Actress, Masali Baduza is currently dominating the headlines due to her casting as ‘Michaela Stirling’ in the popular Netflix series, Bridgerton. She will be seen in the fifth instalment of the show on British royalty. Masali’s character is a gender-swapped version of ‘Michael Stirling’ from Julia Quinn’s original book, When He Was Wicked. The actress made her debut in Bridgerton in the Season 3 finale as the cousin of ‘John Stirling’ (Victor Alli), and since then, her appearance as a main cast member has been anticipated. As fans wait to see her on-screen chemistry with ‘Francesca Bridgerton’ (Hannah Dodd), here’s all we know about her.
Who is Masali Baduza? Where have you seen her before Bridgerton?
Masali Baduza is a South African actress born in East London, Eastern Cape, on March 12, 1996 (aged 30 as of March 2026). She is best known for her breakthrough role as ‘Sephy Hadley’ in the dystopian drama series, Noughts + Crosses (2020-22) and her recent introduction as ‘Michaela Stirling’ in Netflix’s Bridgerton. Masali played ‘Fumbe’, a young warrior in The Woman King (2022). She also starred as ‘Thandi Makebe’ in Trackers (2019), ‘Edith’ in the first episode of Around the World in 80 Days (2021), and ‘Young Trish’ in Slumber Party Massacre (2021). These diverse acting roles showcase Masali’s versatility as an actress and her promising future in the field.
