Veteran actress Linda Sebezo’s seen and done it all in her career and the 52-year- old is tackling fanfavourite soapie Isibaya (2013current) now. She’s been cast as Lillian, Beauty Ngwenya’s (Thuli Thabethe) mother, and tvplus visited the actress during her first week on set for a quick catch up…
How did your new role on Isibaya come about? I’d actually just finished filming Greed & Desire (2016-2017), where I played controlling mother Sharon D, and like any artist, I was searching for work. The Isibaya team called me and told me that they had the perfect new character for me – I didn’t audition but I know that Isibaya is a great show. And who wouldn’t want to work with actors like Menzi Ngubane (Judas) and Thuli?
We know that your character’s shrouded in secrecy, but what can you tell us about her? Lillian is a very loving, strong woman. She’s a devoted Christian. She doesn’t take drama and she’s a hard character. Lillian is a long-term character and it’s quite a challenge to play her.
Motherly roles are nothing new to you though – you’ve played Gogo on comedy show Gauteng Maboneng (2011-2016) and Ma Josephine on comedy Samsokolo (20132014).
Plus there’s Ma Betty in telenovela Zabalaza (2013)… [Laughs] I suppose I do identify with these type of older women characters because I believe I can respect my characters and do justice to them. I also have the energy needed to pull off these roles [Laughs]. Has your first week been how you expected it to be? It was really good. I’ve been welcomed by everyone, from the camera men to the lead stars and producers. Thuli especially made me feel like I’m right at home and I’m happy that I’m working with professionals. You’ve been in the acting business for some time. Aren’t you tired? Going to work is like going to the gym – it keeps me fit.
Theatre, which I try do at least once a year, is exercise and it keeps my energy levels up. TV work on the otherhand is relaxing because filming isn’t live. Are you busy with any theatre work now? I’m actually working with [playwrite and director] Julian Seleke-Mokoto at the National Arts Festival [held in Grahamstown from 29 June-9 July 2017]. I’ll be there doing a theatre show called Money Maker (2009).
