Didintle Khunou is quickly becoming a name to watch in South Africa’s entertainment scene, celebrated for her versatility and captivating performances. According to Sowetan Live , her talent and dedication have earned her a spot as the “poster girl” of multiple international films—a journey she describes as “10 years of blood, sweat, and long hours with my acting coach.”
Known for her roles in Isono, The Drop, Soon Comes Night, A Soweto Love Story, Savage Beauty, and In Your Dreams, Khunou is currently shining on the popular soapie Generations: The Legacy. Here, she takes on the role of Tumelo Gcabashe, a Chief Financial Officer with a hidden criminal side, sharing tense scenes with legendary actor Vusi Kunene. “My favorite actor on the show back then was Anne de Villiers, played by the remarkable Camilla Waldman. The fact that I get to step into the role of a villain easier is because of actors like Camilla,” Khunou shares.
Khunou loves playing the villain. “Playing the bad guy is quite exciting because you get to be mean without any judgment, as it’s expected of you to be rude. You get to stretch yourself and do things you wouldn’t necessarily do in reality,” she says.
Joining Generations: The Legacy was a defining moment for Khunou. “The first scene I had with Vusi was one of the most memorable moments for me. I remember stepping up to him and realized how much of a thespian he is. He carries so much weight on camera. Watching and observing him made me think of how I carry myself in an environment or a place,” she reflects.
Alongside her current role, Khunou has earned a nomination for Most Promising Film Star at the Africa Choice Awards. “I’ve invested a lot of money and time in crafting my skillset, from going to workshops and getting a personal coach. I feel like I’ve done all the work and I am prepared enough to be called and be in these spaces,” she says.
In addition to acting, Khunou has dreams of releasing a gospel-infused soulful house album and hopes to work with acclaimed directors like Ava DuVernay and Barry Jenkins. “I want to lend my voice to Black stories,” she says, passionate about bringing uplifting narratives to life.
With roles that range from a slay queen in The Drop to the criminal-minded Tumelo, Khunou has reached international audiences. “I still can’t believe the amount of love I received after that film. I’ve always dreamt of acting abroad or somewhere outside SA,” she says, grateful for the recognition her hard work has brought her.
