Actor Chrispen Nyathi has publicly thanked fellow DiepCity actress Nompumelelo Vilakazi for helping him land a major TV ad when he was facing financial struggles.
Nyathi is best known for his role as Pastor Charleston in the popular DiepCity drama series.
In a Facebook post, the Zimbabwean-born actor explained that after DiepCity ended, he was unemployed and couldn’t afford to attend auditions.
How Nompumelelo Vilakazi helped Chrispen Nyathi
“End of 2023, when I was down and out, no job, DiepCity had come and gone. I needed money to go for auditions for the KFC advert,” Nyathi wrote. “Nompumelelo Silindile Vilakazi sent me that [money] and encouraged me to go and give it my all.”
Vilakazi, who played Sne in DiepCity, stepped in to send him money to travel to the KFC commercial audition, and then again for the callback, wardrobe fitting, and shoot.
Despite still owing her from the first time, she continued to help without hesitation. “This is how Nompumelelo Silindile Vilakazi contributed to my resurrection in the film and television industry,” Nyathi wrote.
“After that advert, I never lacked.” Audiences now best know the actor for his role in the KFC ad where he famously said: ‘Ngicela ushintshi baba.’
Do you think the entertainment industry needs more people like Nompumelelo Vilakazi?
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