Loyiso MacDonald plays a villain on The Queen but his real life marriage is surprisingly wholesome
Loyiso MacDonald, famed for his intense roles on The Queen, has transitioned from the corporate world to acting, leading to a flourishing career. But behind the scenes, his life reveals a different story. The actor married young and later divorced. The experience of an early marriage has largely shaped him.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Loyiso MacDonald is a renowned South African actor best known for playing a villain on The Queen.
- He discovered his passion for acting after leaving corporate jobs and training in theatre in Durban.
- The actor married Mthunzi Simphiwe in 2012, but divorced nine years later.
- He remains focused on his career and personal growth.
Profile summary
Name | Loyiso MacDonald |
Gender | Male |
Date of birth | 7 September 1986 |
Age | 40 years (as of 2026) |
Place of birth | Eastern Cape, South Africa |
Current residence | Johannesburg, South Africa |
Sexuality | Heterosexual |
Ethnicity | African |
Nationality | South African |
Relationship status | Divorced |
Ex-spouse | Mthunzi Simphiwe |
Children | 1 |
Profession | Actor |
Loyiso Macdonald's biography
Loyiso MacDonald is a renowned South African actor. He rose to fame through his roles on the Mzansi Magic show The Queen. He has over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry. Over the years, he has won the hearts of many South Africans.
From rising star to villain on The Queen
Loyiso MacDonald did not always see himself as a professional actor. His journey can be traced back to his primary school days, where he took part in a few school plays. Acting came naturally to him, and he enjoyed every moment on stage. As he once shared, he felt an ease whenever he performed.
After high school, however, his path was uncertain. Instead of pursuing acting, he took on regular jobs. He worked at a bank and later at a call centre. Over time, the routine became frustrating. He began to feel dissatisfied and questioned his future. Seeing others stay in those roles for years made him realize he wanted something more. He said,
I didn't know what the hell I was gonna do after high school, so instead of sitting around at home I decided to work, for about two years I worked at a bank, I worked at a call centre, and I just got sick of it, I looked at the kind of people who I worked with who had been there for a long time and thought, there must be more than this.
Source: Instagram
That realization pushed him to make a change. After leaving his jobs, he spent time reading and searching for direction. One day, while leaving a library, he came across a pamphlet for a Durban-based acting and speech school. It caught his attention, and he decided to give it a try.
He went on to study speech and drama in Durban. This marked the beginning of his professional journey. He spent several years working in theatre, where he honed his craft and gained valuable experience. During this time, he performed in a variety of productions, including Kiss of the Spider Woman and Othello, as well as local plays like Escape from Nombiland and Man Up a Tree.
In 2011, he relocated to Johannesburg to pursue bigger opportunities. His breakthrough came in 2012 when he joined the cast of Isidingo. He played Ntando Sibeko, a role that introduced him to a wider television audience.
He later gained even more recognition on The Queen, where he played a memorable villain. The role cemented his place in the industry. Since then, he has continued to build his career with appearances in popular shows like The River and House of Zwide. Today, he remains one of the most respected and sought-after actors in South Africa.
Source: Instagram
Loyiso MacDonald's marriage and divorce
Loyiso MacDonald is known for playing intense and often ruthless characters on screen, but his real-life love story began in a much softer way. He met his former wife, Luphiwo Mathunzi, through theatre. The two crossed paths during a performance of the stage play Othello in Johannesburg around 2010. Their shared passion for the arts brought them together.
Their relationship moved quickly. After about a year of dating, they decided to take the next step. They first got married traditionally, honoring their cultural roots. They later formalised their union in a civil ceremony on 18 September 2012. Soon after, they held a traditional wedding celebration at her family home in Mpumalanga.
At the time, their story reflected a young couple building a life together. Both were creatives, and both were still finding their way in their respective careers. Loyiso has since shared that they got married at a young age, while still trying to understand themselves and their future.
However, as the years went by, their paths began to change. The couple eventually separated around 2016 after growing apart. According to him, they developed into different people with different priorities. Despite the separation, he has spoken about the experience with honesty, describing it as part of his personal growth.
While his on-screen roles often portray conflict and tension, his real-life journey reflects something more relatable. It is a story of love, growth, and change.
What does Loyiso MacDonald's ex-wife do?
Loyiso MacDonald’s ex-partner, Luphiwo Mathunzi, is a multi-talented creative. She is an actress, producer, writer, and entrepreneur. She is also a blogger, where she shares her daily experiences and personal insights.
Unlike Loyiso, whose career leans more toward television, she has a stronger presence in theatre. Her work on stage reflects her passion for live performance and storytelling.
Does Loyiso MacDonald have kids?
Yes, the South African actor has a child. He is the father of one. He publicly revealed his first child in 2023 by sharing a photo on social media. Interestingly, Loyiso had previously said he did not have any intention of having children, but later embraced fatherhood and expressed joy about the experience.
He shared a picture of himself when he was young, saying he wanted his son to be as carefree as he was.
What is Loyiso Macdonald's age?
Macdonald is 40 years old as of 2026. He was born on the 7th of September, 1986, in the Eastern Cape.
Is Loyiso McDonald a Xhosa or a Zulu?
Loyiso MacDonald's ethnicity is Xhosa. He has mentioned his Xhosa heritage during interviews and is culturally connected to the Xhosa community in South Africa.
Where is Loyiso McDonald from?
MacDonald was born and raised in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa. Loyiso MacDonald’s parents played an important role in his early life, supporting his interests and encouraging him to explore his talents. Growing up in this environment helped shape his personality and later inspired his passion for acting.
Who plays Lazarus on Inimba?
On the South African drama Inimba, the character Lazarus is played by Loyiso MacDonald himself. He stars as Lazarus Ngcukana in the series, a role that has become one of his most talked‑about recent performances.
Is Loyiso MacDonald still married?
The famous actor and his former wife, Luphiwo Mathunzi, separated around 2016 and have been living apart for several years. His estranged wife filed for divorce in the Johannesburg High Court in 2021, officially signalling the end of their marriage.
Loyiso MacDonald has built a remarkable career. He is known for his villainous roles on The Queen, yet off-screen, his life is surprisingly wholesome. From his early theatre days to television stardom, he has grown as an actor. Now a divorced father, he continues to inspire with his dedication, versatility, and personal growth.
Briefly.co.za recently shared an article about Felipe Mazibuko. He has styled A-listers such as Simphiwe Dana and collaborated with renowned brands like Loxion Kulca.
For over three decades, Felipe Mazibuko has been a leading figure in shaping the South African fashion industry. Dubbed a style guru and tastemaker, he believes that "clothes make the man."
Source: Briefly News
Favour Adeaga (Lifestyle writer) Dr. Favour Adeaga is an author, speaker, and coach. He graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria. He did his internship at The Nation Newspaper and taught diploma students in Newspaper and Magazine courses at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He has curated the facts and life hacks category since 2018. Dr Favour is the author of several books available on Amazon. He currently lives in Nigeria. Email: favouradeaga@gmail.com
Sharon Boit (Lifestyle writer) Sharon J. Boit is a creative writer and researcher with over 10 years of experience. She began her career as a project manager and researcher at the Center for Urban Research and Innovations, University of Nairobi. Sharon has written articles and blog posts for MSN News, Ihamba Adventures, and Industry Biz. She joined Briefly.co.za as a Lifestyle Writer in October 2024, covering entertainment, sports, education, and finance. You can reach Sharon J. Boit by email at boit@gmail.com.
