At the peak of their careers, these seasoned actresses hogged headlines when they dumped acting to become film directors. However, in the mix of things these actresses has fast become one of Mzansi’s finest and have often produced master projects that have been capped with accolades.
Mabatho Montsho
She made all sorts of headlines when she ditched. The seasoned actress didn’t even hint what she was up to in the mix of things, and we couldn’t connect the dots. She was enjoying her fair share of fame from her gigs. The celebrated actress and fashion designer shocked Mzansi when she revealed that she was a full-fledged director. Her latest project is Netflix’s original series Blood and Water.
Who saw this coming. Montsho was thrust into the limelight with her on-screen character as Thembi Phakade on Rhythm City in 2007. The seasoned actress also starred in Jacob’s Cross as Lerato. However, of interest is that she was part of the star-studded cast of Mr Bones 2. In recent years she has directed several shows, including etvs’ most-watched drama series, Scandal.
Chiedza Mhende
The Zimbabwean born actress in 2020 made all sorts of headlines when it was revealed that she was the new Generations: The Legacy director.
On-screen, she is best known as one of the celebrated big names to have starred on Generations. Moreover, apart from acting, she happens to be a voiceover artist who has worked with Siyaya and Al Jazeera.
Seasoned actresses who dumped acting for directing
Nozipho Nkelemba
Nkelemba was best known for her Rhythm City gig as Charlotte. Apart from her on-screen character on Rhythm City, the celebrated director also starred in 90 Plein Street, Heartlines, and When We Were Black.
However, in the backdrop of her gigs, she pursued directing. She has been directing Gomora recently under the flagship of Seriti films. In recent years she also directed drama series like The Herd.
Stephanie Zwane
Zwane is best known for presenting etvs show Craze E. She also starred as Eddie Khumalo’s on etvs drama series Scandal. She has been dupped as the advertising genius both on and behind the screen.
However, she has directed ads for MTN 8 and for the Playgirl and Playboy-VIP line. She works under Bomb Productions. However, she also happens to be the director of Baby Mamas.
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