Thuso Mbedu (born July 8, 1991) is a South African actress widely known for her outstanding performances in film and television. She was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Thuso has received numerous accolades for her work, including two Emmy nominations for her role in the television series “Is’thunzi.”
Early Life
Thuso Mbedu was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. Growing up, she lived with her parent, who had to work extra hard to make ends meet due to financial struggles.
She eventually moved in with her grandmother, who became her legal guardian after the demise of her parent at an early age. Despite this, Thuso remained committed to her goals and worked hard in academics and sports, particularly track and field.
Thuso Mbedu‘s educational journey started at Pelham Primary School before moving on to Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School. After completing high school, she enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand, pursuing a Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management degree. She graduated with honors in 2013, having excelled in her studies.
Thuso also took a course at the prestigious Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City as part of her studies in 2012. The experience further honed her skill and exposed her to different acting techniques and styles.
Her upbringing instilled in her values such as perseverance, resilience, and determination, which have been instrumental in her success in the entertainment industry. These qualities have also motivated her to use her platform to raise awareness about social issues and advocate for those facing challenges similar to those she met while growing up.
Career Life
Thuso Mbedu‘s acting career began in 2014 when she secured a role in the drama series “Isibaya.” Her portrayal of “Kitso Medupe” in the show brought her to the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike. However, her role in the groundbreaking television series “Is’thunzi” propelled her to international fame.
“Is’thunzi” dealt with various social issues, including HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy, showcasing Thuso’s versatility as an actress. Her performance in the show earned her numerous awards and nominations, including two International Emmy nominations, making her the first African actress to receive such recognition.
In 2018, Thuso made her film debut in “The Scorpion King: Book of Souls,” playing the character “Tala.” The following year, she appeared in the drama film “Sides of a Horn,” which explores the issue of rhino poaching in South Africa.
Thuso’s upcoming project is the highly anticipated limited series “The Underground Railroad.” Based on Colson Whitehead‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the series is produced by Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins and is set to premiere on Amazon Prime. Thuso is set to play the lead role of “Cora,” a young enslaved person who escapes from a plantation in search of freedom on the Underground Railroad. The show is expected to further cement Thuso’s status as one of the industry’s most talented and sought-after actresses.
Thuso Mbedu‘s star continues to rise as she was announced to have landed a role in the epic film “The Woman King” in April 2021. The movie is based on events in the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most potent African states in the 18th and 19th centuries. Thuso is set to make her film debut in the movie, playing the character Nawi alongside the award-winning actress Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, John Boyega, Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu, Adrienne Warren and many others.
The film was directed by the acclaimed director Gina Prince-Bythewood, known for her work on “Love & Basketball” and “Beyond the Lights,” and features a script by Dana Stevens, co-writer of the hit movie “Fatherhood.” The announcement of Thuso’s involvement in “The Woman King” has been met with excitement from fans and industry professionals as she continues to establish herself as a talented actress with a promising future.
Filmography
- Isibaya (2014-2017)
- Saints and Sinners (2015-2016)
- Is’thunzi (2016-2017)
- Scandal! (2017)
- The Scorpion King: Book of Souls (2018)
- Sides of a Horn (2018)
- Generations: The Legacy (2020)
- The Underground Railroad (2021)
Personal Life
Thuso Mbedu is a private person and prefers to keep her personal life out of the public eye. However, she has shared her struggles with depression and anxiety and has been vocal about the importance of mental health awareness.
Thuso is also a philanthropist and has been involved in various charity initiatives, including supporting the education of underprivileged children in South Africa.
At the moment, Thuso Mbedu is not in a publicized romantic relationship. In the past, she was in a relationship with Musa Mthombeni, but the two have since gone their separate ways. Rumors have also circulated that the actress was dating the talented actor John Boyega, but neither party has confirmed these rumors. Thuso prefers keeping her romantic life private, allowing her to focus on her career and philanthropic endeavors.
Social Media
- Twitter: @ThusoMbedu
- Instagram: @thuso.mbedu
- Facebook: @thusombeduofficial
Net Worth
Thuso Mbedu’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
