Sil (16) from Zoetermeer is an actor and singer: ‘My friends don’t think it’s that special’

While most 16-year-olds have a part-time job in a supermarket or clothing store, the life of Sil van der Zwan from Zoetermeer looks different. He works as an actor on film sets and as a singer in the studio.

Lucky shot

”I noticed at a young age that I enjoyed singing and acting. In our family we sing together a lot and we also love theater. I tried everything as a child,” says Sil. ”When I was about eleven, my mother saw that there were auditions for Annie the musical. I then decided to participate in that – mainly for fun. And I was chosen. It really was one lucky shot!”

Leading role in series

Sil has already gained quite a bit of experience. For example, he played a leading role in the Videoland series Sphinx. He also plays a major role in the NPO series Anoniem, of which a second season is currently being recorded. ”Sometimes it is a challenge to combine everything with school. I’m in 5th pre-university education and luckily my school is very flexible. I can often catch up on lessons at home.” Sil’s classmates like what he does, but are not very concerned with it. ”One goes to play football at the weekend, the other plays hockey and I do this. My friends don’t necessarily think it’s very special.”

Featured in a Christmas movie

Sil also plays the title role in the new Christmas film Niko Beyond the Northern Lights. This animated film has been showing in Pathé Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Tilburg since December 11. It is a winter adventure film in which Sil is the voice of the main character and reindeer Niko. Look at here the trailer.

Future plans

He does not yet know whether Sil will fully pursue acting and singing after obtaining his pre-university education diploma. ”It’s definitely something I’m considering, but I haven’t decided yet. Maybe I want to study, but I don’t know what yet. In any case, I really enjoy what I do now.”

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