On July 7, 2025, South African actress Thuso Mbedu shared a heartfelt birthday message on Instagram:
“+1 Grateful to see another year 8 JULY. THEE MOST PERFECT DAY IN THE YEAR.”
Her message resonated widely, gathering thousands of likes and warm wishes from fans, family, and fellow celebrities. Her sister, Noma Mbedu, also posted a loving tribute, highlighting the close bond they share.
Thuso Mbedu is currently based in Los Angeles, California, United States, where she moved in 2019 to further her international acting career. She splits her time between the US and South Africa but primarily resides in Los Angeles, where she continues to work on major film and television projects.2024 (upcoming): Voice role as Junia in an animated film
Television
- 2014: Isibaya as Nosisa (3 episodes)
- 2014–2018: Saints and Sinners as Boni Khumalo (Lead role)
- 2015: Snake Park as Khethi (Guest role)
- 2015–2017: Scandal! as Kitso Medupe (Supporting role, 15 episodes)
- 2016–2017: Is’Thunzi as Winnie Bhengu (Lead role, 25 episodes)
- 2017–2019: Shuga as Ipeleng (Recurring role, 20 episodes)
- 2018: Liberty as Rosie (Miniseries, 3 episodes)
- 2018: Generations: The Legacy as Okuhle Cele (Recurring role)
- 2018: Side Dish as Phiwe (Miniseries)
- 2021: The Underground Railroad as Cora Randall (Limited series, 8 episodes)
- 2023–present: Castlevania: Nocturne as Annette (Voice role, 16 episodes)
- 2025 (upcoming): Task as Aleah (Miniseries)
Film
- 2022: The Woman King as Nawi (Historical epic feature film)
- 2024 (upcoming): Mufasa: The Lion King as Junia (Voice role, animated film)
- 2027 (filming): Children of Blood and Bone as Zélie (Fantasy feature film)
Career Timeline
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1991, July 8: Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu was born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She was raised by her grandmother after losing both parents at an early age.
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2013: Graduated with honours from the University of the Witwatersrand, studying Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management. Also attended an acting studio in New York City.
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2014: Began her professional acting career with a small role in a popular South African TV series and then a role in another well-known local drama. She also appeared in other TV productions and had a lead role in a drama series.
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2016: Landed her first starring role in a teen drama series. Her performance was critically acclaimed.
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2017 & 2018: Nominated consecutively for an international award for Best Performance by an Actress for her role in the teen drama, becoming the first South African actress to receive such nominations. Won a national award for Best Actress in TV Drama.
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2018: Featured on a prestigious African business magazine’s “30 Under 30” list, highlighting her as a rising African leader.
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2021: Made her international debut starring in a limited series directed by a renowned filmmaker. This role earned her multiple awards and nominations. She became the first South African actress to lead an American television series.
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2022: Starred in a historical epic film alongside a major Hollywood actress. The film was a global success and earned her recognition as a contender for a top acting award.
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2023-2027: Continued to expand her international presence with roles in various film and television projects, including voice roles and upcoming productions.
Controversies
Thuso Mbedu’s career has been largely free from major personal controversies. However, during the filming of one of her early dramas, she experienced a panic attack while shooting an intense scene, which she later spoke about openly, highlighting the emotional toll such roles can take on actors. This candidness sparked important conversations about mental health and the support needed for performers dealing with difficult subject matter.
She has also been vocal about the challenges faced by African actors breaking into Hollywood, including typecasting and limited roles for Black women, advocating for greater diversity and representation in the global film industry.
