Actress Lorcia Cooper is married.
The Lockdown star made the announcement as part of her acceptance speech at Saturday’s Saftas.
The Mitchells Plain meisie won a Golden Horn for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Drama.
The 40-year-old star then dropped a bombshell when she said she is a married woman with a new surname.
“I’d like to thank my husband, Mandla, and my kids with me here, Jannah and Kumo.
LOVE: Lorcia and her family. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM.
“For the record, I’m not Lorcia Cooper anymore. I am Lorcia Khumalo.”
However, she refused to give any more information about her husband, preferring to keep it private.
She first hit the TV screens as Charmaine on e.tv soapie Backstage, and continued climbing the acting ladder.
NEW ROLE: On set of Lockdown. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM
In Lockdown, she plays the role of Tyson, a tough, no-nonsense coloured girl who is also a prison boxing champ and rules with her fist.
The professional dancer with 30 years of dance under her belt, is known for playing the role of a dancer or choreographer in films. This time her character comes with a twist of bumpy rough patches as Lockdown focuses on life in a SA female prison.
Lorcia fought back tears during her speech, dedicating her award to coloured people.
“Wow, I didn’t think I’d be this emotional but here I am.
“First nomination in my career and my first win.”
She expressed her desire for diversity in roles for coloured actors.
LOCKDOWN: Lorcia won a SAFTA for the role of Tyson in Lockdown. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
“I am humbled and privileged that wherever I go I interact with many South Africans who appreciate the character of Tyson.
“I’ve learnt that Tyson resonates with all South Africans.
“It’s is my hope going forward, that there will be many more opportunities for coloured performers to play roles from across the spectrum regardless of the race.
“I am humbled that people see value in my performances.
“As coloured people, we are more than one type of character and I want to say this: Aweh ma se kind, aweh.”
venecia.america@inl.co.za