Bio
Adrian Alper was a South African actor, director, writer, comedian, voice artist, presenter and M.C. best known for his leading role as Calvin in the SABC3 sitcom Streaks, in 1995.
He also played the role of Lesley in the SABC1 soapie Generations (1993-1994) and the role of Sharky in the SABC3 soapie Isidingo, in 1999 and again in 2001.
In 2004 he starred in the M-Net murder mystery Plek van die Vleisvreters as Randall Jantjies, a slacker with connections in the seedy world of drugs and petty crime.
Other television series he acted in include Young Vision (1991), Zero Tolerance (2004-2006), the e.tv sitcom Scoop Schoombie, SABC2's 7de Laan and the M-Net thriller mini-series Trackers (2019).
On 18 January, 2001 he appeared on the eleventh episode of the SABC3 game show The Big Idea with fellow Streaks stars Juanita Strydom and Joyce Skefu, in which they competed against a team made up of comedians Shane Howarth, Jenny De Lenta and Billy Mashego to build a crane.
Adrian studied at the United World College of the Atlantic from 1989-1991 then traveled extensively through Europe, the Far East, Russia and the United States.
He performed in a number of stage productions in Wales before returning to South Africa.
After returning he built an extensive theatre CV, performing in such productions as Cuba and his Teddy Bear in 1992 (for which he was nominated for a Vita Award); Big Sissies Surviving Africa (2000), A Coolie Odyssey (2001), Spook van Donkergat (2004) and Raka (2008).
He also appeared in the 1992 feature film The Spirit of Cain, produced by Red Room Films.
In latter years Adrian focused more on directing for television. His directing credits include Isidingo, Backstage, Madam & Eve, Shado's and Scandal!.
He also wrote extensively for television and theatre including the series Streaks, Rainbow Starship, Generations, Pezoolies and SOS.
Adrian also did voiceover work in radio and television commercials, as well as educational broadcasts and animated characters.
Between 2014 and 2016 he played the recurring role of Lesley Willemse on both seasons of the kykNET youth drama series Sterlopers.
In 2016 he played the recurring role of Mervin Huisamen on the SABC3 dance drama Roer Jou Voete and in 2017/2018 he played the guest role of Mantis on the Mzansi Magic telenovela Isithembiso.
Between 2020 and 2022 he played the recurring role of Gino on the kykNET soapie Suidooster.
He was fluent in English and Afrikaans, conversational in Dutch and French, and spoke basic Russian.
Adrian died on 13 May, 2024 from complications from tuberculosis. He was 51.