As a hopeless romantic and a sucker for the ever-controversial “keeping a dark secret” love trope, Charlie’s introduction as Phila’s love interest in “Savage Beauty Season 2” was exactly my kind of plot. Waltzing into the epic Netflix sequel as a femme fatale on a quest for vengeance, her character delivered sensuality, malice, and—dare I say—DRAMA!
According to thespian Lebogang Fisher—the talent behind the alluring deuteragonist in the explosive series—playing Charlie was a truly liberating experience.
“Playing the role was liberating because society is often hypercritical of how we, as Black women, present ourselves. Charlie’s indifference to people’s perceptions was so refreshing,” Lebogang shares.
While she doesn’t align with Charlie’s methods—like the steamy affairs with siblings Linda and Phila—Lebogang admires the character’s confidence and resolve.
“I found it fascinating that Charlie has no doubts. She’s a beautiful woman who unapologetically uses her body to get what she wants. She’s sure of herself and clear about what she’s after,” Lebogang explains.
As we close off Women’s Month, we caught up with Lebogang Fisher to discuss her acting journey, her breakout role in Savage Beauty, and navigating her craft on a global stage.
From Childhood Passion to a Global Stage
Born in Pretoria, Lebogang’s love for performing began in her childhood. Raised by supportive parents who encouraged her to explore various fields, she pursued sports, dance, and drama while excelling academically. But it was through acting that she found her true passion.
“Performing gave me an outlet to express grief after losing my younger brother. At the time, I didn’t have the language to describe how I felt, but acting allowed me to release those emotions through different characters. I found it easier to portray them because I could relate to their struggles,” she reflects.
At 15, Lebogang signed with a talent agency, and just a year later, she booked her first major gig—a Disney commercial.
“Shooting the Disney ad was surreal. I had spent a year auditioning for various roles with no luck. Getting that ‘yes’ meant so much. My schoolmates were just as excited as I was!” she recalls.
Determined to hone her craft, Lebogang auditioned for the New York Film Academy and earned a scholarship in her matric year. After graduating and spending time in New York, she returned home to pursue a degree at Rhodes University.
“I realised there was still so much I wanted to learn about my craft. Studying allowed me to grow in a safe space, without the fear of failure,” she says.
Lebogang Fisher | Supplied
Theatre, Screen, and the Quest for Excellence
In 2020, Lebogang’s artistic journey took her to London, where she immersed herself in theatre—a medium she deeply cherishes.
“Theatre gives you an immediate connection with the audience. It’s a collective experience that tests your commitment to the performance. I’ve done a lot of classical work, especially Shakespeare, and it’s been incredible,” she shares.
When asked whether she prefers theatre or screen acting, Lebogang says both forms are equally fulfilling.
“As much as I love theatre, on-screen acting holds a special place in my heart. I enjoy the preparation—the way you rehearse and explore your character without knowing exactly how the other actors have approached theirs. That spontaneity is magical,” she explains.
Interestingly, Lebogang believes her international experiences helped her land the role of Charlie.
“Seeing how things are done abroad has been invaluable. My motto has always been: act locally, think globally. I aim to bring something new to the global stage while staying true to my South African roots. It’s important to embrace the culture of where you are, but never at the cost of your identity,” she says.
Lebogang Fisher | Supplied
From Secret Auditions to Commanding the Screen
Landing the role on Savage Beauty was a well-kept secret until the show aired.
“I auditioned while in London, but I didn’t know what the role was for—only that it was a Quizzical production. Even after I got the part, I couldn’t tell my family, no matter how curious they were,” she laughs.
The role challenged Lebogang to dig deep into her artistry. She took horse-riding lessons (since her character’s father owned horses in the show) and even explored pole dancing.
“When our head writer mentioned that Charlie was inspired by FKA Twigs’ performances, I knew I had to go all out. I told myself, ‘If this is my one shot, I’m going to make it unforgettable,’” she says with a smile.
Portraying Charlie also required Lebogang to understand the character’s emotional complexities.
“Because I know grief, I could connect with Charlie’s emotional pressure points. She isn’t just a femme fatale—at her core, she’s emotionally damaged and stuck in a 17-year-old mindset, unable to process the grief of losing her mother,” Lebogang explains.
The Evolution of South African Film
Lebogang is optimistic about the strides South African film has made but believes more work is needed.
“Our industry is becoming more inclusive—we’re casting beyond stereotypes and showcasing greater diversity in our stories. It’s exciting to see that our programming is no longer monotonous,” she says.
However, she emphasises the importance of fostering diversity behind the scenes.
“We need more people of color working as directors, producers, and in departments like hair and makeup. We also need greater representation of people with disabilities on-screen. True change requires us to reimagine the entire industry,” she states.
Looking Ahead
When she’s not captivating audiences with her performances, Lebogang enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Looking to the future, the actress plans to keep auditioning and exploring new creative avenues—especially in film production.
“I’m excited about a short film I’m producing right now. Who knows? Maybe in a few years, you’ll see ‘Directed by Lebogang Fisher’ on your screen,” she laughs.
With her unwavering dedication to her craft and a fearless approach to new challenges, Lebogang Fisher is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with—both at home and on the global stage.
