SURPRISE!
Terence talks about his new role as Zulu-speaking Michael
Generations – The Legacy Weekdays SABC1 (*191) 20:00
Terence Bridgett and his character Michael Phillips make their grand entrance to the Generations world on Wednesday 1 November “and it’s not to be missed,” teases the actor, whose character is trying to build a name for himself in the competitive business sector. “I’m not allowed to reveal the nitty- gritty at this stage, but I can tell you that Michael starts with the best of intentions,” explains Terence. And he knows about characters and transformations – he’s played everything from bad-boys Chico in Isidingo (1998- current) and Denton on High Rollers (2013-2016) to flamboyant jack- of-all-trades Jerome on 7de Laan (2000- current) and long-haired gay character Wong on Erfsondes (2007- current). He’s also a dab- hand behind the scenes – Terence is the co-owner of TV production company Fanagalo Films. But right now, he’s focused on Generations: “It’s about to go down. Between Michael’s family drama and shady businessmen like Jack and Tau (Vusi Kunene and Rapulana Seiphemo), he’s going to face obstacles before he gets what he really wants,” teases the 42-year- old actor.
You been on SABC2 and SABC3 shows, now you’re on SABC1 with Generations… [Laughs] There are a few soapies that you’ve missed there. I’ve also been on e.tv when I played Carl on Backstage (2000-2007) and Warrick on kykNET’s Binnelanders (2005- current). Moving around from one channel to the next is my thing though and I’m glad to join Generations – The Legacy, which is the biggest soapie in the country. Your previous characters have been polar opposites, so what is Michael bringing to town? He’s a powerful businessman with strong political expertise. He’s been appointed CEO of the Infrastructure Development Bank Of South Africa and has great connections, but he is also a proud family man who works hard to build a bond with his daughters, who are his pride, joy and often his greatest source of frustration. He sounds very different to the likes of Denton and Jerome… Very much! Unlike my past characters who were extreme and somewhat intense, Michael is a normal guy caught in extra-ordinary circumstances. I don’t usually do “normal”, so this is a challenge for me. But I did a lot of research about the “suit and tie” kind of guy, just to brush up on my financial jargon. [Laughs] Is there anything special about Michael? I speak a whole lot of Zulu and there’s more money spent on my character’s wardrobe. [Laughs] This character was created for me by Generations’ headwriter Collin Ollifant and that makes it very exciting. Is there a part of Terence that we can look out for in your new role? There is a part of me in every character. You have to layer an emotional grid over your roles to see if there are any gaps that need to be filled. Michael and Terence are one in the same – they’re ambitious and compassionate, but something that draws Michael closer to home is that like me, he is a grandfather and values family over everything else.