Neil Sandilands recently starred in Netflix's hit sci-fi/fantasy drama series "Sweet Tooth." He shines as General Abbot, a self-appointed general who leads through wit, intimidation, and quirkiness and received an Emmy nomination (2023) for his performance.
He has also appeared in several films, including "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" (2024),"London Calling" (2023),"Slay" (2023),"Wetiko" (2022),and Academy Nominated "News of the World" (2020) directed by Paul Greengrass, where he stars as Wilhelm Leonberger opposite Tom Hanks.
Sandilands started his professional career as a child star in 1989. Born in the mining town of Randfontein, South Africa, he is arguably one of the country's most versatile actors, bringing characters to life in film and television for over three decades.
He attended boarding school in neighboring town, Krugersdorp, and with the help of an encouraging teacher booked his first television acting gig in "Meester" (The Master) in 1989. Sandilands received his bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the Rand Afrikaans University (1996).
He also received an honorary award for his contribution to Arts & Culture from the University, having won its Theatre Festival three years consecutively, with plays that he had written and starred in. He also initiated an International Film Festival.
In 2022, Sandilands was nominated as best supporting actor by the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for his work in DAM (Showmax) as well as a South African Music Award (SAMA) for best adult contemporary Afrikaans album for his debut album "Sangoma Sandilands & Jou Pa se Posse - Maanskyn".
Sandilands is a master of disguise, having starred as super villain Clifford Devoe/The Thinker on The CW's hit show "The Flash". He has also appeared in other television credits, including the contentious, mythological character Titus in "The 100" for The CW, AMC/Sundance TV's "Hap and Leonard" (opposite James Purefoy, Michael K. Williams, Christina Hendricks),"House MD," "The Americans" and "NCIS: LA".
As a musician, Sandilands has released two full-length albums and two EP's. His debut album "Sangoma Sandilands & Jou Pa se Posse - Maanskyn" (2021),in his native tongue, Afrikaans, leaped to Number 1 on iTunes South Africa's charts in 24 hours. In 2023, he released "Allegaarkie vir 'n Askeet", his second album.
Sandilands views his "work" as musician more as an artistic, literary offering to his country of birth and his native tongue, Afrikaans. It remains his hobby. He collaborated with the cream of South African musicians to produce these albums; writing, composing, performing lead vocals and playing the ukulele.
He is a recipient of the South African Academy of Arts and Sciences award for his directorial work on "Impresario" - a 21-episode documentary. In 2014, he received a Clio, also as a documentary director. As an actor, he has received numerous nominations and awards, including a "Fleur du Cap" for his work in theatre.
Sandilands splits his time between South Africa and Los Angeles, California. He is represented by Stewart Talent and managed by Luber Roklin Entertainment (USA). In South Africa, he is represented by Figjam Artists Agency.
