VETERAN actress Tinah Mnumzana has opened about the harsh realities of the acting world.
The 58-year-old star has been in the industry for more than 30 years and said being on screen doesn't mean living a fancy life.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Tinah said her acting journey began in 1987 in theatre.
She acted in Afrikaans productions at the former Transvaal State Theatre before studying drama at a community college.
"I've been acting for 37 years, but it hasn't been easy," she said.
She told Daily Sun that many people expect actors to be rich just because they appear on TV.
"Just because you see us on screen, you think we're living soft. I once took a taxi from Joburg to Bloem and someone asked, 'You're in a taxi? But you're on TV!'. I was shocked. I told them, 'Acting is a job, just like any other'," she said.
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Tinah warned that the pressure to impress can destroy people.
"People expect us to drive big cars and wear expensive clothes. But sometimes you work for six months and then you're jobless for the next two years. That's why I always say, don't live according to what people expect of you. You'll end up in debt," she said.
She said social media has made things worse.
"People go online and judge you for how you spend your money, but they don't know your reality."
Despite it all, Tinah said she's proud of her journey and grateful to be doing what she loves.
She has also appeared in international shows, such as Black Sails and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Over the years, she's been honoured with theatre awards and nominations.
