The third season of Netflix’s hit ‘Bridgerton’ came to an end with several unexpected twists (spoilers!) including the introduction of Michaela Sterling, Francesca’s potential love interest. This new character is portrayed by Masali Baduza, who will become one of the leads of the series.
In the books, Michaela is actually Michael, which means that Francesca’s (Hannah Dodd) season will have a major departure from the books. It’s true that his isn’t the first time that something like that has happened, as Anthony’s story was also very different from the novel. However, this time the change will prove a challenge for the series, as for now, queer characters have been closeted.
While discussing the change with Variety, Bridgerton‘s showrunner Jess Brownell said that she was “cautious” when speaking about the introduction of Michaela because she didn’t want to give it all away, but she said that there was “thought” and “research” behind the decision. While we wait to see how it all plays out on the screen, you can learn everything about Baduza.
Masali Baduza’s age: How old is the actress?
Her exact age isn’t known, but Baduza was born in 1996. So, she must be between 27 and 28 years old. She is from East London, South Africa, and was raised there. In an interview with The Independent, Baduza explained how it was growing up in the African country “shortly after Apartheid ended.”
“We had a rule book of things we could and couldn’t do to our hair—including one that said Black girls couldn’t wear their natural afros because it was unprofessional and it looked unkempt,” she told the newspaper. “Having that as your mindset as a young Black girl is just…traumatizing. It’s kind of like who you are naturally is not good enough,” she added.
Masali Baduza’s movies and TV shows: Where has she acted before?
Baduza graduated from the New York Film Academy Los Angeles in 2016. Three years later, she had her film debut in the Bollywood-style project Bhai’s Cafe. However, her first big break came in the BBC drama series “Noughts + Crosses,” which ran from 2020 to 2022.
Francesca meets Michaela Sterling in ‘Bridgerton’ (Netflix)
She also is known for appearing in “The Woman King” (2022), in which she played Fumbe alongside star Viola Davis, and the thriller “Slumber Party Massacre.” Of course, now Bridgerton will surely give her worldwide fame as it has happened with the rest of the cast.
Masali Baduza’s casting: What her co-stars have said?
One of her co-stars, Simone Ashley, who plays Kate Bridgerton in the series, revealed an advice she would give Baduza after joining the series. “I think to be just deeply proud about what you’re representing, and [know] that many people are going to be so seen by the story that you’re going to be telling,” Ashley told press at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. “And that we’re all here with open arms and so excited!” she added.
Meanwhile, Victor Alli, who plays John Sterling, Francesca’s first husband, also welcomed Baduza with open arms. “Masali was amazing. We took loads of pictures. But we also spoke about “Who’s your parent and who’s my parent — and what’s the relationship here?” The more Masali and I began to work together, the more I was like, “Of course you are Michaela. You are who I thought you’d be.” It was quite a nice moment, actually: All this anticipation and then she finally arrives. I can’t wait for next season,” he told Tudum.
