Actress Gugu Gumede has opened up about how her previous weight affected the roles she was offered throughout her acting career.
The 34-year-old actress, best known for playing Prophetess Mamlambo on the hit television drama Uzalo, recently shared an honest reflection on Instagram about her journey in the entertainment industry. She revealed that her appearance often led people to believe she was much older than she actually was, which influenced the types of characters she portrayed on screen.
Today, however, things are changing. Along with her personal transformation, Gugu has secured a leading role in e.tv’s highly anticipated new original drama, eGagasini: Waves of Change, which is set to premiere on Monday, 29 June, at 19:30.
GUGU GUMEDE SAYS PEOPLE NEVER BELIEVED HER AGE
Gugu explained that she entered the acting industry when she was 23 years old. Just a year later, she landed what became the biggest role of her career at the time.
“I’m 34 years old, I’ve been in this acting industry since I was 23 years old. When I was 24 years old I got a role that was the biggest role of my career. I played that role for so long and so well that people never believed my age. They never believed when they saw me, and they never believed when they heard,” she said.
Her portrayal of Mamlambo made her a household name, but it also shaped how many people viewed her age.
GUGU GUMEDE OFTEN PLAYED OLDER CHARACTERS
The actress said that after finding success with Mamlambo, she continued receiving roles that were much older than her actual age.
“I continued to play characters that were much older for the reminder of my career. That was until I made the decision to change my life and get a gastric sleeve,” she said.
Gugu began her weight-loss journey in January 2024 when she underwent gastric sleeve surgery. Over the past two years, she has lost 53kg and embraced a healthier lifestyle.
HER CAREER IS ENTERING A NEW PHASE
Since losing weight, Gugu says she has started receiving roles that are much closer to her real age. She believes the change has also helped her grow as an actress.
“Currently I got one of the biggest roles in my career, the actual biggest role of my career coming out very, very soon. I am now able to be a better actor because I can do things physically that I couldn’t do before. I’ve got the confidence that I didn’t have before,” she said.
That confidence has already opened new doors. Gugu recently secured a leading role in eGagasini: Waves of Change, playing the character of Phumelela Dube, marking another major milestone in her acting career.