Ilse Klink is a distinguished South African actress, singer, and musical theatre artist with a career spanning nearly three decades. She is widely recognized for her memorable roles in television series such as Isidingo, Inkaba, and Arendsvlei, making her one of the most respected performers in South Africa.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Ilse Klink |
| Date of Birth | 4 March 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| State of Origin | Western Cape |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Theatre Performer, Voice Artist |
| Net Worth | $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on March 4, 1972, in Cape Town, Ilse Klink grew up in Mitchell’s Plain and attended Parkhurst Primary before completing high school at Immaculata High School. She was passionate about performance from a young age, often imitating people around her.
She pursued formal drama studies at the University of Pretoria, where she earned a BA in Drama and became the first Black graduate of its drama school, overcoming significant challenges both academically and socially.
Career
Ilse launched her acting career in 1994 at the Performing Arts Council of the Orange Free State. Her breakthrough came with the role of Vanessa Booysens on the soap opera Isidingo, which she played from 1999 to 2007, earning critical acclaim.
Since then, she has taken on significant roles in various television shows including 7de Laan, Roer Jou Voete, Lockdown, Inkaba, and Arendsvlei. Her film career includes performances in Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story, Cold Harbour, and Stroomop.
She won a SAFTA Golden Horn award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Stroomop. Alongside acting, Ilse is the lead singer for the Afrikaans alternative rock band Ekstra Dik and has an extensive background in theatre, featuring in productions like Mamma Mia!, Chicago, and Rent.
Personal Life
Ilse Klink maintains a private personal life. Publicly, there are no detailed disclosures about her partner or children. She resides in Johannesburg and is actively engaged in community and environmental initiatives, including projects that support education through tree planting.
Net Worth
Ilse Klink’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $2 million, reflecting her long and successful career as an actress, singer, and theatre performer in South Africa. This figure accounts for her earnings across multiple acting roles in television, film, and stage, as well as her musical endeavors.
Filmography
Television:
- Isidingo (Vanessa Booysens)
- 7de Laan
- Roer Jou Voete (Tamara van Niekerk)
- Lockdown (Adeole)
- Inkaba (Miranda Simons)
- Tussen Duiwels
- Diamond City
- Arendsvlei (Dorothy Galant)
Films:
- Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story
- Cold Harbour
- Dis ek
- Anna
- Stroomop (Dione)
- Frankie en Felipé (Evelyn Fortuin)
Theatre:
- Mamma Mia!
- Chicago (Mama Morton)
- Rent
- Show Boat
- Menopause – The Musical
- Kristalvlakte
- Scorched
- The Amen Corner
- London Road
- Tarts
- Puss in Boots
Awards and Nominations
- Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Soapie (2000) for Isidingo
- Naledi Award for Supporting Actress in The Amen Corner (2009)
- Fleur du Cap Award for Mamma Mia!
- Kyknet Fiesta Awards for Kristalvlakte and Big Band Blast
- Naledi Award for Scorched
- SAFTA Golden Horn for Best Supporting Actress for Stroomop (2019)
