One of our country’s most iconic actors Alfred Ntombela has opened up about how tough times in the film industry have nearly caused him to announce his retirement.
For years, the man known to have one of the most infectious laughs has kept millions of South Africans entertained as he starred in several memorable films including the likes of Mama Jack, Schucks Tshabalala, and Mr Bones alongside his long-time friend Leon Schuster.
While South Africans often laughed their hearts out when watching his films, Alfred reveals that making a living for himself as an entertainer came with some challenges.
In a recent interview with the news publication Sunday World, Alfred, known for his humorous personality, took time to seriously reflect on his setbacks in the industry, highlighting that he found himself on the verge of retirement.
“I really wanted to retire but thanks to my manager, who said I would do no such thing. People may be wondering where I have been, I have been around I also do MCing for some gigs here and there,” he explained.
In his reflection on his journey, he told the publication that times were tough for him and Leon (Schuster). Despite making world-class comedy movies the duo has not reaped the full rewards of their labour due to piracy issues.
Furthermore, he credits a lot of his success as an actor to Leon who he claims is a good role model and father figure.
He highlighted that he inherited his infectious laugh from his mother and while he was aware that it was a gift, he never knew how far it would take him until his late manager introduced him to Leon.
Speaking to SowetanLive, he further added: “Leon Schuster will always be like a father to me. He gave me his palm to grab and jump the difficult waves that see me to where I am today. I’ll forever be grateful to him.”
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While retirement may have seemed to be his short-term fate, Alfred has a new reason to smile again as he recently joined the cast of a new Netflix show called Mabaso Family Reunion: The Funeral.
Speaking about working with the filmmaker Mandla N he added: “When I think Mandla N, I think of City Ses’la, that was the first time I saw him on TV. I wanted to work with him then, and I assumed that we were going to work on something like that but boy, I was in for a surprise.”
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Alfred says that he has now received a newfound faith in the film industry and knows that the chances of movies being pirated are much slimmer.
“I have faith in the new system of streaming movies and series because people actually pay for the content, so sponsors are guaranteed to make a profit from their investments,” he told Sunday World.
Also see: Leon Schuster and loved ones celebrate his 73rd birthday | Bona Magazine
