I'm Shirleen...

On TV She plays the role of a hater who makes the lives of others a living hell, she has been a snitch and a good girl gone bad. CAROLINE NYANGA unveils the other side of Actress SHIRLEEN WANGARI. You are in for a pleasant surprise...

Tell us about yourself?

I am an actress who has always been fascinated by art.

Back at Maryhill School I was one of those students who would cut out pictures of great actors and actresses and stick them on the inside of my locker, trunk and even some of my exercise books too. I loved entertaining people just for fun and imitating cartoon characters.

With time it got serious and as a Form Four student I won in the category for Best Actress for the ‘queen’ role I played during the Kenya Drama Festival.

Have you always been interested in acting?

I started as an actress with Phoenix Players at the age of 19, where I met a veteran actor, Ainea Ojiambo aka OJ who informed me about TV auditions. Luckily for me I went and ended up being among the chosen few. I was too jazzed.

I also got to know about the Tahidi High auditions through a friend who encouraged me to try it out. My first role was short, about two lines.

After sometime the actress who acted as Shish, the ‘bad girl’ flew to South Africa and I was given her role. From then on, I have never looked back.

Despite being a good actress many feel that Tanya has overshadowed you due to media coverage she receives?

I have to agree with you about that. Shish off screen is a laid back person on a normal day ever since I was a child. However, when it comes to the screen, I kick butt, wouldn’t you agree?

What roles have you played various movies, television soaps?

I play Kipepeo in the recently launched Shuga 2. Micheala in Changes 3, airing in M-Net, Muna in Captain of Nakara, a German - Kenyan collaboration yet to be released. Others include Danielle in Lost in Africa, a Danish film, Mama Wanjiku in The First Grader .

I also did my first documentary last year, a Kenyan Chinese collaboration and of course Shish in Tahidi High.

Let us in on The First Grader?

It’s a film shot by BBC and revolves around a true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom fighter Kimani Maruge who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford.

As a result he ended up joining a class alongside six year-olds. Together he and his young teacher face fierce resistance, but ultimately they win - and also find a new way of overcoming the burdens of the colonial past.

In this movie I play the role of a controversial woman named Mother Wanjiku, a gossiper who is always involved in other peoples business.

Who is your role model locally and internationally?

Locally, my family, it has some of the strongest graceful people I know. Internationally Angelina Jolie, she is a bold with lots of talent.

What are some of the challenges you are facing as an actress?

When you play a character so well people believe that’s who you are in real life. Many people think the Shish character is the real me.

They sometimes get disappointed to find that I’m quite different.

Yours has always been the ‘bad’ character are you usually comfortable with it?

When I chose this path in my life, I knew there would be the good days and the bad days, there would be characters I would approve of readily and some that I would need a bit of persuasion to take up.

Playing the bad girl can be a bit of an issue, as I am always forced to keep explaining to people that I am different in real life and that can be vexing. On the other hand the fact that my fans love the art — I am willing to go miles just to make them feel happy and satisfied.

How does your family and close relations take your roles on screen?

They know me well so it makes no difference. On the contrary, they laugh about it and give me tips on how to make it even better

Do people victimize you on the streets for your mean characters?

Funnily enough they don’t. Instead most people keep telling me how much they love my acting skills. But then after a brief chat they always bound to throw in a comment like "kumbe you are not like the character we see on TV."

Then who is the real you off screen?

A kind religious person who treasures her friend’s. Those who know me well will attest to this. In real life I am a very simple, down to earth girl who is sometimes shy depending on the people around me. I am a fun loving, easy -going person who likes leading a simple life. I am a loyal friend and I like to treat my friends right and make them feel special. When it comes to acting I am an all time actor and I can handle all roles, acting is my heartbeat. In reality the only thing Shish and Shirleen have in common is that they both love fun. Truth is it is not realistic to be Shish because you can’t survive with such behaviour.

Is it easy juggling studies and acting?

It’s hard, but I have always managed. I believe there is time for everything. All you need to do is plan yourself well.

If it were not for acting what would you do?

A lawyer in an American Court, convincing a jury looks like a whole lot of fun.

In your opinion who is the best actress locally?

That must be June Gichui, I strongly believe with training she can go far. She has that talent!

Tell us more about your role in Shuga 2?

I play Kipepeo, a Swahili girl from a coastal town who comes to the city with a singing voice and a dream of making it big as a singer. Nevertheless, the city is not so kind to a county girl, who ends up sleeping with one or two men in order to get favours, but eventually her talent saves her, its a cool saga, hope u like it . . .

You recently did a TV advert which some people feel doesn’t suit your personality?

You may be right, but I was hoping no one would notice.

Just the other day I met a certain gentleman who is in the same industry as I, and these were his words: Shirleen, if there were awards for the worst advert on Kenyan TV, you would be holding on to the trophy right now."

What makes you stand out as an actress?

I try being as professional as possible.

Apart from acting what else do you do?

I do Karaoke. I am also currently working on a production with a partner.

The best and worst moments of your career?

Best moment so far . . . .. . when Alison called me and told me I had been cast in Shuga, heaven, they were the hardest auditions ever. Worst, loosing out on Chaguo la Teeniez twice, that sucked. I am looking forward to the Oscars though (laughs).

Tell us more about your family?

I have a very supportive family and this helps me strike a balance in my studies and my acting career. They are my greatest supporters my acting career.

What was your most embarrassing moment on screen?

The day my skirt got torn right on set but luckily from behind. The fact that the camera was in front saved me a great deal.

Besides acting what else do you do?

I’m working towards finishing my degree at Catholic University of Eastern Africa, but at the end of it all I intend to be a professional actor.

Anyone special in your life?

Yes, I am in a serious relationship. At the appropriate time, you will hear the wedding bells ringing. My fiancÈ is an advocate and a real nice guy. I love him greatly.

He is very supportive of my role and he advises me immensely. He is very frank with me and I believe this is a must ingredient for a healthy relationship.

We keep our channels of communication open.