxing, as well as motocross, which he enjoys on the weekend.
After school Tayne studied event management online through UCT and recently completed a diploma in fitness and nutrition. He is the brand ambassador for Dranged Fitness clothing and a Nutritech sponsored athlete.
When it comes to modeling Tayne says he definitely prefers photographic work to ramp modelling. “I tried ramp once and I walked like an injured rugby player,” he laughs.
Having signed his contract with WhiteCross Management, Tayne says his next step is to move to Los Angeles (as soon as he is able to travel again), where he will focus on his ultimate goal of becoming an actor. “I have already met with producers and directors and acting is definitely where I want to be.”
Asked who he looks up to in life, Tayne says it is his mom, Nikki. “I couldn’t have done any of this without her love and support.”
Text: Leah Shone
