CATCHING UP WITH PEARL THUSI


Pearl Thusi just keeps getting more popular, and more talented. We had to run to catch up with the dynamic actress!


With her gorgeous smile, striking looks, huge talent and strong work ethic, the lively Pearl Thusi went from It girl to one of SA’s most celebrated talents, making big strides in the international arena. Here’s what the Quantico actress has been up to since relocating to New York City.

HOW ARE YOU FINDING NYC?
I moved to the Big Apple in July last year, and have taken each day as an adventure. I love the pace and vibe that this great city offers. I truly feel at home here. I visited New York with Universal Music two years ago, and instantly fell in love with it. Of course I miss my loved ones and South Africa terribly, but I am feeling very fulfilled and genuinely happy here.

HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO STAY?
At the moment, we will just have to see where destiny takes me – and that will always be my answer, because I’m making a habit of not sharing my plans publicly!



WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT SO FAR?
It has made me realise how big the world is. South Africa is just a microcosm of what the world has to offer. There is so much we can take advantage of out there, if we just work hard and keep believing. At the same time, the world is also very small. Even in New York I’ve made so many connections through people from home – it’s amazing!



‘Knowing people and treating them with respect is so important because word of mouth is powerful enough to even spread over the oceans – especially in the day and age we live in.’


Also, competition is insane in New York, which means you have to work that much harder, and work ethic is everything.

WHAT WERE YOUR 2016 HIGHLIGHTS?
Lip Sync Battle Africa, starting and growing a new venture and honing my acting career. Also shooting Catching Feelings and, of course, Quantico.



HOW DID QUANTICO COME ABOUT?
The production company was looking for an actress from Africa. They put together a shortlist of candidates and then asked us to send through an audition tape. It was quite gruelling for me but I did my best, and it paid off! I truly thank God for this opportunity. Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime and I treated it as such – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

HOW DOES YOUR NORMAL SHOOT DAY GO?
There isn’t a normal shoot day on Quantico! We spend a lot of time on set on a daily basis, and usually work late into the night, sometimes for 14 hours.

HAVE YOU HAD ANY STAR-STRUCK MOMENTS?
I was excited to meet Aunjanue Ellis, Blaire Underwood and Henry Czerny (Mr Grayson on Revenge). I tried to hide it though (laughs).

HAVE YOU MADE ANY FRIENDS ON SET?
As a cast we’re all pretty close.

WHAT OTHER FILMS HAVE YOU SHOT RECENTLY?
Kalushi, which was released in November last year, and Catching Feelings, set to release this year [that is described as a ‘dark romantic comedy’]. I’m really excited about these two projects!

HOW HAVE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SUPPORTED YOU?
My family is excited, but I don’t think they ‘get it’ really – which I love! When you’re in this industry, those you love the most are those who treat you as though you’ve never been ‘famous’. They don’t make a big deal about it, but they give me the most love and support. 


They also know how much this means to me – that I’ve been looking for the ‘next step’ for a while now. They’ve stayed up with me late into the night or into the early hours of the morning, recording audition tapes and helping me prepare for many different things work-related. It’s these people I couldn’t have done this without, and who continue thinking I’m capable of even more! 



HOW DO YOU MANAGE PARENTING YOUR DAUGHTER FROM A DISTANCE?
It’s not easy; I am still figuring it out. My love for my daughter, which seemed already complete and full, has grown. You can never love your child enough – it’s never enough. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder!

AND HOW ARE YOU MANAGING A LONG-DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP?
Love can survive anything. It really can!

ANYTHING ELSE IN THE PIPELINE?
The game is to be sold, not told…

Text: Koketso Mashika



CATCHING UP WITH PEARL THUSI CATCHING UP WITH PEARL THUSI Reviewed by Jet Club on March 01, 2017 Rating: 5
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