I'm Excited By What Lies Ahead

Actress Carine Rous opens up to Stephanie van der Plank about dealing with a tragic loss in the family, personal reinvention... and doing pliés to the sound of Roxette in her living room.

- Stephanie van der Plank

Carine Rous, 33, is best known for her role as Esme, the straight talking casino pit-boss on High Rollers, one of SA’s most-watched telenovelas on SABC 3. It’s a part she’s held since the show’s inception in 2013. After studying drama, Carine went on to star in several local productions. She’s played ditsy Samantha in Askies; no-nonsense journalist Caitlin Moorhouse in Isidingo; and quirky receptionist Susan in the box-office hit Semi-Soet.

The youngest of three kids, she grew up in Pretoria, but lived in France for four years as a child with parents Annette and Piet, sister Janine, and brother Schalk, who now lives in Australia. Her husband Luke, 35, owns production company Rous House Productions with his brother Joshua and friend Meren Reddy, and the three produce High Rollers. Carine and Luke live in Linden and are planning a quiet New Year’s Eve, braaing with family.

There’s no time like the present to make a change. Why wait for New Year’s Day to make your resolutions? Five years ago, I was 10kg heavier, and felt horrible. My dad had tragically passed away and I’d fallen into bad eating habits as a way of coping with the trauma. I decided something had to change, so I started eating better, taking the stairs rather than the lift, and going for long walks. It doesn’t matter when you decide to improve, as long as you do.