Scandal! actor Mathews Rantsoma, who plays Nhlamulo Maseko in the soapie, has bowed out of the daily drama series.
Rantsoma’s character was killed off the show after he shared a few months ago that he would be leaving the show to pursue other opportunities.
Speaking on his departure, he thanked the support and love that he received from fans as well as the crew he worked with on set.
“People are more exposed to the actors and the directors. Some writers and producers but they never really know the crew.
Tribute to crew, actors, viewers and fans
“The people that make the actual magic. They made telling stories comfortable and made me vulnerable. And they helped shape certain parts of the story and the character. For that I will always be grateful to everyone at Scandal! Thank you on to the next one,” he said in a statement.
On social media he bid farewell to his character Nhlamulo and said memories will always be a part of him. He also added that the love he has for acting is not one that will die soon.
“To everyone that supported the character from the beginning. Loved it through time and never wanted to leave its side. Am forever grateful for this gift you guys gave me. Even when it was difficult to play the character you were there. Mostly in the character’s happiest moments, you were there. I won’t forget you; I won’t forget that. Love you all and thank you for everything,” he wrote.
Acting was an escape from bullying
In a previous interview he disclosed that his pursuit of acting was sparked by his experiences as a bullied child. The artist from Thembisa in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, told Sunday World that he has been acting his entire life.
“I started off in the township, then went to The Market Theatre. Scandal! was my big break onto the small screens.
“As a person, you need an escape. So acting for me was that form of escape from the bullying, and it worked,” he said at the time.
Rantsoma stated that he never imagined he would make it this far. And that he only expected his character to last three months.
Also Read: Bullying inspired Matthews Rantsoma to get into acting
