Tremendous Terry

With an inspiring international movie and award nomination under her belt, Terry Pheto has the world at her feet

- Hopewell Mpapu

IT’S CLOUDY and rain is threatening as we rush off to Sandton to meet renowned actress, entrepreneur and film producer, Terry Pheto.

While it might look gloomy and dark outside, we find her bright and cheerful, sipping tea. In true Hollywood style, the gorgeous star’s make-up artist and hairstylist are nearby to ensure she looks flawless.

There’s no doubt the award-winning actress has earned her stripes as one of Mzansi’s most sought-after screen stars.

A lot has happened in the Evaton-born beauty’s life since she burst onto the scene in the Oscar nominated Tsotsi in 2005 – this year alone she’s clinched a role in the much-talked-about Hollywood flick, A United Kingdom, and it’s already landed her an inter national award nomination.

The 35-year-old leading lady chats to us about the film and other projects, living her dream, how she deals with rejection and the possiblity of settling down in Hollywood.

BACK in 2005 when she played Miriam in Tsotsi, Terry didn’t dream of the heights her career was destined to reach. This is why Tsotsi remains the highlight of her flourishing career, she says.

“Tsotsi was my first film and it changed my life,” Terry tells us. “It changed how the world views South African movies and it will always be the greatest achievement in my career.”

Three years after starring in the film, which was based on the novel by Athol Fugard, Terry became the first South African to be named a face of international cosmetics giant, L’Oréal.

“I started as an ambassador in 2008 until 2012 and it was a mind-blowing achievement for me, especially since I had only starred in one film,” she says.