‘I believe happiness IS A CHOICE'

ACTRESS PEARL THUSI TALKS TO US ABOUT THE BEST DECISION THAT SHE’S EVER MADE, THE IMPORTANCE OF MEDITATION AND HER NEW NETFLIX TV SERIES, QUEEN SONO

Pearl Thusi, 31, started out in local series like Isidingo and Jacob’s Cross. It wasn’t until she landed the role of Patricia Kopong in TV comedy-drama The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency in 2009 that her career took off. Since then, she’s starred in local films, such as Kalushi and Catching Feelings, as well as international hits like TV’s Quantico. This month, she’s taking the lead in the first script-to-screen African Netflix Original, Queen Sono, playing the role of Queen herself. Pearl lives between South Africa and the US with her daughters, Thandolwethu, 12, and Okuhle, four.

My character in Queen Sono is complex, and I just love that about her. I feel so fortunate to be playing the title character, and Queen is a feisty personality. She’s an agent for a secret organisation that operates in South Africa and other African countries. She holds her own in a largely male-dominated industry and isn’t afraid to challenge a man – physically, or with her words. I hope that she helps change the way some men view women in their country. And, I hope little girls want to dress up as her for Halloween this year!