Ex-Imbewu:The Seed actor Kwenzo Ngcobo opens up about his father’s death

South African actor Kwenzo Ngcobo has opened up about his career-defining role as Qhawe Zulu in Showmax’s much-loved series, The Wife, in 2022 and 2023.

Unfortunately, with the celebrations also came grief for the KwaZulu-Natal-born actor who lost his father at the end of March last year.

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Speaking to a local publication, Ngcobo said that he had to find a balance despite what he was going through.

“Life after The Wife was quite rewarding and challenging at the same time. I lost my dad shortly after we finished shooting the series last March,” he said.

“I’m the type of person who prefers to keep my things private. I prefer to separate my life from my work… I didn’t want what I was going through to affect my job. I knew I had to bring my A-Game despite what I was going through.

“In the same breath, I had to find a balance and not neglect the tough phase I was in. I’m very grateful I had a supportive system around me. My crew as well as my family helped me through that trying time.”

Ngcobo says his father taught him the importance of being independent. He also taught him how a man should act and uphold his responsibilities.

“He was very proud of my success and how far my passion got me. When I was studying and trying this acting thing out with theatre shows, my mom and dad were very supportive… they were the fuel I needed to keep going despite the financial constraints,” the actor says.

The 32-year-old actor’s star is still shining, as he has bagged a role as talent manager Zipho in Mzansi Magic’s latest weekday drama, Champions. He also plays Alex Shabane in new Netflix action film, Soon Comes Night.

“Despite how easy it was for me to score my next role [after The Wife], I was labelled as a difficult actor with diva tendencies but such a narrative didn’t scare me. I made a thorough introspection and I know I was never wrong. They even tried to blacklist me but as a child of God, nothing like that sufficed,” he said.