Shona Ferguson has no hang-ups about playing a homosexual or a drug addict, as long as the role takes him to new heights as an actor.
And that's the very hunger that drove him to bid farewell to Muvhango and join etv's Scandal as the enigmatic Alex Phiri.
While chatting to Ferguson, one easily detects his passion and dedication as an actor. But he is modest about his accomplishments, saying he owes a lot of it to his wife, the gorgeous and talented Connie (Karabo Moroka in Generations).
"She's always been supportive of everything I do. I am not just talking about my acting; I am talking about my business as well."
His romance with soaps traces back to Generations. "The storyline wasn't huge. I played a bad guy who got into trouble and was sent to jail," he grins.
The debonair actor then joined SABC2's Venda drama, Muvhango, playing the role of Dr Leabua, a psychologist, for two years.
"I loved playing Dr Leabua, but as an actor you want to grow. I decided to leave Muvhango because I wanted to hone my craft further, not because I got an offer from Scandal. I was simply going to wait for a role that challenged me and, in the meantime, focus my attention on my business, a promotions company concentrating mainly on brand management in the optical industry."
But he didn't stay away from the small screen for long, because after his departure from Muvhango, Ferguson enjoyed a brief stint in SABC 3's Isidingo. He played Ronnie Nkosi, a property developer.
On the roles he favours as an actor, he said: "I enjoy anything challenging and I don't mind if it is playing a gay guy or a drug addict, just as long as the character pushes you to levels that you thought you couldn't reach as an actor."
Where you headhunted for the role in Scandal?
"No. A lot of people have that perception, but I just auditioned along with a few others," he stresses.
Ferguson was cautious not to delve too deeply into his character, thereby ruining the surprise for fans.
"He is a very interesting character. At face value, Alex is charming and seductive, but there is more to him and this comes to light as his story unfolds," he shares.
I remark on his "willingness" to give insight on his character and an easy-going Ferguson responds to my sarcasm with a hearty chuckle.
As I wasn't able to push him for further details, I pursued a more relaxed subject - his adjustment to a new cast and working environment.
"Scandal is the first production I have joined where I felt at home on the first day. I never felt, even for a second, that I am the 'new kid'. The cast is amazing. There is this admirable feeling of camaraderie on set - that is what I love and why I felt even more at ease," says Ferguson.
So has the industry been good to you?
"It is a very difficult industry. If you don't have the energy and heart for it, it can destroy you. It is about working hard and never allowing anything to get between what you want and what you want to achieve. So far, it has been good."
- Shona Ferguson's character makes his arrival in Scandal on June 21.