Skeem Saam’s Vusi : Gogos called me out for being drunk

Sometimes it is hard for fans to separate actors from their characters on screen, just ask Skeem Saam’s Vusi Leremi who was reprimanded by a gogo for “being drunk” on the show.

Vusi’s schoolboy character, Clement, is a chancer and has several times been seen on screen drinking. After Clement got so drunk he went “offline” and was missing, concerned fans started lashing out at Vusi.

“I live in Soweto, so the grannies of this hood sometimes think my character is real. I remember after that drinking scene played on TV, one lady came to me and started shouting that I was a disgrace and always drunk. I was like ‘No, Ma! I was only acting.”

The star has the role of Clement for several years, growing up with the character, and said it had taught him important life-lessons.

“More than anything it has taught me that people have bigger problems than you and you should appreciate what you have. Clement’s life can be hard, he goes through a lot.”

Vusi admitted that it took a while for him to get into the role of Clement.

"I started acting as a kid but then I stopped. When I got back and was trying to come get in and out of character, I found it really difficult. It was probably the hardest part for me because it took so much effort. Luckily now I have got it down."

He credits good friends on the show for helping him get into the role, saying that they would often give him support and guidance.

"It was about tapping into what was there, deep down, and also being humble enough to listen to other."