Jo-Anne Reyneke, who plays Pearl on SABC2 soapie “Muvhango”, says the role helps her cope with challenges in her personal life.

The beautiful actress’s career took off in spectacular fashion shortly after it began, when she landed the role of Pearl.

She told the Sowetan that she is aware of her good fortune.

“I did drama at high school and went to college. I was fortunate to get roles in theatre, such as The Game and Sheila’s Day, before bagging a role in Muvhango,” she said.

Pearl was initially a peripheral character on the show, with only two or three short lines of dialogue to contribute in her capacity as the receptionist at Mukwevho Holdings.

“She started off saying very little. Then the writers created a serious role for Pearl. It was difficult to play Pearl at first. As soon as I understood the role well, I made it mine,” said Reyneke.

Though a taxing role to play, the actress said it has a therapeutic function.

“Pearl is a lively person who is full of life. Playing the role every day helps me to deal with my own personal problems. Sometimes I arrive on set not feeling too well, but once I get into the character, I feel better.”

Reyneke revealed that Pearl’s story will take a dramatic turn when her family is introduced on April 3. The character’s mother, Selinah Mdluli, will be played by veteran actress Lucia Mthiyane.

“Viewers will be introduced toPearl’s family, which is black, though she is coloured. This, the biggest secret her family has kept for 23 years, will be revealed. I can relate to this because it is almost similar to my own life.”

Asked whether she prefers the stage or the small screen, Reyneke says: “I love both. Theatre polishes you since you spend weeks getting your character right. Television is good for building your brand. I still fancy a role where I will speak English, not Zulu.”

At only 23 years-old, the Pietermaritzburg-born star dreams of big screen roles and children’s theatre in the future.

“I have not done theatre in a long time and I am craving to do that, so in a few days I will be auditioning for the children’s play Jack and the Beanstalk.”

The multi-talented star is also due to make her live concert debut as the lead vocalist in an R&B band that she recently joined.

“I grew up listening to classical R&B because my mother loved this music. This is the genre that I would like to pursue. I am a good singer too,” she bragged.

Two years ago, Reyneke appeared on SABC1′s “Khumbulekhaya” to appeal to her white father, and her siblings, to contact her. She has not seen her father since she was in her infancy.She said she went on the show, which deals with people seeking lost family members, to achieve a sense of closure through reconciliation .

“I know my mother’s family and I want to meet my dad and his family too,” she said simply.

You can catch Jo-Anne on “Muvhango” every week on SABC2.