10 Questions For: Graeme Richards

From television and the stage to leading roles in global commercial campaigns and films, this presenter, actor, MC, voiceover artist and model is a prominent personality on the South African social and entertainment scene. Catch him every morning on SABC3’s Expresso Morning Show. 

1. How would you describe what you do for a living?
While most of the time, because authenticity is vital for me, it feels like I’m just professionally being Graeme. On the show [Expresso] our mandate is to spread love and positivity and on a deeper level I now know that we are there to give incredible people validation for the amazing work they are doing. You would be left dumbfounded by how many of the selfless individuals who cross our path have no idea just how important and beautiful they are and their work is.

2.  What is your most vivid childhood memory?
Waiting nervously backstage at the Mooi River town hall to play a very short (height-wise) and pretty darn convincing Tom Sawyer (yes, I was a tad mischievous). While it takes roughly 15 minutes to navigate the entire town of Mooi River, I still consider this my break-out role. Thank you, Mrs Lanham!

3. If you could invite any three people, dead or alive, for dinner, who would they be and why?
1. His outdated table manners notwithstanding, definitely Carthaginian general Hannibal Hamilcar. Not only for proving that Africa was and can be the intellectual and commercial centre of the world but also because he fought and beat impossible odds till his dying breath and was interesting enough to get me through four years of tedious Latin studies.
2. Albert Einstein because I’m sure he must have had the coolest sense of humour.
3. And finally, if David Beckham isn’t available, as he is quite busy, my great, great grandchild (looking at my current family, probably a kick ass woman changing the world), mainly to find out what my legacy will be and how the whole 'Mars thing’ played out. 

4.  If you ever found yourself auditioning for a music reality TV show, what song would you sing and why?
Seeing as I really can’t sing but have somehow found myself in two musicals, I’ll stick with the song that’s done the job in the past and the only one I really know from start to finish, ‘More than Words’ by Extreme. Thankfully 90s rock ballads are all in the emotion baby… OK, and maybe the hair!

5.  How would you complete this sentence? The South African cabinet should include a Minister of________________
BS. When our now very well honed political BS detector goes off, their mandate is to call out any truly useless or un-South African behaviour. Then we can think about introducing a Minister of Positive Reinforcement. 

6.  What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
That the energy levels and positivity are a put-on for the screen. I have to live in this explosive head and body every day, it can be a lil' exhausting.

7.  What is your (honest) opinion of Cape Town?
Born in Cape Town, definitely defined by an upbringing in Joburg, and tempered by boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal, I feel I am pretty well qualified to offer balanced commentary. Living here for three years, for me Cape Town has been a revelation, not only in the quality of life but also in the lack of limits I now feel, which admittedly has a lot to do with where I am on my own life trajectory. Being this close to so much beauty is a gift that I reckon many Cape Town natives don't fully appreciate. Still having quite a Joburg tempo to me, I think I still terrify many of my fellow Capetonians and now I’m adopting many of their quirks… I know I can frustrate my Joburg mates with my slightly skewed view on the South African reality.

8.  What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today?
A very complex question for me... Very well suited for this high stakes industry, I have a nature that generally drives me straight towards what terrifies me so the list is long. However, I have a feeling that when it’s all said and done, the greatest fear I will have conquered will be that of truly accepting myself, darkness and light.

9.  What's the one thing you'd like to achieve before you die?
For one I'd like to figure out what it is I am supposed to have achieved before I die... Jokes aside, I believe I am destined to do great things, whether that's in a small way by fundamentally improving one person's life or on a scale that touches millions. Thankfully I know I'm on track.

10. Which well-known South African personality would you, without a doubt, be able to beat in a street fight and why? 
The gorgeous Lalla Hirayama. I have an axe to grind with her. While she was pretty flawless throughout our season against each other on Strictly Come Dancing, I really believe that I (and my beautiful and unbelievably talented partner Lindsey) summoned something truly remarkable in the semi-final dance-off and that I could have taken it! Who am I kidding?! Lalla will probably whip my butt in a street fight and dancing.

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ABOUT #CapeTownMag10Q:

CapeTownMagazine.com’s 10 Questions project gets to know some of the Mother City’s most creative and inspiring people. From television personalities and musicians to politicians and entrepreneurs, we find out more about well-known and up-and-coming Capetonians. You can follow #CapeTownMag10Q on Twitter and Facebook to track recent interviews or read more here about our other awesome 10 Questions candidates. 

A FEW OF OUR OTHER 10Q CANDIDATES:

10 Questions For Scoot ‘n Cut Travelling Barber Jonny Barber Joel

10 Questions For Author Bevan Frank

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