Masali Baduza is a South African actress best known for playing Michaela Stirling, new character introduced in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton Season 4. Her ethnicity is African. Trained for stage and screen, Masali is known for her commanding presence, emotional depth, and ease in period drama.
Masali Baduza quick facts
- Full Name: Masali Baduza
- Profession: Actress
- Nationality: South African
- Ethnicity: African
- Known For: Bridgerton Season 4 — Michaela Stirling
- Industry Start: South African TV & theatre
- Acting Style: Character-driven, emotionally grounded, classically trained
- Education/Training: Formal acting training with a strong theatre background
- Languages: English (professionally fluent); multilingual background typical of South African performers
Masali Baduza age
Masali Baduza is 28 years old (as of 2026). Born on 12 March 1997, Bridgerton star Baduza completed her graduation from the New York Film Academy in 2016.
| Age in 2026 | 28 years |
| Birth date | 12 March 1997 |
| Parents | South African |
| Birthplace | East London, South Africa |
| Zodiac sign | Taurus |
| Occupation | Actor |
Masali Baduza height, weight, and body measurement
Masali Baduza stands tall at an average height of 5 feet and 4 inches. She has a balanced oval face with smooth, symmetrical proportions. Her eyes are large and almond-shaped, with a clear, focused gaze that gives her an alert yet calm expression. She has a straight, well-proportioned nose and medium-full lips with a soft, natural contour. Her skin appears even and luminous, and the fine braids, parted cleanly at the center, frame her face neatly, highlighting her features and adding a polished, elegant look.
| Height | 5′ 4″ (1.62m) |
| Weight | N/A |
| Eye color | Dark brown |
| Hair color | Black |
| Facial shape | Oval |
Masali Baduza parents and family
Born in South Africa, Baduza is the youngest of five children. Her father worked as a journalist and her mother as a government employee.
| Father | A journalist |
| Mother | A govt employee |
| Sibling | Four |
Masali Baduza net worth
Isabella Wei’s exact net worth as of 2026 is not disclosed publicly. As a rising international actress with a major Netflix role, estimates place her earnings in the early career six-figure range (unofficial).
| Net worth in 2026 | N/A |
| Wealth sources | TV, films, and streaming platforms |
Wei Interview excerpts and viewpoints
On her role as Michaela Stirling
“She’s so well-traveled and well-read. She’s just the life of the party, but [she] has a really sensitive center to her as well. Michaela is very extroverted, and John is quite introverted, so she draws out his playful side, which she’s known ever since she was a kid.”
Michaela Stirling is the cousin of Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli), Francesca Bridgerton’s (Hannah Dodd) husband. Michaela and John grew up together in Scotland.
FAQs
Q: Who is Masali Baduza?
A: Masali Baduza is a South African actress best known for her role as Michaela Stirling in Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 4. She has a strong background in theatre and South African television.
Q: Does Masali Baduza have a boyfriend?
A: Masali Baduza has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship. She keeps her romantic life private and does not discuss dating in interviews or on social media.
Q: Is Masali Baduza married?
A: No. There is no public information suggesting that Masali Baduza is married.
Q: Who are Masali Baduza’s parents?
A: Masali Baduza has not revealed the names of her parents. She maintains strict privacy around her family.
Q: Where is Masali Baduza’s family from?
A: Her family is from South Africa, where she was born and raised.
Q: What is Masali Baduza’s nationality?
A: She is South African.
Q: What is Masali Baduza’s ethnicity?
A: Masali Baduza is of African ethnicity.
Q: What accent does Masali Baduza have?
A: She has a South African accent, which she adapts naturally for international roles, including period dramas like Bridgerton.
Q: Is Masali Baduza formally trained as an actress?
A: Yes. She has a strong theatre background, which contributes to her stage presence, voice control, and command of period roles. Specific institutions have not been publicly disclosed.
Q: What role does Masali Baduza play in Bridgerton?
A: She plays Michaela Stirling in Bridgerton Season 4, a character whose introduction expands the series’ romantic and emotional arcs.
Q: Was Bridgerton her first international project?
A: Bridgerton is her major international breakthrough, following work in South African TV and theatre.
Q: Does Masali Baduza live a public celebrity lifestyle?
A: No. She maintains a low-key public presence, prioritizing work over celebrity exposure.
Content Sources:
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