In the highly anticipated adaptation of The Polygamist, Gugu Gumede steps into the shoes of a woman whose life is upended by betrayal, heartbreak and the realities of modern polygamy. It is a role she fought for after first discovering Sue Nyathi's bestselling debut novel years before she ever auditioned. Having grown up around the realities and complexities of polygamous family structures herself, Joyce's journey resonated deeply, becoming more than just another character but an opportunity to explore themes of power, resilience and self-discovery.
For Gumede, the role demanded everything. Drawing on her own life experiences, years of training and emotional vulnerability, she describes portraying Joyce as a spiritual and transformative experience — one that challenged her to access some of her deepest emotions while ultimately telling the story of a woman reclaiming her voice. Now, as audiences eagerly await the series premiere, Gumede believes viewers are in for something special. After binge-watching the completed show herself, she says the adaptation honours the novel while standing firmly on its own, delivering a visually rich, emotionally gripping story that celebrates African storytelling at its best.
GLAMOUR sat down with Gumede to discuss discovering The Polygamist, why she was determined to play Joyce, and the lessons she learned from one of the most demanding roles of her career.
GLAMOUR: How did The Polygamist first come into your life, and what was the journey from reader to cast member?
Gugu Gumede: I actually came across the book long before the audition. Someone recommended it to me and insisted that I read it. The challenge was finding a copy because it was sold out almost everywhere. I searched several bookstores before eventually finding one at the airport in Johannesburg. I read it and was immediately intrigued by the story, but then nothing happened for a long time. So when my agent called and told me they wanted me to audition for The Polygamist, I was completely surprised. The audition process was extensive, and we were tested for different roles to see where we fit best. Initially, I was auditioning for another character, but the more I engaged with the material, the more I realised that Joyce was the role I truly wanted. When I eventually got the call that I had been cast as Joyce, I felt incredibly grateful and excited.
GLAMOUR: What was it that pulled you into Joyce's chacarter?
Gugu Gumede: Joyce is a woman who goes through an incredible transformation. What drew me to her was her journey from feeling powerless to fully reclaiming her voice and her sense of self. The story raises questions that many South African women are grappling with, particularly around relationships, marriage and polygamy. Joyce doesn't choose the life that unfolds around her, but she eventually chooses herself. That is what made her so compelling to me. She is a woman who is forced to confront betrayal, disappointment and heartbreak, yet she finds a way to rise above it. As an actor, those are the kinds of roles you dream about because they allow you to explore every layer of the human experience.
GLAMOUR: Why do you think the themes explored in The Polygamist felt particularly compelling to you?
Gugu Gumede: While I am not the product of a polygamous marriage, polygamy has been part of my family's story. My biological father practised polygamy, and my maternal grandmother was also part of a polygamous family structure. Growing up, I saw both the beauty and the complications that can come with those arrangements. I witnessed the tensions, the divisions and the emotional realities that people often don't talk about. That gave me a deeper understanding of the themes in the story. What fascinated me most is that The Polygamist doesn't just ask whether polygamy works or doesn't work; it asks why people make the choices they do and what those choices cost them emotionally.
GLAMOUR: The teaser alone has already created enormous buzz online. What has it been like watching audiences react?
Gugu Gumede: What's funny is that audiences haven't even seen the trailer yet—they've only seen the teaser. So if people think they're excited now, they have no idea what's still coming. We knew we were working on something special, but seeing the final product exceeded even our own expectations. When we finally watched the completed series, we were genuinely blown away. The response so far has been incredible, but I can honestly say that the teaser only scratches the surface. There is so much more depth, emotion and drama waiting for audiences.
GLAMOUR: What did playing Joyce teach you about yourself?
Gugu Gumede: It taught me that every experience I've had in my life, both good and bad, has prepared me for moments like this. One of my acting coaches used to say, "Life problems are acting problems," and I understand that more now than ever. As artists, we don't necessarily want pain in our lives, but we are fortunate enough to have a craft that allows us to transform that pain into something meaningful. Every challenge, every heartbreak and every triumph became part of the foundation I used to build Joyce. The role reminded me of the importance of vulnerability and honesty in storytelling. It also reinforced how important it is to know how to step out of a character when the day is done. You have to give everything to the role, but you also have to know how to return to yourself.
GLAMOUR: Were there any aspects of Joyce that you personally struggled to understand or relate to, and how did you navigate those moments as an actor?
Gugu Gumede: I think every actor encounters moments where they see parts of themselves in a character, but the most important thing is understanding the character without judging them. One of the first lessons we learn in acting is that you have to love your character, even when you don't agree with their decisions. With Joyce, there were moments where I wanted to ask her, "Why are you still here? Why are you accepting this?" But then I had to remind myself that many women do stay in situations that hurt them. My job wasn't to judge her; it was to understand her and tell her story honestly. Once I fully understood her motivations, fears and hopes, I could portray her authentically.
GLAMOUR: The series deals with some heavy themes. What was the atmosphere like on set?
Gugu Gumede: There were definitely moments of emotional intensity because the material demands that of you. We explored some very deep emotions and difficult situations, and that requires a certain level of vulnerability from everyone involved. But there was also a lot of laughter, warmth and camaraderie on set. The beautiful thing about this story is that it reflects real life. Life isn't only heartbreak and conflict. There are moments of joy, humour and connection too. I think audiences will be surprised by how much they laugh in certain moments, even while dealing with very serious subject matter.
GLAMOUR: You've watched the finished series. What can viewers expect?
Gugu Gumede: They should expect to binge-watch it. Honestly, don't tell yourself you're going to watch one episode and stop, because you won't. The storytelling moves so quickly and there is always something happening. Every episode leaves you wanting more. Beyond the drama, viewers can expect a story that feels authentic and relatable. Everyone will find themselves in at least one of these characters. They'll recognise their own relationships, their own struggles, their own dreams and disappointments. The production itself is also beautiful. From the cinematography and costumes to the performances and locations, everyone brought their absolute best to this project. It celebrates African storytelling in a way that feels bold, complex and unapologetically ours.
GLAMOUR: Why do you think audiences are going to connect so deeply with this story?
Gugu Gumede: Because at its core, it's about people. It's about love, betrayal, ambition, power, family and survival. Those are universal experiences. The story may be set within a specific cultural context, but the emotions are recognisable to everyone. Whether you see yourself in Joyce, in one of the other women, or even in some of the mistakes people make throughout the story, there is something familiar here. That's what makes great storytelling. It allows people to see themselves, and I think audiences are going to do exactly that when they watch The Polygamist.
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