The release of the South African series, Queen Sono, starring Pearl Thusi as the lead has resulted in the actress being celebrated by many across the world.
Played by Pearl, Queen is a spy based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The series follows her mission to rid the city of criminals, while still trying to keep her personal life intact.
Speaking to Channel24, Pearl said the show would be an inspiration for young women. She also believes it will have a positive impact on the film and TV industry. "The thing I'm really excited about is how this is going to move the industry forward, and where it's going to take us," she said.
ALSO READ: WATCH: The cast of 'Queen Sono' walk the red carpet in Johannesburg ahead of show premiere
Africans have commended her and the entire cast for an amazing job. However, more people from across the globe are celebrating Mama Panther, including Hollywood actress, Gabrielle Union-Wade.
In a recent post, Gabrielle mentioned how she first met Pearl in Barcelona, and has since fallen in love with her and everything she stands for. The pair met during a NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Miami Heat.
The mother-of-one posted multiple pictures of Pearl and her two daughters and commended her for her worth ethic and for being an amazing mother and philanthropist.
"Today’s #WCW is the talented and captivating Pearl Thusi (@pearlthusi). I met Pearl randomly in a bar in Barcelona while watching the World Cup, right after watching her Netflix movie, Catching Feelings... and I completely fanned out! She is the kind of woman that's a superstar for all the right reasons. She is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, friend, mother and more. She has her own hair care line called Black Pearl Hair… and launched the first ever MAC Collaboration in Africa EVER. Her project Queen Sono is Netflix’s first African original… before her they had never done anything script to screen on the continent![sic]" she wrote.
ALSO READ: 'A truly African female hero' - Here's what went into creating 'Queen Sono'
"And her movie Catch Feelings was their first African movie ever licensed. Her passion for education, women, kids, and fighting HIV has lead her to some incredible work…. helping Global Citizen, many other organizations, and starting her own, Black halo, to focus on helping rape victims. To continue her philanthropic efforts, she just started working with Nkosi’s Haven - a foundation run in honor of Nkosi Johnson, the longest surviving child born with HIV at his time of passing. There aren’t even enough characters available for me to describe everything this woman has done for the world and accomplished! She’s the kind of woman to pop up at my birthday dinner at my favorite Mexican spot when I thought she was out of the country. I'm so inspired by all the work she does. From her immense talent to her groundbreaking roles to her hairline to raising her 2 daughters. Just, WOW. Let us lift her up in the light of goodness and hold her there," she continued.
Pearl also received recognition from Oprah Magazine where she was named "the South African A-Lister to keep on your radar".
Following the global success of the series, Pearl urged fans not to pirate the show, but instead stream on Netflix.
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