Today we’d like to introduce you to Thatohatsi Mononyane
Hi Thatohatsi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Acting didn’t just find me—I embraced it at every turn. My journey has been one of seizing opportunities, nurturing my talents, and adapting to the twists in my path.
It all started in 2017 when I entered Summerheat, a modeling competition, in South Africa, where I won Face of Summerheat 2017. That moment changed everything. Among the audience were Paul and Nico Kershaw, directors of Gold Talent International Africa, who saw something in me and invited me to compete in their prestigious talent showcase.
In September 2018, I competed in Gold Talent at Johannesburg South Africa, where I won Overall Model, a cash prize of R3,500 (ZAR), and a 30% sponsorship to attend IPOP—International Presentation of Performers, one of Los Angeles’ biggest talent conventions. When I attended IPOP in July 2019, I excelled, winning medals in five categories, including Singing, TV Commercial Acting, and Runway Modeling. Over 25 agents and scouts showed interest in working with me, but my education came first. I was studying at the University of Johannesburg – South Africa , where I later earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design in May 2022.
Determined to merge my creative passions, I explored acting schools and was accepted into two prestigious institutions. I ultimately chose The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in Los Angeles , where my audition earned me an artist grant. In September 2022, I moved to the U.S. to fully immerse myself in Method Acting, graduating with a diploma – Associates Occupational Studies in Acting, in August 2024.
My time at Strasberg wasn’t just about learning—it was about doing. I landed roles in Comet Orphan, One Fateful Night: With My Boss, and The Cocktail Party (all in 2024). At the same time, a Theatre Production course reignited my passion for fashion design, specifically in the field of costume design, allowing me to merge my background in fashion with my love for storytelling. This led me to also work as a costume curator/ designer on Comet Orphan, a short film that showcased my ability to blend these two worlds.
Shortly after, I was cast in Byron, a faith-based film shot in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I played a supporting role—my biggest project to date. The experience pushed me to refine my craft, and with the film currently in post-production, I eagerly await its premiere.
This journey has been one of passion, resilience, and creativity, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. While I’ve had incredible opportunities, there have been plenty of challenges along the way. Balancing my education with my passion for acting and modeling was tough. After gaining recognition in competitions like Summerheat and GoTalent, I had to make the difficult decision to pause my acting pursuits to focus on my studies at the University of Johannesburg. It wasn’t easy stepping back when I had agents and scouts interested in working with me.
Moving to the U.S. to study at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute brought its own set of struggles—adapting to a new environment, handling the pressures of a competitive industry, and balancing creative projects with coursework. On top of that, facing rejections from roles I auditioned for but didn’t book was tough. Each “no” felt discouraging at times, but it also fueled my determination to keep improving and pushing forward.
Diving into both acting and establishing myself as a designer stretched me, but it also pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. Every setback, whether it was a challenging role, a rejection, or navigating life in a new country, taught me resilience and reminded me why I’m passionate about what I do.
Throughout my journey, God has been my foundation, especially during the most challenging times. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities He has given me, and I trust Him to guide me as I continue pursuing my dreams. Whenever I’ve faced setbacks, rejections, or tough decisions, my faith has grounded me and given me the strength to keep moving forward. I’m also incredibly thankful for the love and support of my mother and family. Their encouragement has been a constant source of motivation, reminding me that no matter how tough things get, I have a strong support system behind me. Their belief in me has made all the difference.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an actress and model with a background in fashion design, and I specialize in blending storytelling with visual artistry, both on-screen and behind the scenes. My training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute sharpened my skills in Method Acting, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the characters I portray.
As I’ve mentioned, I’ve had the opportunity to act in a couple of projects but Byron, is my biggest project to date. I will always be grateful to the Hughes Entertainment & Media Group Productions for the opportunity to be a part of an inspiring and phenomenal story. It was an incredible experience working alongside such a talented cast and production team, and it really pushed me to grow as an actress. Collaborating with people who are so passionate and skilled reminded me why I love this industry.
Even with these experiences, I’m still on the lookout for an agent to help me take the next steps in my career and open new doors for future opportunities. And I trust that the right one will come!
What sets me apart is my ability to merge my passions for acting and fashion. With a BA in Fashion Design, I bring a unique perspective to character development, often thinking about how costume design can enhance storytelling. This dual skill set led me to work as a costume designer on Comet Orphan, where I was able to bring both my creative worlds together seamlessly.
I’m most proud of my role in the clothing department of a film production. It was a defining moment where I realized how much I love contributing to a project from multiple angles—not just as an actress but also behind the scenes, shaping the visual narrative. That experience, along with the roles I’ve played, reflects my versatility and dedication to storytelling in all its forms.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people who know me or my work might not realize is how much I love commercial modeling. While many see me as an actress or know about my background in fashion and costume design, commercial modeling has always been another passion of mine. It’s a space where I get to express a different side of my creativity, but it’s also a path I’m still working to fully establish myself in. Balancing both acting and modeling has been a unique challenge, but I’m excited to keep growing and exploring opportunities in both industries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thatohatsim.my.canva.site/acting-website
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thato.hatsi
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thatohatsimononyane
