Seeing new faces on screen is always a breath of fresh air - a talent so raw it leaves you curious and begging for more. When I landed my eyes on Lebogang Fisher while binge watching Savage Beauty season 2 - I was in awe of her portrayal of Charlie - a character she embodied effortlessly and left me wanting to know more about her life.
From doing concerts in her parents’s living room Lebogang was called for the stage at an early age and like any other aspiring thespians she followed the necessary channels. She enrolled for her first acting classes at Barnyard Theatre in Pretoria and landed her first commercial for Disney channel at 16 and the rest was history.
We chat to Lebogang about her career and her role in Savage Beauty on Netflix.
Many South Africans will be introduced to you for the first time on their screens,Who is Lebogang Fisher?
I’m a South African born, London based actor brought up on Soapies and Shakespeare with a silly sense of humour. I love working in an industry where every job requires something different from you. You get to meet with creative people at the top of their game: hair and make-up, wardrobe, the technical crew, other actors and directors. I love it!
Take us through your background in acting?
I’ve been a professional actor since I was 16. I studied at the New York Film Academy, and also have a BA in Drama and English Lit from Rhodes University. I’ve performed all over the world. I have mostly worked doing classical theatre but have also done some contemporary work too. I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredible artists and companies over the years. Highlights include: amazing Shakespeare shows, working with Warner Bros. and Netflix!
Tell us a little bit about your character on SAVAGE BEAUTY S2?
Charlie is a firecracker! She is returning home from time abroad, and finds herself, entangled with the Bhengu’s. At first she appears to be above all the mess, but one can’t’ encounter the Bhengu’s and come out unscathed.
How did you prepare for Charlie’s role?
By pole dancing and horse riding! I landed in South Africa two weeks before filming.Finding Charlie’s physical language was a really fun exploration. We also added extensions to and dyed my locs and lots of fake tattoos!
What made you audition for Savage Beauty season 2? And how did you feel when you got the role?
I didn’t know I was auditioning for Savage at first – that took some detective work. But I loved the first season! Lebogang Mogashoa (head writer) is so talented and I wanted to bring his words to life. The actors are all incredible, it was scary and exhilarating to find out I got the job.
Your portrayal of Charlie was spot on, did you find any similarities between you and the character
I knew that the key to Charlie was to make her as human as possible. I did some personal excavating and found her emotional pressure point, her grief, which I think is something a lot of us can relate to. Beyond that the day to day of our lives…are very different! My family dynamic is very different to hers. I occupy a very different reality to her as a working actor.
Looking back at SAVAGE Beauty S1, the story line touched on colourism/skin bleaching, do you think we have enough voices speaking on this topic, and how has your personal journey been as a young black woman finding your voice in the industry?
I think we can never have enough voices or conversations on those issues. So much of those issues are tied into colonialism, classism, featurism, and desirability and I feel that we need to have more of those conversations in everyday life.I have my family and friends around me who have always aided in my sense of self. A lot of the entertainment industry is about how others perceive you. I have always tried to lead with the qualities I have that make me most of who I am: my drive, my curiosity, and my sense of humour.
This season we saw strong female roles, that not only kept us entertained but inspired us as well. Do you have any female role models that have help mould you, and what is your advice for a young girl who’s aspirations are bigger than their current situation?
My mother, Nompumelelo, is definitely my biggest role model. She’s courageous, funny, clever, and ambitious. She has an ability to make everyone feel seen. It’s beautiful to witness.I think it’s important for all young women to know never to be afraid to ask for what they want. Take every opportunity that you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
What was your favourite thing about shooting S2,and what did you take or learn from being surrounded by veteran thespians and just a group of talented people?
I have many fond memories. Working closely with Tony Kgoroge was a dream come true, he’s also big into Shakespeare! The biggest lesson I learned from the cast and crew is to keep showing up. Be kind and generous to everyone around you – it makes the day easier.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
There’s a quote I live by (it’s from Measure for Measure).“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft’ might win, by fearing to attempt”.
What else can we expect from you this year, Anything in the pipelines?
I’m currently producing a documentary. I’d love to come back to SA and work on something! I’m open to the universe and anything interesting it may bring my way.
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