By: Natasha Archary
Actress Mbalenhle Mavimbela looks back on her role on the riveting South African original telenovela, The Wife.
Mbalenhle who has been hailed for her role as Hlomu, also dubbed “The National Wife,” shared what the role has meant to her, with the Season 3 finale playing out on screens this week.
“Getting this character on such a huge platform, Showmax, has been life-changing. Financially, mentally and work-wise in terms of how I approach my career.
When people see me, they still see Hlomu and still talk about how The Wife has touched them. I’ve had a couple of people cry when they see me. I think it’s because of the touching storyline that Hlomu has and how well I performed it.
As much as I am ‘de-roling’, I think Hlomu will last in my life forever. People will always see Hlomu when they see me.”
Mbalenhle Mavimbela on her role as Hlomu on The Wife
Every Thursday, fans of the Hlomu books stayed glued to their screens for their weekly dose of the multi-award winning series which started two years ago.
With the show ending its run, it’s main actress thanked fans for the unwavering support since the first episode aired.
“I didn’t do it alone. I did it with my co-stars, with the team which was the floor – the crew, the directors, producers, writers, continuity and production, and with Showmax who could see how big the show was going to be.
To the 5am gang, they are always going to be my people. I appreciate them for sharing so much love and support. I’m so grateful for how they accepted me.
There were people that were skeptical about the fact that this was not the Hlomu they expected at first, and mostly those were probably people who have read Dudu Busani-Dube’s book. But people who didn’t read the book just fell in love with this new girl they’ve never seen.
Even though I’ve done other shows, they fell in love with this girl who is performing such a heavy storyline that represents women in South Africa.
So I just want to say thank you to the 5am gang. I love you guys and I hope we continue this relationship on social media and of course all the work I will get.”
Mbalenhle Mavimbela said her character Hlomu came to life not just because of her acting but because of the spirit of the character which the writers brought to life.
WATCH: The trailer for the season finale of The Wife
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