By Keveshan Govender || Pa.keveshangovender@gmail.com
Michael Lawrance Potter - Photo: Instagram @whatspotting
Joburg-based Michael Lawrence Potter has taken the South African acting scene by storm. At 31 years old, the accomplished actor has managed to find balance between his legal practice and his passion for acting.
Potter dived into the acting industry while he worked as an attorney, attending auditions and being a part of indie productions. His passion soon turned into his primary focus as he found himself enjoying the artistic process more than his legal work.
"Challenge and obstacles are essential to the artistic process," said Potter, adding that resilience is the name of the game. He noted that the industry has changed dramatically since he started his journey in 2019, emphasizing the importance of staying adaptable.
When asked about his favorite moments on screen, Potter had a hard time picking just one. However, he did mention the pillow fight scene in Slumber Party Massacre and the wedding in season 3 of Ubettina Wethu as firm favorites.
Potter uses various methods to prepare for his roles, including research, physical changes, and music. He is also constantly upskilling himself, recently being a part of Netflix's Miseducation where he played Professor Van Heerden.
Michael Lawrance Potter as Professor Van Heerden in Miseducation on Netflix
Reminding aspiring actors to be equal parts practical and optimistic, Potter shares the importance of saving and budgeting money, being discerning of roles, and portraying an authentic version of oneself.
Potter is currently enjoying wrestling and is learning Japanese. His aim as an actor is to "comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable", being a surrogate for difficult conversations.
Fans can catch Potter in reruns of Ubettina Wethu on the new home of eTV and look forward to his upcoming release in Thabiso Christopher's Prime.
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