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Rosemary Zimu reveals how she got her new role Warona on The Queen and tells us more about the messy love triangle.
When travel blogger and it-girl Warona’s (Rosemary Zimu) parents separated years ago, her cougar mom Mildred (Kuli Roberts) vowed that she’d never allow a man to get between them. But that’s going to change when they fall for charming restaurant manager Thato (Xolani Mayekiso). “To their defence, they don’t have a clue that Thato is leading them on,” says Rosemary. While Warona tells her mom about the funny, handsome chap that she’s recently been seeing, she doesn’t reveal his name. Nor does Mildred divulge details of her budding romance. “Thato will be in for a shock when he learns that they’re are related, and he’ll be forced to choose. I’ll admit that it won’t end well for him or the mother and daughter,” teases Rosemary. She tells us more about her new character and what it’s like working with TV personality Kuli Roberts.
Describe Warona and Mildred’s relationship? Growing up, Warona tried to be like her mom: an elegant socialite who is known by everyone. They love each other and travelled around the world together, which strengthened their bond. It would turn Warona’s world upside-down if she learnt that the man that she’s dating is also seeing her mom. What’s her relationship with Thato like, what draws her into him? She loves that he always makes her laugh without trying hard. Thato makes her feel at ease. Although their first date [in late June this year] was a disaster because Thato was nervous, they’ve spent time to get to know each other better and they’re now comfortable around each other. How does Warona differ from empowered sex-worker Thembeka that you currently play on soapie Generations – The Legacy (2014-now) and sex-worker-turned-waitress Veronica, who you portrayed on Isidingo (1997-2020) in 2018-2020? Unlike my past roles who rarely, if ever, spoke about their families, Warona is close with her mom and shares a great relationship with her off-screen father. My characters are essentially good people who care about the well-being of others.
Tell us about your audition. Funny story: I didn’t audition. The casting directors sent out a brief regarding the character and my agent sent my name to them. Soon after, they contacted my agent to offer me the role. I had been a stunt double of Goodness (Zenande Mfenyana) while she was pregnant [early this year] and she couldn’t shoot some scenes. I remember praying about getting a main role on The Queen. I’m excited to work with the team, especially Kuli because it’s her first acting role. I’ve watching her on TV hosting Trending SA (2017-now) and listening to her on radio. She’s such an intelligent and beautiful woman.
Shaka returned from the dead to settle a score with Kagiso and Dingane, who thought that they’d killed him, Thato was smitten with Warona, and the Khozas tried to move on from Siyanda’s murder.