Born in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Andre Jute was educated at the Universities of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and Adelaide. He has had a variety of occupations and interests, including advertising (he became a partner in an advertising company at the age of 23 and retired at 26), intelligence officer, racing driver, big game hunter, actor, critic of theatre, music and art, magazine editor, public relations officer and professional gambler.
