Veteran actor Jerry Phele expressed his modesty by stating that he doesn’t believe he has achieved enough in the acting industry to be deemed a legend of his time. Despite being widely recognized for his unforgettable portrayal of Mofokeng in the popular 90s sitcom Emzini Wezinsizwa on SABC 1, the 69-year-old actor insists that he has more work to do to earn the status of a legend truly.
With a remarkable acting career spanning nearly 40 years, Phele has taken on diverse roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From portraying a comedic character living in a hostel with his friends to embodying a profoundly religious man unwavering in his faith, Phele has demonstrated his ability to bring various characters to life. After a three-year absence from the screen, Phele is set to make his comeback on e.TV’s Smoke & Mirrors. He will portray a shady character, based on himself, who navigates through deceitful situations.
In 2021, Phele also starred in the second season of the drama series Abomama, where he portrayed Jonas, the caretaker of a church, showcasing his comedic talents in a different light.
He said,
“As much as Jonas was there to guard and care for the church, he was staunch in his faith. He was full of hallelujahs and amens and would never do any wrong no matter what,” “Now, this new role of Jerry Phele is far different from Jonas. Jerry is a sketchy person who is very untruthful in his ways. “Yes, my character and I share the same name but he and I are not the same, not even an inch. This Jerry is hardcore with a twisted persona. I only realised the scammer he was after a few scenes… that was when I knew I had to protect the real me [inside] when I was acting as Jerry, the big-time scammer.”
Jerry has embraced humour throughout his acting career, notably as Morena in SABC2’s sitcom Skwizas, where he starred alongside acclaimed actors Lillian Dube and Tsholofelo Matshaba. With his 70th birthday approaching, Ntate Jerry expressed gratitude for continuing to receive acting opportunities, emphasizing that producers prioritize the quality of his performances over his age.
