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Man Candy: Clint Brink’s unforgettable portrayal in Kings of Jo’burg puts him back on top

In a television industry that often prioritises flash over substance, Clint Brink remains a refreshing constant, an actor defined by depth, discipline and undeniable talent. With a career spanning more than two decades, Brink has played everything from smooth-talking charmers to deeply conflicted souls. But in Netflix’s Kings of Jo’burg, he delivers one of his most riveting performances yet, as the dangerous and calculated Gavin Salat.

Hailing from Cape Town, Gavin Salat arrives in season 3 of Kings of Joburg with a quiet intensity and an agenda that soon places him at the centre of the Cape Town's underworld dealings. He’s slick, mysterious, and utterly unafraid to get his hands dirty. Salat is no small-time thug; he’s a tactician, a man who’s always several steps ahead of both allies and enemies. And Brink plays him with chilling precision.

Clink Brink embodying the Gavin Salat character. Image:Instagram/@clintonthebrink

What adds even more intrigue to the character is the presence of Gavin’s allied spirit Oom, a ruthless, blood-thirsty spirit whose brutality leaves no room for negotiation. In contrast, Gavin is all about control, calculation, and cold strategy. It’s this duality, family legacy versus personal ambition, that makes the character so compelling, and Brink rises to the challenge with layered brilliance.

The beauty of Clint Brink’s performance lies in the restraint. He doesn’t need to shout to own a scene. His Gavin Salat is quietly intimidating, always thinking, always watching. Whether he’s dealing with betrayal, plotting a power move, or navigating the supernatural undercurrents of Kings of Jo’burg, Brink makes every moment feel deliberate. He brings a gravitas that anchors the chaos around him.

For longtime fans who remember his standout roles in Backstage, Generations, and Binnelanders, this performance is a full-circle moment. It’s the culmination of years of craft, dedication and emotional refinement. For new viewers, it’s a welcome discovery, proof that South Africa has no shortage of world-class talent.

Off-screen, Brink continues to be admired for his groundedness and humility, allowing his work to speak for itself. And right now, that work is speaking volumes.

Clint Brink, Image:Instagram/@clintonthebrink

In Kings of Jo’burg, Clint Brink doesn’t just play Gavin Salat. He owns him. And in doing so, he reminds us why some actors don’t just rise, they reign.

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