Former 7de Laan actress Diaan Lawrenson has been named the new CEO of the film school AFDA, which marks a milestone in her long-running career in South African entertainment.
Set to begin in January 2025, the appointment will follow her five-and-a-half-year role as dean of AFDA Cape Town, according to The Citizen.
Lawrenson’s journey in the entertainment industry started in the early 2000s with minor roles in television series, such as Egoli and Song vir Katryn.
Her breakthrough came with the soap opera 7de Laan, where she played Paula van der Leque from 2008 to 2016.
During this period, Lawrenson garnered critical acclaim, winning the YOU Spectacular Award for Best Actress in 2010 and 2013, and the ATKV Feather Award for Best Actress in 2009.
Besides acting, Lawrenson has established herself as a multifaceted creative professional, as she is the co-owner of Jester Productions.
In addition, Lawrenson has been involved in filmmaking, writing and producing for more than a decade.
In 2015, she wrote and produced the short film Hartloop, and appeared in critically acclaimed films, such as Mooirivier, Sink and Raaiselkind.
Her transition to education began in 2016, when she started lecturing at AFDA Cape Town.
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Picture: @diaanlawrenson / Instagram