Caitlyn Kleyn is an actor from Benoni, South Africa, with a deep passion for performance, public speaking, and advocacy. From a young age, she embraced the world of the arts through her involvement in the Allegretto Eisteddfod, where she showcased her talents in both singing and acting. Driven by a strong desire to use her voice for positive impact, Caitlyn began seeking opportunities to lead and uplift others.
In high school, she took her first step toward leadership by becoming a class captain, a decision that marked the beginning of her commitment to representation and support for her peers. Her dedication earned her a position in her school’s esteemed leadership program, the VRL, where she found a platform to advocate for fellow students and foster a culture of encouragement and inclusion. For Caitlyn, culture and the performing arts are not just interests, they are integral to her identity. She continues to pursue acting with the goal of giving a voice to those who haven’t yet found their own.
Caitlyn, who trains with DMH Talent Agency, the leading management of actors, dancers, models and singers in the local and international arts and entertainment industry, is headed to Hollywood this June for iPOP!
HELLO CAITLYN KLEYN, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT GOT YOU INTO ACTING AND DANCING THAT MADE YOU REALIZE THAT IT WAS YOUR CHOSEN PATH?
I always had a love for acting, as I am naturally an absolute drama queen, but I think the day I realized that acting was indeed my calling was when I stepped up onto stage for the “kyk net” audition which was my first ever monologue that I have performed at such a professional level. I remember feeling a sense of relief and happiness as I fully became the character I was portraying, and I truly believe that it was the most freeing experience of my life.
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER ACTORS / DANCERS?
Well, there’s just one simple answer “I am the best.”I am an extremely hardworking and driven person who is perseverant and resilient and not scared to receive criticism to grow as a performer. I am passionate and will never render to put my whole heart, soul, sweat and tears into all my work.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING HAVE YOU RECEIVED WITH DMH AGENCY?
I have received acting training, which has truly developed my acting techniques as well as pushing me to reach my full potential with my monologue as well as my advertisement.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ROLES / DANCE RECITALS YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN?
My favorite would probably be singing for Ashton’s drama club modeling show. As well as performing the national anthem At Allegretto Eisteddfod National gala. My obvious highlight would have to be dancing at kaleidoscope for a Revue competition.
WHAT ACCENTS AND DIALECTS CAN YOU DO?
An obvious one is my Johannesburg accent, but I can also swap to a British accent, Texan accent and a standard American accent.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECTS THAT YOU TYPICALLY PREFER?
Stage projects is exhilarating and just more known to me ,so very in my comfort zone as I have done on stage performances, but I think that screen projects such as a series or a movie is interesting to me because it is a completely new world , so I think I would prefer a screen project like a sitcom or maybe a romcom or drama as it would be extremely fun to attempt .
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN PREPARING FOR AN AUDITION?
I have a very strict rule and that is to study the character, understand their habits, their drives, their way of thinking. I like to ask questions and go a bit deeper into maybe the background and reason for the words being said.
HAS THERE BEEN ONE PARTICULAR MOMENT IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
I think every performance I am able to receive feedback like “You have inspired me” or “That really meant something to me.” is my proud moments in my career.
WHAT’S BEEN THE PROS AND CONS OF PURSUING YOUR CHOSEN CAREER?
The pros are I can live out my passion and I can build a platform to inspire and create awareness ,but the cons are that there will always be a person that is more talented ,younger , more experienced and just in general better than you. Acting is an extremely competitive work and there are many people who want to pursue a career in acting, which is a factor that will influence your career.
WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
My mom and dad were huge influences that helped to shape me to become who I am by filling me with the love of Jesus and patience. My family and friends also encouraged and supported me, which without, I would never have overcome the mountains I needed to, to become the best version I can be.
WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH IN FUTURE?
Merryl Streep and Emma Stone.
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Don’t be so hard on yourself, just relax and keep going you will get where you need to be, just trust the process and trust God.
IF YOU WEREN’T AN ACTOR WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU BE DOING?
I would then love to pursue a career in singing, mainly in Nashville singing country, but If I must do a completely different line of work, outside of acting and singing. I would pursue my studies in BCom law, specializing in corporate and entertainment law.
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT ANY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS?
Yes, I believe that it builds a hopeful nation; we give back to people who really need it. I am truly passionate about “If you are blessed enough and you can give then I think you should” Help the community around you not for the clout but just to be a good person!
AS AN INTERNATIONAL NAVIGATING HOLLYWOOD, HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR ROOTS AND HERITAGE WILL INFLUENCE YOUR WORK AND THE ROLES YOU CHOOSE?
As a Boertjie, I feel that I am prone to push for roles that align with my morals.
IN TODAY’S HOLLYWOOD, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PUSH FOR GREATER INCLUSIVITY AND REPRESENTATION. HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK CONTRIBUTING TO THIS MOVEMENT, AND WHAT CHANGES DO YOU STILL HOPE TO SEE IN THE INDUSTRY?
I feel that inclusivity is a phenomenal concept, but it also has many grey areas, as it can tend to compromise many aspects that make a performance original. I think that making sure everyone and anyone is given a fair chance should just be something that should be implemented ,but I want my work to reflect that it doesn’t matter what color and what culture you are ,what is important is the acting .Acting takes on many forms and I want my work to just be about my work and my talent ,and I hope to see more of that in the future Hollywood, that you are chosen because of your talent and your fit to the role.
WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM JOB BE?
To receive a lead role in a sitcom or movie.
FOR FUN! IF YOU WENT BACK TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD, WHICH ACTOR DO YOU RESONATE WITH MOST AND WHY?
Grace Kelly, I believe that grace resonates with me in many ways as she was underestimated by many people due to her “Hitchcock blonde” Label. I am also underestimated and looked down on in many conversations due to people thinking I am irrelevant because I seem dumb. I admire Kelly as she turned the world of women acting from that siren, seductive stupidity to a work of elegance and intelligence labeling women as more than just pretty dolls. She also said many heartfelt and moving words for many humanitarian causes. Which resonates with me deeply as I know there are many voices I would also like to speak up for.
HAVE YOU SET ANY 2025 PROFESSIONAL GOALS TO ACHIEVE?
First goal for 2025 is hopefully to be signed by a talent agent. Afterwards I hope to attain a role in a movie or a series.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT OR IPOP! THIS SUMMER?
To gain experience and meet with people I wouldn’t normally get to meet with and maybe a little part of me is also going to taste some American foods.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FOLLOW YOU ONLINE?
You can follow me on Instagram @caitlynkleyn
