Dearest Gentle Reader, Masali Baduza has entered the Ton

Dearest Gentle Reader, 

From South African stages to some of the world’s most-watched screens, this rising star has carved out a career defined by courage, depth and unmistakable presence. With standout performances in Noughts and Crosses and The Woman King, and now stepping into the glittering global phenomenon, Bridgerton, her journey is one marked by heart and quiet power. 

Masali Baduza grew up in the Mother City, Cape Town and later went on to study in Los Angeles, California. In this Q&A, she reflects on the moments that shaped her, the stories that continue to call her forward, and what it means to represent new narratives on an international stage, all while celebrating a home-ground milestone at the Cape Town Bridgerton premiere. Prepare to fall a little more in love as we step inside her world, on screen and beyond. 

Q. You’ve built an impressive body of work across film and television. Looking back, which projects have been most defining in your journey so far? 

Thank you so much! I’ve been so lucky to have worked with some amazing creatives. Noughts and Crosses will always hold a special place to my heart because it was my first big girl rodeo. However, the project that changed me I would say was The Woman King. Gina Prince-Bythewood gave me so much confidence as an artist that I carry with me ever since. 

Q. What first drew you to acting and storytelling through film, and when did you realise this was a path you wanted to pursue seriously? 

I think the ability to create new characters and fall inside them. As a shy kid, it always appealed to me because I saw it as a way to express myself. My high school drama teacher, Mr Potgieter, whom I think is one of the greatest actors, asked me if I’d ever consider studying further after high school. That prompt from him was the push that made me believe I could pursue a career in this field.   

Q. Your performances often balance strength and emotional depth. How do you approach finding authenticity in a character? 

Luckily in the projects I’ve worked on, a lot of it is written on the page. I believe my job as an actor is to bring that truth to life. I love book adaptations because there’s so much information in long form writing. There’s an emotional truth to every scene and I just try to relate and empathise to what my character is going through. 

Q. As a South African actor now working on major international productions, how has your background shaped you and the stories you connect with? 

I think we as South Africans are humanitarians. We have ubuntu. We care about our people and our environment. Personally, my parents ingrained the collective “we” in us growing up. My mom never wanted to raise selfish people, and I think being an observer of the world around me has helped me in my craft tremendously. 

Joining the World of Bridgerton 

Q. Bridgerton is one of Netflix’s most celebrated global series. What was your reaction when you found out you’d be joining the cast? 

I was so excited. I jumped around the house, screaming with my mom and sister after getting the call. 

Q. The series has a passionate worldwide fan base. What has it been like stepping into a universe that audiences are already so deeply invested in? 

It’s been wonderful and fascinating to see the passion and dedication fans have to the Bridgerton world.   

Q. How did working on a large-scale production like Bridgerton compare to your previous experiences on set? 

I’ve found that at the end of day, every production is made up of people and people all over the world are very similar. Bridgerton is different only in that there’s more pressure and more people, ha! 

Q. Representation has been an important part of Bridgerton’s impact. What does being part of this series mean to you personally? 

It means the world to me. I feel so lucky to be able to represent multiple communities that have thus far been neglected in period romances on screen. 

Q. Attending the Bridgerton Cape Town premiere marked a special home-ground moment. What did it mean to celebrate this milestone in South Africa? 

It was incredibly special getting to share the moment at home with my friends and family. I would not be here were it not for them so I’m grateful for the shared experience.   

All about Michaela Sterling  

Q. For audiences meeting your character for the first time, how would you describe her, without giving too much away? 

Michaela Stirling is an independent, bold and adventurous young woman in the Regency era, which are qualities that are rare to find in that society. She doesn’t play by society’s rules and that makes her an outsider. She’s a queer woman who is finding ways of living and experiencing joy in a world that doesn’t recognise her. 

Q. What excited you most about this role when you first read the script? 

The fact that she was so bold and independent. It excited me because I knew it was going to be a challenge for me. 

Q. How did you prepare for the character, both emotionally and physically? 

It’s such an intimate process to me but I will say that the costumes really helped the physical transformation. Every piece of clothing and jewellery is so specific and adds to bringing her to life. The little things make her more real and grounded to me, which in turn helps me give a more authentic performance. I like to think of myself as a vessel that allows the character to come through. 

Q. What do you think your character adds to the Bridgerton world that viewers haven’t seen before? 

I think we’ve yet to see a young woman live her life so freely and independently in this world. 

Q. How do you hope audiences will connect with her as the season unfolds? 

I hope the audience connects with her zest for life and free spirit. 

Round up  

Q. How has this role shaped your perspective on your career moving forward? 

I think it puts a lot into perspective for me. It’s dictated tremendously what I want for my career and my personal life. It’s also given me so much confidence. 

Q. Are there particular stories, genres or roles you’re hoping to explore next? 

Yes! I’ve recently watched “All Her Fault” and I’d love to do a thriller like that. Or a comedy film like “Bridesmaids”! Classic. 

Q. Finally, what would you like to say to South African audiences, and to young girls who dream of working in film, as they celebrate this moment alongside you? 

That’s so kind, thank you. I’d like to tell every young girl and any South African who dreams of performing on international stages that it is possible. Never ever forget your roots because they are what make you so very special. If little old me can do it, anyone can do it! 🙂 x