“I didn't train, but I'm a gym person, I hit the bag a lot and I do a bit of boxing with my personal trainer at the gym but there really was not time to train.”
Vusi said he was enticed to play Seconds because he is unlike all the characters he has played before. He has previously played Jack Mabaso in Generations, Jefferson Sibeko on Isidingo: The Need and Bhekifa on Isibaya, to name a few, and said the character's life was calling him.
“The description of the role for me — even before I read the script — sounded delicious. It sounded like something I've never done before and I really wanted to do it. Also, just listening to the story, these are the things we are not aware of and they are still happening now — so that for me sold it, too.”
Those who think have had the actor figured out, are in for a surprise, he said.
“They can expect to see a real person in Seconds who is working from nothing but also has dreams. He has ambitions but he also has downfalls. He has people who love him and they push him to be the best he can be. This is a moment where you see money isn't everything — life is everything.”
The seasoned actor, who has been in the industry for more than two decades, said he considered himself blessed to have been acting for so long.
“I suppose there is a bit of luck there but it's also determination to always stay in the picture. I'm not saying other people are not. Our paths are different. God paves our paths differently so I would say I'm lucky. But when I put in work and my determination to make things work I feel like I deserve this.”
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Total knockout — Vusi Kunene stars in boxing movie ‘Seconds’
‘This is a moment where you see money isn’t everything — life is everything’
Image: Supplied
He is known for playing dark, mysterious and dangerous characters but legendary actor Vusi Kunene is ready to show fans he has an ace up his sleeve.
He stars as Seconds Khumalo on Seconds, a sports drama that debuted on eVOD on July 13.
Seconds was directed by Liese Kuhn and written by Andrico Goosen. It tells the story of Seconds Khumalo, an ageing boxer from the East Rand.
Speaking to TshisaLIVE Vusi said his character was one who seemed to be stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“He is a man who works for the Van Tonders. They own a butchery but all sort of illicit activities happen there and he is like a pet to them. They do underground boxing. He fights but he doesn't want to fight because he is cosy to the boss.”
It's the seasoned actor's first time playing a character who does sport, and Vusi said he was already familiar because of his workouts.
“I didn't train, but I'm a gym person, I hit the bag a lot and I do a bit of boxing with my personal trainer at the gym but there really was not time to train.”
Vusi said he was enticed to play Seconds because he is unlike all the characters he has played before. He has previously played Jack Mabaso in Generations, Jefferson Sibeko on Isidingo: The Need and Bhekifa on Isibaya, to name a few, and said the character's life was calling him.
“The description of the role for me — even before I read the script — sounded delicious. It sounded like something I've never done before and I really wanted to do it. Also, just listening to the story, these are the things we are not aware of and they are still happening now — so that for me sold it, too.”
Those who think have had the actor figured out, are in for a surprise, he said.
“They can expect to see a real person in Seconds who is working from nothing but also has dreams. He has ambitions but he also has downfalls. He has people who love him and they push him to be the best he can be. This is a moment where you see money isn't everything — life is everything.”
The seasoned actor, who has been in the industry for more than two decades, said he considered himself blessed to have been acting for so long.
“I suppose there is a bit of luck there but it's also determination to always stay in the picture. I'm not saying other people are not. Our paths are different. God paves our paths differently so I would say I'm lucky. But when I put in work and my determination to make things work I feel like I deserve this.”
Support independent journalism by subscribing to TimesLIVE Premium. Just R20 for the first month.
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