When we think of the best actors in South Africa, Warren Masemola’s name is always at the top of our list.
The actor has been in the entertainment industry for more than a decade and during his illustrious career, he has been on some of the biggest shows in South Africa including The Republic, The River, and Scandal just to name a few.
In 2012, Warren won a South African Film and Television Award for his popular role in City Sesla. The thespian played the role of a gay man called Thokozani “Thoko” Chanel and viewers resonated with that character.
On Friday’s episode of Downtime With Somizi, Warren and Vuyo were the guests on the third episode of the popular show. During the informative conversation, Warren opened up about living with alopecia and the struggles he has gone through.
The actor has always been open about his autoimmune disease, but this time, the conversation was discussed as a result of Will smith slapping Chris Rock for making jokes about his wife’s alopecia.
Alopecia is a condition where you lose all or some hair on your body. According to Mayoclinic, Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it’s more common for men.
Speaking to Somizi about the Will Smith situation, he said, “I really wish Will could have sat it out, If he really felt like smacking Chris was the best thing to do… maybe he could have sparred it for the after-party. but if he was going to get the opportunity to be on stage and talk to the cameras maybe then that’s where he could have voiced it out.”
He then went on to add, “not everyone knows that Jada Smith is going through the experience of having alopecia. It was the perfect platform I believe for Will to say something and for people to realize that this thing (alopecia) is not funny.”
Warren then shared his experience after a local comedian made fun of his condition and what he felt after he saw that, “I am sitting at home with my family and when I try to rectify it then, then they say, ‘hold up Warren, its comedy,’”
He concluded by saying,” It is really difficult, I grew up with alopecia, it is not nice, I go skinny deep in the pool at natural mountains with friends and not everybody understands what alopecia is.”
Gail Mabalane is another star who has opened up about her struggles with alopecia. When she first discovered that she has alopecia, she shared the news with her Instagram followers.
Gail wrote, “So…Why did I cut my hair? ?? A few months ago I went to the salon for a routine hair wash. To my shock, after my wash, a big chunk of my hair was GONE!!! ?? After a few weeks of “self medicating”, I decided to consult a dermatologist. CCCA – Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia was the diagnosis. Simply put … a very common cause of Alopecia or hair loss in black women. I’m happy to say that the treatment is definitely working and my hair is growing back…so thank goodness…I’ll survive winter. ????”
She then went on to add an empowering message, “So why am I sharing this? Apart from the fact that wearing a wig can get tiring ?? … I wanted to use this opportunity to say to women: if you have any form of hair loss (hairline included), please consult a professional. Had I not gotten the necessary treatment, this could have resulted in permanent hair loss. Sometimes, it’s not hair activator that’s needed…but treatment. ?? #OwnYourNarrative #AuthenticConnections”
