Mon May 21 16:59:11 SAST 2012
Mon May 21 16:59:11 SAST 2012

Benedict making her mark

Dec 15, 2011 | Bafana Mahlangu | 20 comments

AWARD-WINNING actress Maggie Benedict is not your average girl next door ... her quest to succeed remains unquestionable.

ON THE RISE: Maggie Benedict portrays Akhona Miya on Generations

Maggie won in the South African Film and Television Awards for her moving and emotive role in the film Darfur. The film went on to scoop Best International Film award at the New York International Film Festival.

She is currently gracing our TV screens as Akhona Miya on soapie Generations.

Maggie was born and raised in Mamelodi, Pretoria. Her father is a medical doctor while her mother has retired from her teaching job.

An avid reader, Maggie would be found hanging around in libraries even during her formative years.

She studied Musical Theatre at Pretoria Technikon, where she graduated in 2002. She landed her first television role as Lebo in 7de Laan. She was then cast in a beautiful 1920s musical set in New York, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

"I spent a year studying in New York and have travelled extensively with touring shows and in a personal capacity.

"I have been on stage and television, and I feel comfortable and excited tackling characters on both sides."

She auditioned and was accepted at the oldest private studio in New York, Michael Howard Studios, in September 2007. After graduating, she landed roles in Does Anyone Know Sarah Paisner and Anais Nin Goes To Hell, which she played with aplomb.

Thereafter, Maggie shared her time between stage productions and television shows, including theatre shows Showboat, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Cinderella, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

On the small screen, she mesmerised audiences in Snitch, Justice For All, Hard Copy 3 and Isidingo, to mention just a few.

She came back to South Africa in 2008, and landed a role in The #1 Ladies Detective Agency alongside Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose, while at the same time going through gruelling lessons in Arabic in preparation for her role in Darfur.

She also played a lead role in SABC2's The Mating Game.

She met Robyn Olivia Heaney, and together they started HB (Heaney Benedict) Pictures. They produce television, film and corporate productions.

Maggie believes she is a blessed woman.

"Starring at the Baxter Theatre, making my New York debut on the same stage as Morgan Freeman, and working with the likes of Jerry Mofokeng is a dream come true and the highlight of my career," the content looking Maggie says.

Comments

Mon May 21 16:59:11 SAST 2012 ::
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Dec 15, 2011

Makuleni

She is a talented young lady.
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Dec 15, 2011

LaVidaLoca

I didnt know that...Damn, lady....
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Dec 18, 2011

BUNNYBONNY

indeed she is makuleni
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Dec 19, 2011

KUKU

It's this Fly again....
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Dec 19, 2011

Mokwepa7

You are really Blessed ausie & u r an inspiration, Keep up the good work!

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Dec 19, 2011

Mamelodian

Did you get married Maggie? I studied with you at Willowridge High, your surname was Mokgohloa. Please, do fill us in.
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Dec 22, 2011

Noir19

@Mamelodian

Batho ba ko Mums le rata dilo!! please give the girl some Oxygen....mara ....she must fill us in
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Dec 29, 2011

Thabelo

she is talented and knows her business very well'
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Jan 4, 2012

Skelem

She looks like Wesley Snipes
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Jan 11, 2012

Mystery

wow impressive, keep on shining girl
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