Vanessa Haywood

Vanessa Haywood b 1978 is a South African actress model television presenter and businesswoman standing in at 5 8 173 m Vanessa has been an entertainer from a very early age appearing in her first theatre production at the age of 4 The budding actress appeared on stage throughout her childhood and as a teenager dancing and acting In 2000 she was a Miss South Africa finalist where she was spotted by one of the most sought after modeling agencies in South Africa Her modeling career took her to various exotic destinations all over the world and she lived between London Hamburg and Cape Town She has appeared on countless magazine covers such as Elle Shape Woman Home Bicycling and Living Loving and has been the face of a number of successful campaigns Vanessas love of entertainment lead her to study drama to further her acting career in film and television but not before gaining diplomas in both marketing and business management She recently completed a course in Digital Marketing through the Red Yellow School Her successful television career started well before her film career did having presented for Groen Kyknet Top Billing SABC 3 AgriTV SABC 1 Superdance ETV and Wildlife Video Cast Asia She also hosted her own entertainment slot on 2 Oceans Vibe Radio and is an avid freelance writer and voice artist Her biggest career success came in 2009 when she was cast as the leading lady for District 9 directed by Neill Blomkamp and produced by Peter Jackson Lord of the Rings which sat at number 1 at the Box Office for 3 weeks taking in more than 200 000 million It was nominated for 4 Oscars She also had small roles in The Sweet Shop Blood Diamond and Hey Boy Vanessa competed in MNETs Survivor Maldives Celebs vs Plebs in 2011 which she describes as a phenomenal life changing experience Its this adventurous spirit which forms the foundation of her great love for sport She is a keen trail runner cyclist and plays the odd game of golf too She is also a water sports enthusiast who enjoys scuba diving and water skiing Being married to one of South Africas most successful sportsmen Ryan Sandes only fortified her love for sport even more At the end of 2012 she started taking her cycling seriously and raced competitively for a number of years Vanessa is a respected endurance athlete having completed two ABSA Cape Epics the Leadville 100 miler Colorado USA the Otter Trail Run and many other races Although still active within the entertainment industry MCing recording voiceovers and filming corporate videos and TV commercials Vanessa is a keen businesswoman and influencer involved in marketing and digital media management Vanessa says that the greatest accomplishment of her life yet is becoming a mother she recently became a mum to Max and her little boy keeps her on her toes She enjoys inspiring men woman and children to live positive healthier and more active lifestyles Her love for the outdoors and people creates the foundation of the environmental and social messages she shares with her followers She considers the charity work shes involved with as a very important part of her life and works with organisations such as such The Pink Drive Lettie Love Fund the Laureus Foundation SPCA and DARG Domestic Animal Rescue Group