After a 14-year absence from acting, Uyanda Mbuli, pictured, returns to play a social worker in Mzansi Magic's hit drama series, The Queen.
The 41-year-old said she was grateful to John Kani for encouraging her to return to her passion when they were on the same flight to Ghana from South Africa.
"I was talking to him about his career and how he is representing us internationally. He asked me why I stopped acting and said, 'You need to be consistent with acting because acting has longevity. You will take (on) different characters as you grow older.'
"And that engagement really inspired me go back to acting. I'm really excited."
Following her interaction with Kani, Mbuli approached Connie Ferguson to discuss her renewed interest in acting.
As luck would have it, a new character was being introduced on
The Queen and Mbuli fitted the bill. "The opportunity of the character of Cynthia presented itself because they were looking for a social worker and Connie thought I would be appropriate for the role. And I took it," Mbuli said.
Given the recent uproar over actors being exploited, bullied and abused in the industry, with Ferguson Films production coming under attack by former iGazi actress Vatiswa Ndara, Mbuli said her role as a manager at SABC had given her a good understanding of the commission and production processes of the different genres in television.
Mbuli said she was happy with the contract from Ferguson Films.
"I can tell you as a matter of fact that when I was given the offer it was the offer I was comfortable with, which is why I signed it."
Mbuli made her debut on the small screen on Friday.
"I look forward to hearing feedback. And I hope viewers fall in love with her and welcome Cynthia into their homes."
