On the coldest night in South Africa’s winter, the chilly atmosphere was filled with tension as a television crew prepared for a challenging shoot. The temperature had dipped to a bone-chilling -4 degrees Celsius, and the scene was set on the iconic Nelson Mandela Bridge. South African actress Rosemary Zimu was rigged high in the air, her skimpy costume offering little protection against the frigid winds.
The cold was almost unbearable as she prepared to perform her stunts. Despite the biting chill that made her ears turn a bright shade of red, she was determined to push through. Tears threatened to spill as the freezing temperatures seeped into her bones, yet she knew the show must go on.
The show in question is the popular South African Netflix series “Savage Beauty,” which showcases the influential Benghu family at war with a mystery woman, Zinhle (Rosemary Zimu), who threatened to expose family secrets. It instantly became a hit with the audience, amassing 10,630,000 viewing hours within its first week on Netflix and ranking among Netflix’s Top 10 TV shows in 13 countries in that same period.
Today, we focus on Zimu, the talented lead actress, rising star, and enigma behind this hit show. She tells us of her early inspirations, the challenges of playing the lead act for the first time, and her life beyond the screen.
Childhood plays and torchlight performances
Zimu’s journey into acting began in early childhood, deeply influenced by her grandmother’s passion for the arts. “I think I was two or three years old,” she recalls.
“My gran was very fond of the arts and acting. Sometimes, we wouldn’t have lights at home, and she would literally put on a torch and start acting things out.”
This imaginative play became a cherished routine, where Zimu and her cousins would entertain their grandmother during power outages. “We became the ones entertaining her when the lights were out,” she says, reminiscing about those formative moments.
Her obsession with performance was further fuelled by a popular South African television show called “Emzini Wezinsizwa” (The House of Men). “I was literally obsessed with it,” she admits. “One day, I came back from school and found the whole cast sitting in our lounge. At first, I thought, ‘How did they get out of the TV?’” This surreal experience deepened her desire to be part of the entertainment industry, even as she learned that the path was fraught with challenges.
Zimu’s grandmother also played a crucial role in her early development as a performer, encouraging her to participate in various performances. “She would make sure I was on any stage that she was directing,” the actress recalls. “I grew up on stage, and it was there that I learned the importance of preparation and dedication.” This foundation laid the groundwork for her future in acting, instilling a love for storytelling and performance.
Navigating expectations
Despite her passion for acting, Zimu faced significant obstacles when pursuing her dreams. Like many in their generation, her parents were sceptical about the viability of a career in the arts. “My parents said, ‘No, we are not going to pay for you to go and study drama and be hungry,'” she recalls. Understanding their concerns, Zimu enrolled in law school, a path her parents deemed more secure. “While studying law, I started researching how the industry has changed and how people were getting paid,” she explains.
The moment of clarity for Zimu
While studying law, a turning point occurred when Zimu heard her lecturer (a lawyer) complain about defending someone whose innocence they doubted. This experience left her feeling disillusioned. “I remember thinking, ‘This is not what I want. This is not how I want to feel about work,’” she states.
A friend encouraged her to audition for a Nollywood film called “Champagne.” “I left class that day and went straight to Pretoria to audition. I got the role on the spot,” Zimu recalls, reflecting on the moment as a divine confirmation of her true calling. Her role as a femme fatale scam artist won her the Most Promising Actress of the Year nomination at the 2014 International Acting Awards. Commenting on the reception to the film, she notes, “It was a huge breakout role that didn’t get seen in South Africa but went even beyond Nigeria to places like Houston.” Following this success, she starred in various South African telenovelas, further establishing her presence in the industry.
Zimu’s decision to pursue acting was not just a personal choice but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of the South African entertainment industry. “I thank God that I am growing up in a generation where acting is able to sustain people,” she states. “We are able to own things with what we get in the shows that we act in. I mean, we are not Hollywood, but we are getting there slowly but surely.”
Landing the lead role in “Savage Beauty”
Zimu’s breakout role in “Champagne,” which led to some recognition, was a turning point for directors, but it was her lead role as Zinhle in the Netflix series “Savage Beauty” that truly showcased her talent.
Describing how she came to play the lead role, she recalls auditioning during the 2020 lockdown. “I really wanted the role because we hadn’t worked in so long due to COVID,” the actress explains. “I fell in love with Zinhle from reading one audition slide. Sometimes it is rare for someone to fall in love with a character from one slide, but I did.”
After several callbacks and chemistry reads, Zimure received the confirmation she had hoped for on her birthday. “It felt like a gift from God,” she says with a smile.
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How to prep for Zinhle
Preparation for the role was intensive for the actress. “We got our scripts and did a table read where the confirmed cast read all episodes together,” she reveals. “I was watching and listening to how everyone already got into character, and I realised I had a lot of work to do.” Zimu also sat down with one of the directors and the writer after the table read to understand their vision for Zinhle. “They also gave movies to watch and characters to look at,” she adds.
She began writing in character and noting details like smells and music choices to immerse herself in the role. “I also asked other people who had led in shows before to understand how I was going to carry the show as a lead actress, as I had never done this before,” she shares. The supportive environment on set helped her feel at ease, allowing her to focus on her performance without the weight of pressure.
The challenges of being a lead actress
Stepping into Zinhle’s shoes required Zimu to delve deep into the character’s psyche. “I realised I had a lot of work to do,” she admits. She sought guidance from directors and other experienced actors, immersing herself in the role.
However, portraying Zinhle had a significant emotional toll. “The downside was that I started to take Zinhle home with me instead of leaving her on set,” she confesses. To cope, she sought therapy and made time for her family, recognising the importance of balancing her personal life with her professional commitments.
“Zinhle had no family, and I was away from mine for the three months I was on set. For me to be her and feel her, I needed to be on my own.”
The intimacy of acting
One of the most challenging aspects of her role in “Savage Beauty” was the intimate scenes Zimu had to perform. “I had sleepless nights the week prior because it was my first intimate scene,” she admits. “I had so many restrictions as to the body parts I wanted to show and actions I wanted to do, and I was scared of how it was going to look.”
To navigate this, an intimacy coach was brought in to guide the actors through the process. “The first step was getting comfortable with the other person, which started way before we started shooting,” she explains. “We had to do a lot of exercises to break the ice and make each other feel at ease.”
The actress credits her supportive cast and crew for helping her through these challenging moments. “There was never a day on set when I didn’t feel supported,” she says. “Even the cameraman was making sure I was comfortable with camera angles.” This collaborative environment allowed her to focus on her performance without being overwhelmed by anxiety.
Despite her initial fears, Zimu was determined to portray the intimate scenes authentically.
“I had to find a way to make it look real without compromising my values. The director and intimacy coach worked closely with me to find a balance between artistic expression and personal boundaries.”
Her professionalism and dedication paid off. “At the end of the day, it came out amazing,” she says. “Everyone was willing to work with the preferences I had given.” The intimate scenes in “Savage Beauty” were praised for their emotional depth and sensitivity, largely thanks to Zimu’s nuanced performance.
Personal solutions and lessons to challenges
The experience taught her valuable lessons about the importance of communication and trust on set.
“It’s crucial to have an open dialogue with your director and co-stars about your comfort levels. They can’t support you if they don’t know what you’re going through.”
Reflecting on her journey, Zimu is grateful for the opportunity to challenge herself and grow as an actress. “The intimate scenes were daunting, but they also pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she says. “I’m proud of the work we did and the impact it had on the audience.”
During trying times, the actress turned to gospel and prayer. “I always listened to a lot of gospel music and meditated on God’s Word,” she shares.
“Sometimes, fear is a good thing. It means that what you are doing is important to you.”
The cast also fostered a loving community, with experienced actors reassuring her. “There was never a day on set when I didn’t feel supported,” she says, recalling how her veteran co-star, Nthati Moshesh, would hold her tight and reassure her.
The power of faith for Zimu
Zimu’s faith has been a cornerstone of her resilience throughout her career. “There’s a lot of darkness in this industry, and you need to know who you are,” she advises. “The only way I could get into the industry and have longevity was if I stuck to what I knew, and that was prayer.” Her grandmother played a significant role in nurturing this spiritual foundation, often reminding her to pray for guidance and strength. “She would say, ‘Get on your knees. Let’s pray right now,'” the actress recalls, emphasising the importance of this support.
Her faith also helps her navigate the challenges of the industry. “I believe that God has a plan for me, and I trust that I am on the right path,” she states. This belief has allowed her to maintain her integrity and authenticity in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
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Who is Rosemary Zimu behind the screen?
Beyond the big screen, Zimu is your ordinary girl next door. She loves meditating and doing fun activities (like going to arcades and watching movies) with family, friends, and her partner. She spends Sundays or short workdays with her dog and Gospel music.
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But being a public figure and trying to live a normal life could be a Herculean task, as she explains.
“Before, I could not even do my grocery shopping due to the discomfort of staring eyes. I had so much anxiety. But now, therapy is helping reassure me that there is no need to be anxious about the things I am not in control of,” Zimu shares.
The life of a public figure also comes with misconceptions, such as the perception of being rich. “I always have to explain that I don’t get paid when I am not on set, and I need to wait for a paycheck,” she complained. However, she has found a solution—to kindly decline. “At that moment, I tell the person that God has limited me for the time being,” she states.
A silent advocate against period poverty
Zimu is also (partially) involved with the Mina Foundation, a non-profit organisation that shares menstrual cups with girls who cannot afford them. Her passion for this cause stemmed from a poignant memory of a girl in her primary school who frequently missed classes each month. Although the actress was a late bloomer and started her period only in high school, she had always wondered why some girls were absent.
It wasn’t until high school that a friend revealed, “I had to stay home because I didn’t have any pads or tampons. I felt so embarrassed.” So, she accepted without hesitation when the Mina Foundation approached her to become an ambassador. “There is absolutely no way girls should miss school because of menstrual cycles,” she passionately declares. The foundation’s initiative was particularly compelling; for every menstrual cup purchased, another would be donated to a girl in need. According to her, “Cups are even better—they last over five years and are, in my opinion, safer than tampons. But that’s a chat for another day!
Her infectious enthusiasm for menstrual cups spilled over, leading to numerous messages from people thanking her for the recommendation. “I’ve had friends DM me saying they bought more cups just so that more girls can go to school,” she shares with a smile. Her commitment to this cause is unwavering and driven by the belief that every girl deserves the opportunity to learn without the barriers posed by menstruation.
What’s next for the rising star?
From those early days performing by torchlight to illuminating screens across the continent and beyond, the actress’ journey is far from over. As she puts it, “Acting in several roles keeps that light on for me, that light of wanting to act and wanting to tell stories.” And as long as that light burns, audiences worldwide will continue to be captivated by Rosemary Zimu’s talent.
Her acting skills are on display as Zinhle in “Savage Beauty” season 2, which is currently streaming on Netflix.
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