Renowned South African actor Alfred Ntombela has been a beloved figure in the entertainment industry for decades. Known for his comedic talents, Ntombela is now stepping into a more serious role in the upcoming Netflix series *Mabaso Family Reunion*. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about his long-standing relationship with fellow actor Leon Schuster, his career evolution, and his excitement for the new project.
### A Multifaceted Actor: Breaking the Comedic Mold
Alfred Ntombela, a household name for his roles in the *Mr. Bones* films, is often typecast in comedic roles, a label he has come to embrace. However, in his recent interview with *Sowetan*, Ntombela made it clear that he is not confined to one-dimensional characters. “I’m usually typecast for a comedic role, and I don’t have an issue with that,” he said. “However, I possess many qualities as an actor. I can be serious if you want me to. I can keep a straight face throughout the whole episode to show how multifaceted of an actor I am.”
Ntombela’s upcoming role in *Mabaso Family Reunion*, a dramedy produced by Mandla N, offers him the opportunity to showcase his versatility as an actor. He stars alongside a talented cast, including Thulani Mtsweni, Natasha Thahanem, Bonko Khoza, Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, and Lerato Mvelase.
“I was panicking shortly after speaking to Mandla. I kept asking myself: ‘When are we shooting this thing?’” Ntombela shared. “But I was relieved when I finally got the call to start shooting.”
### A Special Bond with Leon Schuster
Throughout his career, Ntombela has shared an enduring and heartfelt bond with veteran actor Leon Schuster. The two first worked together in the 1990s, and their partnership has since become a staple in South African comedy. Ntombela credits Schuster as a father figure who has been instrumental in shaping his career.
“Leon Schuster will always be like a father to me,” Ntombela said. “He gave me his palm to grab and jump the difficult waves that see me to where I am today. I’ll forever be grateful to him.” The two actors have worked together on multiple films, creating unforgettable moments on screen that have resonated with audiences for years.https://x.com/PhilMphela/status/1858480614971756815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1858480614971756815%7Ctwgr%5Eb3da0094a1fa1d61fb255bd70a95a9d6c829ff7d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesouthafrican.com%2Fculture%2Fentertainment%2Falfred-ntombela-leon-schuster-mabaso-family-reunion-netflix%2F%3Futm_term%3DAutofeedutm_campaign%3DTheSouthAfricanutm_medium%3DSocialutm_source%3DFacebookfbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0vfIxOpKeDGeh6zGd7bZwoto49vW4bCWu3mBxtdWAmTjROnWdaluEouBo_aem_SufPmijiGyeFJf85I36Tdw
Ntombela emphasized that despite the passage of time, the magic between him and Schuster remains unchanged. “We’ve made magic on screen together, and not much has changed since the 1990s. The energy is still there.”
### Looking Ahead: New Ventures and Opportunities
As Ntombela ventures into new acting opportunities, including *Mabaso Family Reunion*, he remains deeply grateful for the opportunities he has had in the entertainment industry. His latest role marks an exciting new chapter, allowing him to explore different facets of his acting craft while continuing to entertain and inspire audiences.
Reflecting on his journey, Ntombela is not only proud of his comedic legacy but is eager to show his range in more serious roles. Fans of his work can look forward to seeing him in a new light when *Mabaso Family Reunion* premieres on Netflix.https://x.com/BlackBrainSA/status/1858556131607552419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1858556131607552419%7Ctwgr%5E1263dfa590008b9955aeb1f158ede1a5e7a5583a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesouthafrican.com%2Fculture%2Fentertainment%2Falfred-ntombela-leon-schuster-mabaso-family-reunion-netflix%2F%3Futm_term%3DAutofeedutm_campaign%3DTheSouthAfricanutm_medium%3DSocialutm_source%3DFacebookfbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0vfIxOpKeDGeh6zGd7bZwoto49vW4bCWu3mBxtdWAmTjROnWdaluEouBo_aem_SufPmijiGyeFJf85I36Tdw
### A Legacy of Laughter and Talent
Alfred Ntombela’s journey in the South African entertainment industry is a testament to his talent, versatility, and resilience. From his iconic comedy roles to his more dramatic work today, Ntombela continues to prove that he is much more than just a comedic actor. His enduring partnership with Leon Schuster and his expanding repertoire are clear indicators that Ntombela’s star will continue to shine brightly in the years to come.
With the upcoming release of *Mabaso Family Reunion*, Ntombela is sure to capture the hearts of both old and new fans, further cementing his legacy in the South African entertainment industry.