Women Crush Wednesday: Ashleigh van der Hoven

Born in Cape Town, Ashleigh van der Hoven has always been destined to be performer. Her love for acting became evident during her time spent at boarding school in Grahamstown, the Arts capital of South Africa, and after high school, Ashleigh spent a year in Los Angeles, studying at the Stella Adler Acting Academy. However, she returned to Cape Town to complete a degree in Finance&Economics at University of Cape Town, where acting took a side seat. Since then she has landed a few roles in International Feature films, as well as opting to learn and hone her craft through her full time studies at ACT Cape Town.

We caught up with the local beauty to find out a little more about the Ashleigh many don’t get to see.

Describe yourself in 5 words:
Goofy, warm, off-beat, spiritual and largely unfiltered.

Relationship status?
In a relationship. 🙂

What’s your idea of the perfect date?
I hate dates but successful ones usually are set somewhere pretty (outdoors) and involve some kind of activity to take the pressure off of the small talk.

Who is your celebrity crush and why?
Robert Downey Jr. Fantastic actor, extremely funny and effortlessly charasmatic.

What do you look for in a man?
Brains, honesty, humility & passion.

When you were little you wanted to be?
A singer/actress.

Your biggest relationship deal breaker (or turn off) is?
Being rude to service people or just people in general.

What do you like to do for fun or to relax?
I love boxing and dancing for fun and reading or watching series to relax.

Best surprise gift you ever received from your partner or a loved one?
Best surprise is always the guy himself if he surprises you at your door or something like that, when you thought you weren’t gonna see him.

If you could instantly download a special skills or super powers like an app what would they be?
The ability to fly or teleport.

Right now, what are you completely obsessed with?
Finding the perfect nature getaway near Cape Town.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I have a mild and not very consistent OCD tendency to do things in fives, like walk up stairs in fives.

What are you most looking forward to this year?
Shooting a feature film called Cut Out Girls, written and directed by Nicola Hanekom. You can follow the page on Facebook.

What can’t you live without?
Salt.

Who is your favourite celeb #couplegoals duo?
John Legend and Chrissy Teagan. They’re so supportive of each other and real about things.

Fast facts:

Favourite chocolate? White Lindt Choc Balls.
Favourite TV show? Game of Thrones obviously.
Favourite Movie? Reservoir Dogs
Favourite Travel Accessory? A Good Book
Favourite Clothing Brand? Cotton on.
Favourite childhood memory? Quad biking trips up the west coast.
Favourite go to hangout? Hank’s on Bree Str.
Favourite local sportsman? Ryan Sandes
Are you a Wine, champagne or a cocktail kinda girl? Wine through and through.

You can check out more from Ashleigh by following her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.