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The TVSA Interview: Connie Ferguson

Written by TVSA Team from the blog Interviews on 31 Oct 2010
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On Friday night (29 October), the end of era took place on Generations when Connie Ferguson played her final scene as Karabo Moroka.

16 years built up towards Karabo and Tau's wedding and ended when Karabo became Mrs Mogale. I caught up with Connie for us to get her impressions on it all:

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Tashi: What was the moment that you decided to leave the show?
Connie: It's something I've been thinking about for the past two years so it wasn’t an overnight decision. I think everyone reaches that comfort zone - when you are in that place of familiarity, just trying to pluck up the courage and make that decision is so hard.

Gosh ... what was the moment? I don't even know what that moment was. I think it was just so crazy with my schedule on the show and me trying to do my other stuff outside of it that it became overwhelming.

I just thought: "No, I think I need to stop procrastinating about this decision and just do it."

Tashi: At the time, just before you announced you were leaving, Mfundi (Vundla; Generations creator) was quoted as saying that the show's actors were spending too much time on outside work. Did all that have anything to do with it?
Connie: See, that had absolutely nothing to do with me even, whatever prompted him to make that comment - if indeed he said that - it had nothing to do with me, it's just trying to work around the series schedule and everything else.

When you sign up for a soapie, you must just know that for five days a week they own you, basically, and that everything else you do, you have to work around it - that’s just the way it is.

For the time that I've been on the show, it's been okay, I've been able to do that, but I think, you know, I have other interests outside now that require a bit more of my attention than what I've been able to give.

It's been frustrating me a little and that's really what prompted the decision. It's time for me to grow beyond what I've been doing on the show and I felt like I was restricting myself.

Tashi: How will days change now that you're gone?
Connie: My time will be my own, I won't have to phone production every time I want to set up a meeting, find out what time I'm working, so that I can work around that time - which has, most of the time, been like, oh God, like pulling a tooth. It's been hectic.

So that's how it'll change really, I'll be in control of my own time and I'm so looking forward to that.

Tashi: What question have you been asked the most since everyone's known that you're leaving?
Connie: *laughs* The biggest comment was: do I want Generations to go down? And I think the question I've been asked the most was: why? People wanted a reason ...my Twitter page ... people wanted a reason.

I think, you know, I'm so synonymous with Generations because I've been on the show since it started. From Day One, Scene One - the first scene of the series, I was there.

I'm such a familiar face on the show, that with Karabo gone, it's like that familiarity is taken away because this is like the original cast member of the show.

I think from that point, I think they just can't comprehend: "This women can't be serious, she is Generations." Thank God, I'm not Generations. *laughs*

connie_finale_26
Connie's tweet after Friday's show.

Tashi: What do you say when people ask if you want the show to go down?
Connie: Of course I don't, I just want to grow beyond where I am and beyond what I was able to do while I was on the show. In a way it's a selfish decision because I know Karabo has so many fans and people love her, people love Karabo like you will not even begin to understand.

I think I can promise to continue to do good things now that I'm gone. I can promise to ... *laughs* not completely leave television so I will still be visible but maybe not as much as I have been with Generations.

Tashi: It sounds like you feel a bit guilty?
Connie: You know what, I do. I'd be inhuman not to because I've invaded so many people's lives for so many years.

To them, they know this person, they know this character, most of them grew up with her, most of them cried with her, most of them related to some of the things that she's gone through so they know her and because they feel like they know her so intimately, they feel like they own her so the least they deserve is an explanation why and I get it.

I think that's why, I do feel a little guilty, but I mean, not to a point where now my life stops because my fans want to see Karabo on TV.

connie_finale_2
Connie at the 2009 SAMAs,
snapped by Cande.

Tashi: If you were to choose your all-time, most memorable moment over the 16 years, what is it?
Connie: Oh my goodness, that's a difficult question because 16 years is a long time ... um ... oy-yoy-yoy-yoy-yoy ... I think, it was probably when Tau first proposed to Karabo (four years ago).

For me, having seen Karabo go through her trials and tribulations and grow - my wish for her was always that she eventually finds love and she settles down and grows as a business woman. What she's always wanted is a family so I've always wanted that for her as well.

That moment was very poignant. I remember that day, of filming it, those scenes, and I think they looked so good. I think it was written so well, I enjoyed playing it.

The other scenes ... okay, I didn't exactly enjoy playing them but I found them to be quite challenging and looking back, I think they're the scenes that people related to the most because they came from a real place. The scenes with Karabo and the baby and the loss and losing her mind.

Those for me, they were very personally challenging and emotionally draining but also therapeutic because *laughs* in a way I cried over my own loss and really cried and just, gosh, I cried all the tears I had to cry over that issue.

They looked good because they came from a real place and they affected people and I think, at the end of the day it was a job well done and a mission accomplished.

Tashi: Are you happy with how Karabo left?
Connie: Ultimately I am - I think initially, my initial reaction to it though was shock *laughs*. At Tau's return.

Tashi: Did you have any other ideas about how she would leave?
Connie: *laughs* I thought they would kill her. You know that's how characters exit from a soapie - you die tragically and they bury you and that's that and the nation cries and it's done, at least the character's gone.

I thought that's what they would do, but you know, I think we've had such a great relationship. I think the production, they love Karabo but I think they love Connie as well.

I think it was very important for them to give me a "good send-off" as they call it, like a positive one - which is why they brought Tau back as well because you know, he's always been the love of her life.

Bring him back, let her have her dream wedding, and then, as they put it, fly off into the sunset.

Tashi: When you had thoughts of being killed off, did you have any thoughts as to which character would do it?
Connie: I thought Dineo would do it, yes - I thought Dineo would do it and get away with it. For me it was a toss between Dineo and Kenneth.

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Tashi: Across all of Karabo's tragedies with men, who's been the best kisser?
Connie: Oh! gosh - do you know how ugly on-screen kisses are?

Tashi: This is what everyone tells me but I don't believe it.
Connie: Seriously, gosh, they're so ugly, and so choreographed, half the time you don't even want to kiss the person. I mean no disrespect but *laughs* oh gosh ...

Tashi: Do you do a lot of preparations before? Like tooth brushing and Listerine?
Connie: No, well, I speak for me, I think dental hygiene is for me, one of those things that I'm OCD about.

Tashi: Me too.
Connie: I obsess over dental hygiene so I think my co-actors have been lucky in that sense that they've had nothing to worry about, um ... I can't say the same for myself *laughs* but I'm not naming names ... *laughs*

Tashi: *guffawing*
Connie: Let's just say that it hasn't always been a ... ja. We have such a sweet floor manager though because every time before kissing scenes, when he reads the schedule and sees: "Okay shame, so-and-so has a kissing scene."

If he knows that someone has a problem - because everybody knows if someone has a problem - he'd come onto set with mints or chewing gum or whatever and give both of us chewing gum, like it’s no big deal. He'd just look at me and wink *laughs* and I'd think: "Oh thanks Dr Dre."

But no, I can't say that one was memorable than the other, I think they're just very uncomfortable.

Tashi: Does everybody stare and watch?
Connie: Everybody stares and watches and some people tend to get more excited than others. And boys are naughty, boys are very naughty - they always get excited.

I think though, of all the main character's that I worked with, the one that clicked with on a personal level, as in really we can sit and chat and be friends and talk about anything is Siyabonga (Twala, who plays Paul).

Tashi: Interesting. So nothing romantic but on a connection level?
Connie: Ja, on a connection level, he's smart, very business-minded. I think we connected on a ... we became friends beyond Karabo being Paul's whatever, girlfriend, fiancé.

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Tashi: Is there anything that Karabo didn't get to do that you wish she had?
Connie: Well, she gets married and I suppose she does have a family because of Tau's daughter Angela but I wish, a side of her that I would have liked explored while I was still on the show is that family part of it.

You know, talking to women in general, I find that people struggle to balance work and family. When I do my interviews as Connie and people read that I'm married with two children, and I manage to work as hard as I do, they ask: how do I balance it?

I think sometimes it would be nice to see that aspect on TV because people think that when you're busy, you don't have time for family, and I contradict that statement - I don't believe that that's how it should be.

We've always seen Karabo with Queen and Princie and mostly at work and her relationships with other people on the show, but how she runs her home life, we didn't explore that and if it clashes, how that clashes with work, how she works around it.

Just little things like that, real issues that family people have that people can relate to. I would have loved to see more than just her issues with love.

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Karonnie's very final moment.
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Tashi: When it came to filming your very final scene, how many times did you shoot it?
Connie: What happens with party scenes is ... usually when we film regular scenes there's a nice flow to the day but with party scenes, number one: most of the lead actors, and number two: we have extra's as well - so there's a whole bunch of actors in one room *laughs*.

It's chaos because actors are people that talk so just to try and control a crowd and get moving - it can be a bit challenging so they took long but they were fun.

The final scene that Karabo gave really hit me because it was like I was saying it to my colleagues. They seemed real - it was almost like the script writer was sitting writing my farewell speech. Gosh, when I read the script, I thought: "Oh my gosh, are you serious?? This is me saying this to my colleagues." So you know, oh gosh ... ja.

connie_finale_3

Karabo: "To Ezweni, it will always, always be home."

Tashi: What will you miss most about being on the show?
Connie: I think the people ... actors are crazy - I'm usually a very quiet and shy and reserved person and I think what they've done for me is they've allowed me to come out of my shell a bit and I'll miss that vibe.

I'll miss the vibe in make-up, whether we were listening to music. On a crazy day everyone's dancing - Friday's are happy days in make-up because people know that the weekend's starting.

I'll miss that, I'll miss the chats that I had with my colleagues, I'll miss the vibe in the studio with the crew - I got on so well with our cameramen and sound guy - they talk about everything under the sun and they always make me laugh.

I'm so familiar with everybody that I have a nickname for almost everyone, so you can just imagine ... I'm going to miss the interaction that I had with everyone.

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Tashi: Will you ever return?
Connie: *laughs* We shall leave that for the future. Obviously that gap is open for if I decide to return or if they ask me really nicely and I consider so you know, it's open. I never say never but I think where I am now, it's not on the cards, it's not in my future plans.

I'm not even thinking about it but should it come up in future and I think: "Okay, I've established what I wanted to establish, I've accomplished what I wanted to accomplish, and I have a bit more time to spare, I could go back and play a bit more," then I'll think about it but for now it's not on the cards.

Tashi: Will you be watching the show now?
Connie: Of course I will, I love the show, I'm not only a Generations actress but I'm a fan as well. I'd love to see what Kenneth gets up to next. Shame, I'd love to see how Queen survives without Karabo - I'm curious about, how my peeps are going to do without me. I'll continue to support and watch the show.

Tashi: Have you always watched? Every night?
Connie: I have always - well, not every night, sometimes I'm too tired to watch, sometimes I'm doing homework but whenever I can catch an episode I watch.

Ends



42 Comments

Cnglemother
01 Nov 2010 01:05

she must just not Trevor Noah herself sizokhinyeka,there's too many things i see her on.yo that ambush show!what a disaster!

lejazz
01 Nov 2010 07:55

will come back later

sibuuu
01 Nov 2010 08:38

nice article Tashi, otsameye senntle Connie,i am going to miss you

ownah m p
01 Nov 2010 08:50

wow nice one!!!!! you made good rep up.... good by connie...

MAGNET2DISASTER
01 Nov 2010 08:52

bye girl!

S.K
01 Nov 2010 08:52

Very nice article...Tashi
What kills me is that she thought they will kill Karabo...hahahahahaha, but yeah that's how its done ko Gen, kill the character on his\her exit. The connection of her and Paul was so real, well like she said they get along quite well.............

Lobby the girl
01 Nov 2010 08:52

Morning,

Very nice article, 
So who did Karabo not like kissing?,is it Sbu cause he's a smoker, or Lungile cause of his big mouth ...(wondering)

S.K
01 Nov 2010 08:55

Good luck gal.

S.K
01 Nov 2010 09:07

I think its Sbuda who "had a problem". LOL or Lungile yes, nomlomo omanzi!!!!!!

LaPam
01 Nov 2010 09:11

it was nice and good, we`ll miss her to bits as Karabo. Thank you Tashi.I loved Queens`dress.

thatohatsi
01 Nov 2010 10:29

nice a title.

lejazz
01 Nov 2010 10:46

@ Tazteq..I share your sentiment hey

Honestly her final scenes were not emotional as we anticipated.It was just a random scene of a wedding and people happy that's all.I did not even feel that she was leaving.The way things were kept hush hush about her final scenes I was anticipating water works and all those kind of teary things...I mean her past scenes.....

They must have made the viewers and her fellow characters to cry rivers man..to indicate that indeed the STAR was leaving the show.

Anywhere goodbye to beloved Karabo and Connie...somebody called her Karonnie

ntoko
01 Nov 2010 10:47

Goodbye Kari will miss you always gal wish u all the best....Tashi goodone ..I was touched by her speech was sobbing but again i was telling myself atleast she's not dead, She was a Queen of Generations,I will always miss her beautiful smile :-(

Msoe
01 Nov 2010 10:54

that gap is open for if I decide to return or if they ask me really nicely and I consider so you know.

Hmmmmm!

blackiekagiso
01 Nov 2010 10:56

nice one tash,good luck connie. 

Lex
01 Nov 2010 11:49

Tazteeq-I agree with you totally. I was not satisfied with Friday's episode,it seriously needed some more oomph! Cant believe we wont be seeing her on Generations.

Molilo
01 Nov 2010 12:02

Ya ne the Friday episode was just nje for me, I really expected fireworks. All the best to her and projects.

carino
01 Nov 2010 12:23

True about Friday’s episode. It was just sad because, you know.. it was her last.. so I was looking at her and thinking konje its the last time.

But I was waiting for the emotionality that we were told to expect... nothing!

carino
01 Nov 2010 12:26

LOL moment at the way that lady on pic 2 is looking at Karonnie.

Sobza
01 Nov 2010 12:53

LOL moment at the way that lady on pic 2 is looking at Karonnie.

@Carino Tjo....hay maan, u always notice izinto eziphume ecaleni....lol

sexy d
01 Nov 2010 14:02

@Tashi nice article..

i also agree with you guys it felt like we we gonna see her on monday or even better they could have played gen 4 an hour so dat we can know for sure sure that she is leaving the soapie....or played  some past scenes of her..

CNAZO A.K.A NAUGHTYGAL
01 Nov 2010 14:26

karie i will miss you love......I was touched by her speech on thursday i felt llike cryng.
..So who did Karabo not like kissing?,maybe Sbu cause he's a smoker, it cannot be lungile his lips are so juicy and im warning you juicy lips eish..... they do well

S.K
01 Nov 2010 14:31

Ayngeke CNAZO, amanzi gal!!!!!!!!!! Not Ayoba for me. umuntu okhothana nomlomo nje!!!!!

SWEETYG..
01 Nov 2010 14:52

Gud work Tash, Bye Connie I wish u all the best n I wish they can bring u back even if it's after 4 yrs.

carino
01 Nov 2010 14:54

if they ask me really nicely
As far as I know, asking nicely means Generations going deep on their bank account lol.

You can say that again maki. I was reading one of Rapulana's old interviews as well when he left he said... unless they give him an offer he cant refuse... and I supposed this was it. heheh

sexy d
01 Nov 2010 14:56

The one with a problem its Sbu shem. Cant you guys see his teeth are yellow and Karabos are white lol makisto no wonder we never see him kissing Ntombi..

Phikza
01 Nov 2010 15:21

LOL...hawu you guys,how will Sbuda feel when he reads this blog?

Connie: I think the people ... actors are crazy - I'm usually a very quiet and shy and reserved person .......i always thought this bout Connie,even Karabo
I l♥ve her and will always do..i missed her final episode on Friday and the Omnibus on Saturday, all the best with everything Mrs Ferguson

carino
01 Nov 2010 15:38

lol

carino
01 Nov 2010 15:39

and my 10-year-old niece said: I like how they zoomed the three of them in. It was a great picture.

And i just couldn't get over Dumisani who kept wanting to appear at the back...

S.K
01 Nov 2010 16:17

hehehehehehe, makisto!!!!!! u killing mehere dude!!!!!

Floh
01 Nov 2010 23:48

Today was strange for me watching generations knowing that my favourite actress has hit the road, hamba kahle sisi sikufisela okuhle kodwa, miss you already. Generations will never be the same without you.

mokgopo enos
02 Nov 2010 00:25

I hate goodbyes. But I guess is time to part. Ka sepedi ba re "Seo se sa felego se a hlola". I guess God gave Connie sixteen years contract with generation. We might cry and weep, but God knows what he is doing. I wish sesi Connie (Believe me, is hard to say Connie, I'm not used to it.) all the best in her "other interests". I guess people have to get used to it. 8pm weekdays, SABC 1 without Karabo Moroka.

aka88b
02 Nov 2010 10:37

mhmmm m sure she enjoyed every kiss frm those guz, damn tau can leak her lips ewwww

Favoured
02 Nov 2010 10:50

why are we Forgetting Madla Sthole ok NNa i think its Mandla and Sbu period LOL

Sasha27
02 Nov 2010 11:02

Thought the episode would last an hour lyk they do on newyear's eve. Anyways gudbye karabo n gudluck connie.

jrufas
06 Nov 2010 12:59

goodbye karabo.wish u all the best in life.u deserve it all honey!!!!

sunbae
27 Apr 2011 15:08

well is stil hard to belive that Karabo iz gone... i jst hope one day she will jst come back...Connie u r my star..... and good luck..

6444
29 Apr 2011 13:06

oh pls cum back miz u , u a star 2ooo 

Thembakazi Mntwana
23 Aug 2011 13:05

sembo
18 Oct 2011 14:39

pls cme back ............................gens is boring witout u connie.

mbulela
18 Oct 2011 15:41

outrageously over rated.
A very average actress.

KHANYO NANTENTE
10 Sep 2012 09:47

pls go bck to gen. the show's borring without u love you.


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