Thuso Mbedu: Age, Height, Weight, Parents, Education, Ethnicity, Career And Awards

Thuso Mbedu is a South African actress born on July 8, 1991.

Thuso Mbedu, a South African actress born on July 8, 1991, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, gained global fame for her role as Winnie in the telenovela Is’Thunzi, earning an Emmy nomination.

She also graced screens in Scandal!, Isibaya, and Saints and Sinners.

She is currently 32 Years Old.

Additionally, she stands at a height of 5′4″ (163 cm).

Furthermore, she weighs 125 lb (57 kg).

Her journey began with small roles, and after six months of joblessness, she secured her first leading role in the teen drama Is’thunzi.

Here, she portrayed Winnie, a spirited dreamer exiled to live with her strict aunt.

Notably, Thuso faced an international Emmy nod in 2017.

A graduate of the University of Witwatersrand, she studied physical theatre at the Isango Ensemble, a Cape Town-based theatre company.

Her professional debut was in IsiBaya as Boni Khumalo.

Internationally, she starred in The Underground Railroad, an Amazon Prime Video series based on Colson Whitehead’s novel.

Her portrayal of Cora received critical acclaim, establishing her as a rising global talent.

Profile Summary

Thuso Mbedu Early Life, Family, Education And Ethnicity

South African actress Thuso Mbedu, renowned for her pivotal role as Winnie in the “Is’thunzi” drama series, was born on July 8, 1991, in Pietermaritzburg, a city within the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa.

Raised in Pelham, she pursued her education at Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School.

After completing high school, she continued her academic journey by enrolling at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg,.

Here she majored in drama.

She successfully graduated in 2012, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dramatic Arts.

Moreover, during her time at the University of the Witwatersrand, she secured the university council merit scholarship and a scholarship for a summer program at New York University.

In 2012, Mbedu also took the opportunity to attend the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City.

Her studies at the University of the Witwatersrand encompassed Physical Theatre and Performing Arts.

Culminating in her graduation with honors in 2013.

Furthermore, she pursued additional training in film and drama at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting during her time in New York in 2012.

When Thuso was just four years old, her mother passed away.

And even though she didn’t have a bond with her biological father, he also passed away when she turned 21.

Thuso was raised by her grandmother.

And she shared that when her grandmother passed away in 2012, she lost her last connection to a place she could call home.

Career And Awards

Thuso Mbedu, a renowned South African actress, has earned acclaim for her remarkable performances on both local and international screens.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, on July 8, 1991, she was raised in Durban.

Her educational journey led her to the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where she pursued a degree in drama.

In 2016, Mbedu embarked on her acting career with a starring role in the South African TV series “Is’thunzi,” portraying the character Winnie.

Her portrayal of Winnie, a young girl from rural South Africa with ambitious dreams, garnered critical praise and multiple awards, including:

The 2021 International Emmy Award for Best Actress.

Besides “Is’thunzi,” Mbedu has graced other local TV series such as:

“Scandal!,” “Generations: The Legacy,” and “Saints and Sinners.

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Additionally, she also ventured into the international scene with her lead role as Cora in “The Underground Railroad,” based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

This series follows Cora, a slave who escapes a Georgia plantation via an underground railroad.

Mbedu’s exceptional acting talent has not gone unnoticed.

Resulting in numerous nominations and awards, including:

The SAFTA Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama and the Golden Horn Award for Best Actress in a TV Drama.

Her remarkable journey in the world of acting began in 2014 with her appearance in “Isibaya.”

In 2015, she portrayed Kitso, a spirited journalism student, in the film “Scandal.”

Subsequently, she secured a minor role in the teen drama “Snake Park” the same year.

After facing a challenging period without acting opportunities, Mbedu made her breakthrough with “Is’thunzi,” an Mzansi Magic production.

Her role as Winnie, an ambitious young woman whose dreams are shattered when she moves to Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, received an International Emmy nomination for Best Actress.

Notably, Mbedu’s prominence in the acting realm continued to rise with appearances in the MTN series:

“Shuga” in 2017 and as Okuhle in “Side Dish” a year later.

Her career is a testament to her undeniable talent and dedication.

Thuso Mbedu Achievements and Awards

Awards:

• In 2018, Thuso Mbedu clinched the Best Actress TV Drama title at the South African Film and Television Awards.
• The same year, she was honored at the International Emmy Awards for her superb performance, securing the Best Performance by an Actress award.
• Her exceptional talent was further acknowledged in 2019 when she was recognized as the TV Breakout Star.
• The year 2021 brought another accolade as she triumphed at the Gotham Awards, earning the title of Outstanding Performance in a New Series.
• In 2022, she continued her winning streak, taking home the Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Nominations:

• In 2017, her role in “Is’Thunzi” earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the DSTV Viewers Choice Awards.
• The following year, she received her first International Emmy Awards nomination for Best Performance by an Actress.
• This nomination was repeated in 2018 at the International Emmy Awards.
• Her excellence in TV drama earned her another nomination at the 2019 South African Film and Television Awards, where she was in the running for Best Actress.
• The outstanding performance in “The Underground Railroad” was recognized in 2021 with a TCA Awards nomination for Individual Achievement in Drama.
• Her talent shone in TV movies and limited series, resulting in a nomination for Outstanding Actress at the 2021 Black Reel Awards.
• Additionally, she secured a nomination for Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Movie at the 2021 Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards.
• The accolades continued in 2022 with a nomination for Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie at the Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

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Is Thuso Mbedu married?

The actress is indeed in a relationship, but the identity of Thuso Mbedu’s boyfriend remains a private matter.

She is a mother to a daughter named Zenny Zen, born on 5 November 2014.

Additionally, as for the father of her child, he keeps a low profile, and Thuso prefers to keep her love life out of the public eye.

It’s not uncommon for public figures to be romantically linked with various individuals they frequently spend time with, and Thuso Mbedu is no exception.

Among the names associated with her, Musa Mthombeni stands out.

Musa, a doctor, once sent her a hundred roses, which sparked speculation.

However, Mbedu has been clear about their relationship – they’re just friends.

In other words, the field might still be open for those interested in pursuing a romantic connection with her.

Mbedu’s Net Worth

While the exact figure of Thuso Mbedu’s net worth remains a matter of conjecture, her success as an actress is indisputable.

Those in the know within the industry suggest that her net worth is approximately R 5 million.

Approximately two years ago, Thuso Mbedu achieved a significant milestone by acquiring her first house.

Reportedly, she and her sister joined forces to acquire the property.

And subsequently carried out renovations to align it with their preferences and enhance its value.

Additionally, speaking about her journey to homeownership, she attributed it to a sense of financial responsibility and diligent saving.

Furthermore, for those considering shared ownership of a property, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong and positive relationship with the co-owner.

It’s evident that she practices what she preaches, as she and her sister share an exceptionally close bond and friendship.

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