Winnie Mzembe African-Australian Actress Discusses Her Return and Uplifting Career

Winnie Mzembe is an African-Australian actress specializing in film, theatre and Voice-Over work. Winnie began her acting career at an early age. Later, she studied further at Australian Acting Academy (AAA), and at Queensland Actors Playhouse (QAP). She worked on various short films, and theatre productions prestigious theatre companies. In 2018, Winnie participated in Australia’s 1st Diversity Showcase in Sydney. It showcased Winnie’s unique acting talents, gaining her praise. Winnie fully immerses herself into her work with a natural ability to bring truthfulness to her characters. Winnie is predominantly heavy in film and TV.

indieactivity: What has changed since our last interview?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): A lot has changed since our last interview a few years back! In early 2022 I broke the news that I was walking away from acting! I had a huge breakdown, that I won’t get too much into, but this was huge. Then, I felt incredibly saddened and discouraged. I ran away to LA and caught up with old friends and just made silly decisions. When I came back, I became a teacher! ofClass had 3-5 year old’s for the most part and it was truly the most rewarding experience. However, acting kept calling me again and again.

That yearning desire to bring characters to life was very much at play! I took time that year to reflect, think about what I wanted and I completely changed the trajectory of my career with the help of some beautiful kind hearted humans that I am very thankful for! I had a film I starred in called I deduce screen at festivals and even won best local film. Another film I starred in called “smashed” won audience choice at the west end film festival. I went on to see my performance in Netfilxʼs “irreverent” alongside an incredible cast and crew. So much to look forward to and share that I have coming out soon!

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Tell us about the improved career you have?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): What has improved is reminding myself why I fell in love with storytelling in the  first place. It just made sense to me. I was introduced to an incredible coach, Joel Pierce by one of my friends and fellow co-star Davis. Joel really impacted me as a person and actor. He allowed me to freely make bold decisions as an actor and taught me so much about loosening up, character development and  the importance of being present in the moment and not allowing clouded thoughts to take away from the scene. He has reshaped how I deliver in so many ways and I have walked away with so many life lessons. I am more excited than ever to step into this new chapter of my career. I have improved on how I approach scenes, scripts and even my auditions. I am pleased with the  progress in which I have made! 

How has your acting improved?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): I have learned a much more effective way to approach my script and memories  my lines. I am so much more confident in my self tapes and in person audition when given the chance. I also had the privilege of returning to the stage! Stepping away allowed me to really remind myself of the love I have for theater. I starred in the sold out theater productions Dominos and Rum as MONA , a struggling mother willing to go to great lengths for her son! She was so  incredibly wonderful to play, and I am so thankful for the impact she made on audiences and that I got to bring her to life. So trusting myself in the moment has really helped me improve. It may sound strange, but I have learned to be  comfortable with being uncomfortable. 

You are an experienced actor, how much work: creativity, energy or  focus do you put into your scenes?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): I would not say that I am there yet. I have a lot of growing and learning to do and Iʼm grateful for the opportunities to do that. I give it my all. If I want a fruitful career I need to work every single day on my craft. If I’m not on set, I am working on scripts I have been developing. I am learning a monologue, I am studying the craft, I am sharpening on my accent training. So, I am staying busy, that I (1, don’t go insane, and (2, stay hungry and passionate in a field I have loved for a very long time. I have always wanted to step on the other side of the camera and direct. I love directing and hope to someday sit in the editing chair too.

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how has each show impacted your work as an actor and your career? 
Winnie Mzembe (WM): Each experience on set is different, and I love that. If each experience on set  was the same, I wouldn’t learn much. I have played a doctor in the award  winning short film Ambrosia‘. It’s about how in an alternative world, brothers are faced with the complicated decision of whether or not to give up life to join a simulation world called Ambrosia. I played Margaret Lombardy, the US doctor that faces them with the life altering decision. It was so fun, and I reached out  to my dialect coach to ensure I did the US accent justice. I have also played a detective and a cop, and even a lawyer and nurse. These roles have taken me to different locations and allowed me to meet new people. 

How is the work you do on one show, compared to another?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): Quite different. When playing a mother who worked as a nurse, I had a boy with me on set playing my son! It was such a heartwarming experience! On the set of Canvas I played a fierce boxing expert and was a totally boss lady who was intimidating and knew how to make some deals. You take away something new from each set, and then apply that to the next time you are on set. As long as I stay truthful through the scene, I will be okay!

Letʼs take a show you’ve done, how did you prepare for such a role?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): On Netflix’s Irreverent I played a US flight attendant and ensured I worked with my dialect coach in the time leading up. US audiences know when their accent isnt theirs, so I wanted to do it right, and respectfully. Playing a flight  attendant on the show was fun, however flight attendants walk, talk, speak and  interact with the passengers on the plane in a particle way as they are trained, so I made sure to do my research, not just wing it. I wanted to make sure I was a conniving one, and I had a lot of fun doing the scene and playing around with each take. 

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How do you get into character?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): Knowing what my character wants in that scene helps. Studying closely with  the tournament of minds I learned to freely explore characters from the age of 8. When I was 11 and joined the Australian Acting Academy, I remember my coach encouraging me to connect. Understanding my character also helps. Knowing what they want, what they like. Even things like understanding how they’d walk, react, and connect with the other characters. Once I am in the  moment, I roll with the energy of the character. Staying focused and believing. 

What are your principles on a production set?
Winnie Mzembe (WM): Respecting your crew! The crew work incredibly hard and are up before most of the cast enduring the set is looking how it is meant to. I also love interacting with the make up artists and watching them transform the actor. It’s incredible work. Another principle I feel is very important is having the right attitude on set! We are working hard to create an amazing story and it gets really busy. 

Explain one creative choice you took on the set?
WM: I worked with an incredible director Shane Anderson. He is one of the most intelligent and hardworking directors I have come to know, and I am never afraid to make small or bold choices around him. He never tells the actor what to do, instead guides the actor in the best way, and I am always pleased with the outcome. In our film, coming out this year, I got to make creative choices as I play the antagonist. So, my approach could have come in different ways, but I chose to mix it up, and we ended up loving the final cut. My characters are quite mysterious, and as the tension builds it’s very much exciting. I really hope audiences love it! 

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Tell us about your new exciting projects?
WM: I am excited for IOB to hit Aussie and UK screens this year! A feature film I worked on called Heart of the Man is due for release this year, and I can’t wait for audiences to see my character Natasha! She is a smart woman who knows business and she was a joy to play! The film is a A coming-of-age drama that follows the story of Chris Wundurra, a rising amateur boxer torn between pleasing his father and following his heart. I am also looking forward to Sonos directed by Shane Anderson. My character gave me chills playing her, but I love that characters can have those kinds of impacts on us, even when you’re playing them!

Talk about the industry here, making the move over, and especially how  Hollywood has been affected by the pandemic?
WM: LA is such a fun and vibrant city. It is always a joy to work with like minded artists who just love making films, and want to make art that is remembered in a positive way. I love that there is this sense of uplifting one another and having this desire to  come together to create art. Storytelling is a wonderful experience and I am glad to meet more people who find a fulfilling joy in it. During the pandemic a  lot of artists felt discouraged and questioned if they wanted to continue on the path. I am so glad to see those who were once on the verge of giving up, come back into the light to try again. I think it’s so important to check in on each other’s mental health in this wild but fun industry. I am excited and hopeful for  years to come!

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