Apart from Madea, whom we consider as the most gangster not forgetting funniest old “woman” we’ve come to see on our screens, there are also a number of old lady actresses that we respect and love seeing on our local screens on a daily basis.
Not only do we enjoy watching them discipline their children and grandchildren in these soapies, but we also commend them for managing to be in the entertainment industry for so long.
Longevity is something that is difficult to attain in this industry but these three ladies have proven that although it might be difficult, it is not impossible.
In no particular order, here are the three coolest grandmas on South African TV.
Lydia Mokgoloshi
Known for her role as Koko Mantsha on SABC 1’s Skeem Saam, Gogo Lydia, with her strict yet hilarious attitude, first appeared on our screens as Mma Nkosheng in the TV 3 series Bophelo ke Semphekgo back in 1990.
She’s also appeared on Muvhango and continues to brighten our screens whenever she appears. We hope to see Gogo Lydia for many more years to come. Talk about legendary talent.
Lillian Dube
She might be 70 years old, but her larger than life attitude and energy could have one thinking she’s a lady still in her late 40ss. Our first recollection of gogo Lillian Dube was during her days as Sister Bettina on Soul City and since then her acting career has skyrocketed to greater heights.
Lately we see her sharpening her acting skills on SABC 2’s Muvhango as Mme Mampho. Not only an actress but a soldier at heart who is also a breast cancer survivor that has gone through two breast mastectomies.
In our recent interview with her co-star, Raphael Griffiths, he spoke fondly of Gogo Lillian.
“Mme Lillian, oh my goodness! She’s the funniest granny on earth. You’ll never get into character with that woman around, she’s just too funny. She was once in a cat-fight with my on-screen grandma uMa Nkosi.Ma Nkosi was complaining about the dust in the studio and Mme Lillian jokingly said the dust was fetching abathakathi (witch doctors).
"Indaba uya thakatha that’s why the dust keeps following you, she jokingly said. That was so funny man,” said Raphael.
Cynthia Shange
Grandma Cynthia is not only the coolest, but she's also one of the most beautiful grandmothers we know in the industry. Did you know that she was also the first black queen to represent South Africa at a Miss World pageant?
With her soft voice and down to earth aura, amongst the other grandmas mentioned, we think she's the most reserved lady out of the three. Can you imagine how much of a headache she'd get from going out with grandma Lillian and grandma Lydia back in their younger days?
Grandma Cynthia has been in the entertainment industry since her modeling heydays in the 70s, and, fastforward to the 2015, and she's still relevant.
Image credit: Instagram/Facebook
