Based: Cape Town
With a captivating smile and a sense of destiny, Leigh-Anne Williams is a rising star in the South African entertainment industry that should be watched.
Whether it’s on Good Hope FM’s Drive Show, The Ozone (from 3-6pm every weekday) or as the vivacious presenter of SABC3’s breakfast show, Expresso, Leigh-Anne manages to showcase her talents to wide audience across the country.
But while its radio and television work she’s more well-known for, Leigh-Anne has excelled as an actress as well, featuring in recurring roles in several drama Series including MNET’s League of Glory, Montana (SABC1) and Final Verdict on SABC2.
She has also cut her teeth as a presenter on several shows, including Zoopy (2011), Sci-Fly (2010) and a number of commercials (including Woolworths Christmas 2010).
A vibrant and passionate all-round person who describes herself as “Fun, Flirtatious, vibrant, relevant, real”, Leigh-Anne captivates with both her drive and professionalism, and always knew she would be in a profession that entertains.
“Growing up, I could spend endless hours drawing and writing or just re-enacting scenes from my favourite movies and Shakespearean plays. I always knew that I loved performing and entertaining people, I just didn’t know how it would fit into my life growing up,” she explains.
“One day, upon talking about following your dreams and living your best life, Oprah Winfrey said: “try to make money doing what you love” …those words really inspired me, and from that day onward, I knew that I could make a life out of doing what I loved the most – entertaining people.”
Growing up in a single-parent family proved to be the basis for Leigh-Anne’s determination as she first worked in recruitment before finally deciding to follow her dream.
“I worked in recruitment for 8 years, and not feeling fulfilled in life, I decided to follow my dreams and pursue the radio and television industry. I left my job and for the 8 months that followed struggled more than I ever had in my life. I was the most challenging time of my life, but it was also the first steps I needed to make to make it onto TV and a prime time radio show.”
Since then she has also found her way into acting in corporate videos for clients such as PEP, ABSA and Lewis Live and has done several inserts for Expresso for Corporates such as Parmalat, SA Tourism, Midas, Pick n Pay, L’Oreal and Glamour.
With so much to look forward to Leigh-Anne wants to carve out a niche as someone who can influence others positively.
“I would like to be known as someone who is genuine and real and who cares about people. If, in my life, I can help change and better the lives of others, then that would’ve been a life well lived.”
With a bundle of positive energy around her, Leigh-Anne is heading upwards, determined to make her mark.
