Nando Liebregts (27) from Boxtel can add a new chapter to his boys’ book. He has secured the role in the musical TV show Dagboek van een Shepherd Dog. Nando has Down Syndrome, but that has never stopped him from pursuing his acting dream: “I hope I get to star in The Passion one day.”
The role that Nando has been given is that of Bertus. A man who is killed for something he saw. The musical Diary of a Shepherd Dog is based on the popular TV series that was on the tube between 1978 and 1980. The story revolves around chaplain Erik Odekerke who joins a religious community in a small village in Limburg. Despite his good intentions, he antagonizes many people.
“When that theater tour premiered, Albert Verlinde was there,” says Nando enthusiastically. “He asked me if I wanted to join Diary of a Sheepdog.” Nando didn’t have to think long about that: “I didn’t see this coming, but I really like this!”
“People want to take a picture with him, that remains special as a parent.”
The musical spectacle is therefore not recorded in advance, but the various songs and scenes from the musical are performed live by a musical cast. And Nando can be part of that.
The fact that it will soon have to happen live does not really cause extra tension for the now experienced actor: “It is a normal thing. Even if it is live, I am just going to show what I can do and not think about what I cannot do” , says Nando delighted.
For his parents, it remains special that their son is becoming increasingly famous. “It is now a fair in Boxtel and he is really approached. People want to take a picture with him and at the fair he is offered free rides on attractions,” his father says proudly. “It is very much alive in Boxtel.”
“I think people with Down should participate in society.”
The young actor has had an important mission since the start of his TV career: “I want to show everyone that people with Down syndrome can participate in society,” he says proudly. It’s not the first time Nando has appeared on the tube. He previously played in a feature film by De Kameleon and in Good Times, Bad Times. When he participated in a theater tour last year, the seed for his latest adventure was planted.
If it’s up to Nando, it’s not just the appearance in Diary of a Sheepdog. “I would really like to play in The Passion.” With Dagboek van een Herdershond, which, like The Passion, will be broadcast live, he hopes to catch the makers’ eye. “Director David Grifhorst also works at The Passion. That way I am working on my network,” he says hopefully.
The broadcast can be seen on NPO1 on Sunday 3 September at 8.25 pm.
In 2021, Nando made his film debut in De Kameleon.