Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos, professionally known as Nico Panagio, is a South African actor, television presenter, writer, and producer of Greek descent.

He is widely recognized for his role as George Kyriakis on the soap opera 7de Laan and as the long-time host of Survivor South Africa.

With over two decades in the entertainment industry, Nico has built a diverse career spanning television dramas, films, theatre, and presenting.

Early Life and Education

Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos was born on August 25, 1973, in Pretoria, South Africa. His father emigrated from Elis, Greece, and his mother, Loorita Van Niewenhuizen, worked as an Afrikaans teacher.

He attended Pretoria Boys High School, and after matriculating, he undertook national service in the South African Navy, rising to the rank of Able Seaman (Captain of Division). He later studied business management, worked in the corporate sector, and trained in acting at the Method Actors Training Centre.

His ethnic heritage combines Greek and Afrikaans influences, and he is a practicing Christian.

Career

Nico Panagio began his career in theatre before transitioning to television, with early roles in Egoli and Generations. His breakout role came in 2001 when he was cast as George Kyriakis in the soap opera 7de Laan, a role written specifically for him, which he played for five years.

He later starred in the mini-series Ella Blue (2008) and the soap Vallei van Sluiers (2010–2015). He appeared in The Wild (2011) and the European television film Yes We Can (2012).

In film, Nico made his debut in Susanna van Biljon (2010) and earned a Best Actor nomination at the 2013 SAFTAs for his role in the romantic comedy Semi-Soet (2012). He also starred in Konfetti (2014), Vrou Soek Boer (2014), and Vuil Wasgoed (2017), all successful Afrikaans films.

He reprised his role as JP Basson in the upcoming Semi-Soet 2 (2024).

As a presenter, Nico hosted Top Billing (2007–2013) and has been the face of Survivor South Africa since 2010. He also hosted Miss South Africa 2021 and Mister Supranational 2024.

His career includes roles in recent TV dramas such as Legacy (2021) and Straat (2023–present), as well as international appearances in 1923 and the Greek crime drama Kostas (2024).

Personal Life

Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos married fellow drama student and actress Christi Botha in 2006. They have two adopted daughters, Eva and Shay, and share a strong partnership rooted in shared faith and mutual respect.

He is deeply involved in philanthropy—especially Missing Children SA and My Father’s House community kitchen—and enjoys outdoor activities like trail running, surfing, and mountain biking.

Filmography

Films:

Semi‑Soet (2012) – as JP Basson (SAFTA-best actor nomination)

Konfetti (2014) – as Jean

Television:

7de Laan (2001–2006) – George Kyriakis

Vallei van Sluiers (2010–2015)

The Wild (2011) – Jason Parker

Top Billing (2007–2013) – Presenter

Survivor South Africa (2010–2022) – Host

Legacy (2021) – Detective Marco Andino

Straat (2023–present) – Robert Muller

1923 (2023 guest role) & Kostas (2024) – Guest roles

Net Worth

Nicolaos Panagiotopoulos has an estimated net worth of $500,000 to $1 million USD, accumulated through his sustained work in film, television hosting, commercial appearances, event hosting, and business ventures such as Trade Revolution (Pty) Ltd. and philanthropic organizations.