Ronnie ‘Cosmo’ Nyakale opens up for the first tịme about the real reason why he left Generations.

After years of silence and swirling speculation, legendary South African actor Ronnie Nyakale, known to millions as Cosmo Diale from Generations: The Legacy, has finally broken his silence.

In a recent emotional interview, Nyakale revealed the real reason behind his sudden departure from the hit SABC1 soapie — and it has left fans both heartbroken and inspired.

Ronnie Nyakale’s portrayal of the no-nonsense Cosmo was one of the most iconic characters on South African television.

His tough exterior, street-smart persona, and occasional moments of vulnerability made him a fan favorite for nearly a decade.

So when he left the show without warning in late 2023, viewers were left shocked and speculating.

The actor admitted that playing Cosmo for so many years began to weigh heavily on him, blurring the lines between character and self.

Nyakale disclosed that during his last year on the show, he was battling with mental fatigue and burnout — something he says many actors deal with but are too afraid to speak about.

“There were days when I would show up on set and feel completely numb.I wasn’t acting anymore — I was just surviving.That scared me.”

Instead of letting the role consume him completely, he made the decision to step away — not just for his health, but for his family.

“I didn’t want my daughter growing up knowing Cosmo more than she knows her father. I needed to be present, not just in body, but in spirit.”

Since stepping away from Generations, Nyakale has been spending more time with his family and quietly working on a new production — a behind-the-scenes documentary focused on the emotional and psychological toll of long-term acting roles.

He says it’s his way of helping other actors avoid the path he nearly went down.

“We lose a lot of good people in this industry because they’re too scared to pause. I want to help change that.”

Ronnie Nyakale’s departure from Generations: The Legacy was more than just a cast change — it was a quiet cry for healing in an industry that often celebrates performance over personal well-being.

His decision to prioritize his mental health is now resonating far beyond the screen.

As for what’s next, fans can look forward to seeing Ronnie the storyteller, Ronnie the father, and Ronnie the man — fully present, fully whole.