Jack Devnarian
Gauteng
Jack started his acting career in Durban performing on the community theatre circuit while studying Law at the University of Natal. After graduating in 1993, he joined the Police Service and served for nine years, performing in film, TV and stage productions in the course of his work in law enforcement.
He started work on SABC 3’s flagship daily drama Isidingo in 2002 and has since performed in numerous TV and film productions, including the heist action movie 31 Million Reasons for which he received a SAFTA nomination as ‘Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film’. His most recent feature film role was on Mayfair, which was an entrant at the London Film Festival in 2018. He has received numerous awards for his performances on TV and continues to build on the body of work that has earned him recognition on the African continent and beyond.
Jack is an accomplished and versatile MC who enjoys regular bookings with private, corporate, and civil society clients. As a presenter, MC and facilitator, he has worked with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the SAPS, banking institutions, casinos, telecommunications, and mining companies. Jack is as comfortable at blue-chip business breakfasts as he is at gala awards functions or motor vehicle launches. He guarantees client satisfaction by ensuring that the spirit of the occasion is consistent with the values and ethos of the company.
Some of Jack’s most memorable career highlights include riding in the inaugural Bikers4Mandela group ride in 2010 raising awareness of Mandela Day. He was also part of the Trek4Mandela group that summited Kilimanjaro on Mandela Day 2015. He is a member of the Anti-Racism Network of South Africa (ARNSA), and serves as a patron of the annual Anti-Racism Week. Jack’s profile as a media personality adds a strong motivation to young learners to always strive for excellence in their personal and academic endeavours.
Jack remains committed to building solidarity within the performance sector by serving as Chairman of the South African Guild of Actors (SAGA).