Former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi is making an exciting career transition, swapping the glamour of the pageant stage for the dramatic world of acting. The South African beauty queen, who captured hearts worldwide when she was crowned Miss Universe in 2019, is now poised to make her professional acting debut in Netflix’s highly anticipated series Bad Influencer.
The upcoming series, premiering globally on October 31, 2025, marks a bold new chapter for Zozibini Tunzi—now known as Zozibini Tunzi-Bolowana—who took to Instagram to share her thrilling news with fans. In a post brimming with excitement and pride, she introduced her character Naomi, hinting at the strong presence she will bring to the screen:
“The cat’s out the bag! Meet Naomi, on the new series Bad Influencer coming to Netflix on 31 October. Chile, her smirk already has me stressed. I’m so proud of my first series role. The show is incredible, the cast is impeccable! You’re gonna love it all. I hope you’re sat!”
Her candid and playful announcement quickly ignited buzz on social media, drawing praise and congratulations from fellow celebrities and fans alike.
Social Media Buzz Surrounding Zozibini Tunzi’s New Role
The response to Zozibini Tunzi’s acting debut was immediate and enthusiastic. TV personality K Naomi expressed her excitement, writing:
“Almost had a heart attack, congratulations mama… can’t wait to see you on screen!”
Similarly, popular radio host Zanele Potelwa chimed in:
“OH MY GOODNESS!!! I’m soooo excited.”
The genuine excitement from her peers speaks volumes about the anticipation surrounding this project and Zozibini’s promising entry into the entertainment industry beyond pageantry.
Produced by Gambit Films, Bad Influencer boasts a star-studded cast that includes Jo-Anne Reyneke, Cindy Mahlangu, Thapelo Mokoena, Hamilton Dlamini, Aubrey Poo, Julia Anastasopoulos, Emmanuel Castis, Lerato Nxumalo, and now Zozibini Tunzi.
The series centers around Jo-Anne Reyneke’s character, BK—a hardworking single mom who partners with Pinky (played by Cindy Mahlangu), an aspiring influencer. Together, they embark on a risky venture selling counterfeit luxury bags online.
What begins as a seemingly harmless hustle quickly spirals out of control as it draws the ire of a dangerous crime boss and attracts police scrutiny. Netflix describes Bad Influencer as a gripping story set in a city obsessed with appearances, where two women must navigate the glittering yet treacherous world of social media alongside the brutal realities of crime.
The leap from Miss Universe to actress is no small feat, but Zozibini Tunzi is already showing she’s ready to embrace this new challenge with confidence. Her foray into acting symbolizes an important evolution in her career, proving that beauty queens can diversify their talents and successfully break into other entertainment arenas.
Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see if Zozibini can translate her captivating presence and poise from the stage to the screen with equal grace.
Throughout her reign as Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi was celebrated not just for her stunning looks but for her advocacy on important social issues like natural beauty, gender equality, and empowerment. This background brings a depth to her public persona that may add unique layers to her acting performances.
By stepping into the acting world, Zozibini has the opportunity to inspire even more people, especially young women who see her as a symbol of versatility and ambition.
Although this is her first acting role, the buzz surrounding Zozibini Tunzi in Bad Influencer suggests that her performance will be one to watch. The character Naomi, teased in her Instagram post, is already generating intrigue among fans who are eager to see what Zozibini brings to the series.
With the show’s premiere just around the corner on October 31, 2025, viewers worldwide will soon get a chance to witness her acting debut and judge for themselves whether Zozibini Tunzi’s talents shine as brightly on screen as they do off it.
If her first role in Bad Influencer is anything to go by, it’s likely that Zozibini Tunzi’s acting career is just beginning. Netflix’s platform offers her a global stage to showcase her abilities, potentially opening doors to more opportunities in film and television.
For now, her fans remain supportive and excited, ready to cheer her on as she takes on this bold new path. It’s clear that Zozibini Tunzi is determined to expand her influence far beyond the world of pageantry and into mainstream entertainment.
Source- Fakaza
