Renowned actress and producer Connie Ferguson has opened up about her emotional healing journey following the tragic loss of her husband, Shona Ferguson, who passed away in July 2021 due to Covid-19-related complications at the age of 47.
In an exclusive interview with Nollywood Reporter, Connie Ferguson shared heartfelt insights about her grief and gradual recovery. Shona’s death deeply impacted South Africa’s entertainment industry, where he and Connie had built an influential legacy as co-founders of Ferguson Films.
Connie Ferguson Shares Her Journey After Shona Ferguson’s Passing
Connie Ferguson
“We were together for 20 years when he passed away. That, for me, felt like an amputation,” she said. “I felt like a big part of me had just been ripped off. I didn’t know how to function without him.”
Connie Ferguson described the early stages of grief as painful and disorienting.
“For the longest time, I thought I was going crazy. Every time my bedroom door opened, I would imagine it was him—then I’d remember, no, he’s gone.”
Now in a more peaceful place, Connie Ferguson said she’s learning to move forward while cherishing the impact Shona had on her life.
“I could always hear his laughter in my head… but I think it’s just the impact that he had on my life.”
As the executive producer of Kings of Joburg, Connie prepares for the show’s premiere on 13 June. She continues to honour Shona’s legacy in both her personal life and career. In April, she marked what would have been his 51st birthday with a touching social media tribute:
“My king would have been 51 today.”
Shona Ferguson was a beloved actor, producer, and creative force behind hit TV series like The Queen, Rockville, and The Wild, helping to shape the face of modern Mzansi television.
Connie Ferguson
Dispelling Rumours and Embracing Self-Rediscovery
Responding to persistent online rumours about her love life, Connie dismissed speculation that she had remarried.
“The internet has had me married to, at least, one other man. I haven’t remarried. I’m still trying to rediscover who I am without my husband physically here,” she said with a laugh.
Reflecting on her decades-long career, Connie looked back on her breakout role as Karabo Moroka in Generations and spoke proudly of her latest role as Ausi Mavis, which she described as her “most authentic role” to date.
She also recalled a Generations storyline that eerily paralleled her personal pain, underscoring the deep connection between art and life.
Through resilience, grace, and an unwavering love for storytelling, Connie Ferguson continues to inspire countless fans across the continent—both on-screen and off.