Warona Setshwaelo
Warona Masego Setshwaelo (born 1976/1977) is a Botswana actress and video editor.
Warona Setshwaelo | |
---|---|
Born | 1976/1977 (age 43–44) |
Nationality | Botswana |
Alma mater | Virginia Tech |
Occupation | Actress, video editor |
Years active | 2003-present |
Biography
Setshwaelo was born in Gaborone, Botswana and was raised in Ethiopia, Swaziland, South Africa, and Botswana.[1] Her mother is a psychologist, her father is the politician Ephraim Setshwaelo, and she has a sister, Marang.[2][3] She developed an interest in activism from a young age. Setshwaelo moved to the United States to study at Virginia Tech, graduating with a degree in Theater Arts. She worked as a video editor and radio host. Setshwaelo did an acting tour with National Players of Olney, Maryland, before deciding to move back to Botswana.[1] She was a housemate in the first season of Big Brother Africa in 2003. Setshwaelo was one of the last housemates to be evicted and she became a celebrity in her home country.[4]
In 2007, Setshwaelo moved to Montreal to further her acting career.[1] She performed in a number of plays in Montreal, including Nutmeg Princess and New Canadian Kid. She had a small role in the 2013 film White House Down. In January and February 2015, Setshwaelo starred in the medical drama The Waiting Room at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto.[5] In October 2015, she played Odette in the play State of Denial.[6] Setshwaelo played a trauma counselor in a 2016 episode of Quantico.[7] She had a role in the 2018 film On the Basis of Sex.[1] Setshwaelo played Karen, the mother of ex-police officer Lila Hines in the 2019 play Bang Bang.[8]
Her name, Warona, means "ours." In addition to acting, she enjoys cooking and reading.[9] She lives with her partner, Mike Payette, and daughter Khaya.[1]
Filmography
- 2003: Big Brother Africa (TV Series, as herself)
- 2009: Enemy Combatant (Short film, as Amy Dyer)
- 2011: Jack of Diamonds (as Receptionist Kala)
- 2012: Deadfall (as Female Paramedic)
- 2013: White House Down (as School Teacher)
- 2014: 19-2 (TV series, as Depanneur Owner)
- 2014: Northpole (as Jasmine)
- 2016: Quantico (TV Series, as Trauma Counselor)
- 2016: This Life (TV Series, as Registrar Employee)
- 2017: The Disappearance (TV Mini-Series, as Obstetrician)
- 2018: Death Wish (as Nurse Carla)
- 2018: Birthmarked (as TV Talk Show Host)
- 2018: The Death & Life of John F. Donovan (as Mother)
- 2018: The Detectives (as Sylvie Teague)
- 2018: On the Basis of Sex (as Gladys)
- 2019: Deadly Secrets (TV Series, as DeCynda)
- 2020: Transplant (TV Series, as Lavondra Kelly)
References
- "The rising star of Warona Setshwaelo – from Botswana to Hollywood". Your Botswana. 5 January 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- "The sensational Setshwaelo sisters". TSHWAlebs. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- Gaotlhobogwe, Monkagedi (7 August 2007). "Mother won't watch son in Big Brother Africa". Mmegi. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- Mooketsi, Lekopanye (22 November 2004). "Botswana: Warona On Life After BBA". Mmegi. AllAfrica. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- Jetelina, Margaret (9 January 2015). "Botswana-born Warona Setshwaelo stars in Tarragon Theatre's Waiting Room". Canadian Immigrant. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- Burke, Jim (9 October 2015). "Review: State of Denial and Province reveal horrors past and those yet to come". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- "Warona Setshwaelo Makes A Big Acting Mark In A US Television Series!". Botswana Youth. 21 April 2016. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- Wilson, Jill (4 October 2019). "Laughs pulled out of troubling situation in provocative comedic drama". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- "Introducing the BBA housemates". News24. 25 May 2003. Retrieved 13 October 2020.