There’s a specific kind of chaos that erupts when the internet finds a new TV crush. Suddenly, your brick-by-brick TikTok feed is a flurry of fan edits with users dedicating their entire identities to a romantic headcannon, at least for the season of their favourite show. That was the case for Ginny & Georgia’s Bryon, Bracia’s love interest, who has found himself in the center of the internet’s emotional crosshairs.
Behind Bryon’s charm and sharp emotional intelligence is Agape Mngomezulu, a Toronto actor whose star is rising faster than he can process. With two major projects dropping in the same year and a fanbase demanding ‘more moments with him’ on-screen, Mngomezulu is stepping into a new chapter of his career with a momentum that feels both quiet and explosive.
We meet over Zoom, both tucked away in our own corners of the globe. Mngomezulu joins me on a bright morning, ready to divulge all the secrets of playing his breakout character with a side of comedy. I learn quickly that, not only is he self-assured, articulate and hungry for his success, he’s also a comedian. There wasn’t a single moment when I wasn’t laughing. The real-life Agape, though similar to Bryon’s relaxed personality, is much more unapologetic in his confidence, laced with an undeniable aura that has guided him to this very moment.
“I was 12ish watching Disney Channel when I fell in love with acting – I think it was ‘The Suite Life On Deck’,” he says with a soft laugh, “I was like, this looks really fun, and the idea of acting kind of got stuck in my head.” His first experience on stage was in high school, where he performed in plays and musicals. It was then that he knew that his passion had one direction. “When you’re a kid, you don’t really think acting could be a career but, when I lived in Vancouver, there was a lot of stuff filming there, and you could make a career out of it, and I knew I really wanted to, so I went for it.”
Now, ten years later, following his inner voice is paying off. Mngomezulu kicked off 2025 with the critically acclaimed film Morningside and almost immediately started the press run for the highly anticipated season 3 of Ginny & Georgia. He has officially entered the radar of Hollywood watchers and fans alike. “I don’t think I saw this year going this way in December.” He reflects, “When ‘Morningside’ came out, I was pleasantly surprised with the reception of it – it’s such a touching and emotional movie that meant a lot to a lot of people. When that ride was over, ‘Ginny and Georgia’ happened, and I was like, cool, cool! We’re back on the ride again. It’s been a lot in the best way possible.”
Bryon, also known as ‘Escape Room Bryon,’ was introduced to fans in season two and was met with an incredible reception. Even though his screen time was limited, social media lit up with posts calling the character “the soft boy we needed,” praising him for his cool demeanour and natural chemistry that he shared with Bracia (Tameka Griffiths). TikTok and Instagram became hubs for Bryon x Bracia edits, often set to slow jams or wistful indie tracks. Now, unanimously considered the show’s most underrated couple, I was curious to know if Mngomezulu had seen any of the edits and what it felt like to be the subject of the internet’s infatuation. “I have.” He laughs bashfully, “They are honestly so cute and so sweet. I remember in season two there was one made with a song by Sza, ‘I need a big boy’,” he hums, “That was one of the first ones I saw. I’m on TikTok a lot, but I don’t make them, so I was like, what is happening? But my friends explained they were fan edits and it was a good thing, so then I relaxed about it.”
Many fans became quickly invested in the evolution of the couple’s budding relationship; Bracia, who had been crushing on Bryon since middle school, (she wasn’t sure if he was a ‘Lover boy’ or a ‘boy who loves’), learns he only did the play to be closer to her and they seal the deal by the end of season two. “People really resonate with something in their relationship where they want to take time to make these edits. The fans are really dedicated. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
And fans are resonating. Particularly to the patience and warmth he shows her throughout their development in the series. In season 3, Bryon declares his love for Bracia, but she is hesitant to say it back. Reminiscent of when Ryan told Marissa he loved her in The O.C., unlike the millennial, heartthrob, Bryon doesn’t push; he is happy to wait for her feelings to grow because she is worth it. “In his dynamic with Bracia, she doesn’t tell him she wants to break up, so he moves at her pace. Patience is important in a relationship, ‘I love you’, that’s there. No ultimatums.”
The unexpected delight of their slow-simmering romance did not happen by accident. The scenes where their interactions were filled with quiet tension and dreamy eye contact, which all felt incredibly real, were not just the result of them being exceptional actors but of some really fun chemistry building off-screen. “The first time we met was on set. She is one of the most lovely people ever and was so easy to work with. We did an actual escape together to build chemistry.” He laughs, “You learn a lot about someone and you kind of figure each other out. I feel like that was the best way to get to know each other because, from that point on, we were connected.”
After the dramatic season 2 finale that aired in 2023, fans were left reeling and then waiting. The nearly two-year gap between seasons felt like an eternity for the show’s loyal followers who flooded social media with memes, countdowns and playful pleas to Netflix. The delay wasn’t without reason; while the series was renewed in early 2023, production was halted due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which brought most of Hollywood to a standstill. With the season 3 premiere, the fandom was treated with what is arguably the best season from the series so far. Every episode is jam-packed with drama, specifically with all of the men Georgia has had relations with. This season, everyone’s true colours came out, and as a viewer, I couldn’t help but see Bryon being one of the few stand-up guys out of the kaleidoscope of problems that Joe, Zion, Marcus and Paul have. “To be fair,” he laughs, “compared to what the other men are dealing with in terms of their love interests -” I name drop Georgia, to get a laugh, but he remains professional, but gives me an agreeable side eye. “I don’t want to name any names here, but I feel like Bryon has an easy go at it. He’s not dealing with murder trials.” He laughs, “And I also feel there has been a longing between them for a long time. They’ve shared a crush since 8th grade, so it made it a little easier for them to admit their feelings for each other.”
The hallmark of Mngomezulu’s work this year is how he can create so much impact with the work he is given. The Bryon he built is more than a love interest; he’s the kind of boy who watches more than he talks. In a sea of high-drama romantic leads, he truly stands apart- a process he approached delicately in the creation of the character. “You learn a lot about what is said about the character, so it became about adding elements of myself in a way that makes sense.” He explains. “He’s a very chill, easy-going guy, and I can be that given the right circumstances. These little hints allowed me to understand how he got to where he is and why he makes the decisions he does.”
The lighter side of Bryon’s effect on he internet are his “rizz” levels (translation: his charm or flirt game). Bracia & Bryon enthusiasts all agree, Bryon is that guy. “It has to be a 10! He got the girl, kept the girl. “He smiles, “Okay, maybe 9.5, so there is room for improvement.”
As we wrap up, I ask what’s next, though he can’t share specifics, he assures me that the writers are in the writing room for season 4, so we fans won’t be waiting too long. As for his next big project, he leaves me with a taste of wisdom that all upcoming actors can learn from. “When I graduated from film school at 18, I was like, ‘I’m ready! Put me in Marvel, put me on Netflix.’ Looking back, I know that I wasn’t ready for that!” He laughs. “I have been lucky enough to form a really good foundation in my career and learn a lot. I was allowed to make mistakes, whereas if I had gotten the big leading role at 18 or 20 and made these mistakes, everything could have just fallen apart. So it’s been good, and now I feel ready for whatever does come.”
All episodes of Ginny & Georgia are streaming on Netflix.
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