Mpho Sebeng’s bio: age, girlfriend, TV shows, movies, nominations, profile
Mpho Sebeng was well-known in South Africa's entertainment landscape until his sudden demise on Sunday, 5 May 2024. He was passionate about acting and storytelling and always worked hard to improve his craft. Mpho Sebeng's accident elicited profound sorrow from his colleagues and fans alike. SABC and Netflix South Africa also expressed condolences, bidding him farewell and honoring his legacy.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mpho Sebeng's journey in acting began at the age of 12, catapulting him into the spotlight. The South African actor was popularly known for his roles as Siso Ledwaba in Zero Tolerance (2001-2006) and as Slay in Soul Buddyz (2011). He also co-owned an events company called In The Mix with his two friends. Read below about Mpho Sebeng's life, career achievements, and car accident.
Profile summary
Full name | Mpho Sebeng |
Gender | Male |
Date of birth | 1 December 1993 |
Date of death | 5 May 2024 |
Age | 30 years |
Place of birth | Soweto, South Africa |
Place of death | Potchefstroom, South Africa |
Cause of death | Car accident |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | African |
Height | 5′ 5″ (1.65 m) |
Eye color | Brown |
Hair color | Black |
Father | Nomsa Sebeng |
Mother | Joe Sebeng |
Sister | Lebogang Sebeng |
Marital status | Married |
Alma mater | West Ridge High School |
Profession | Actor and businessman |
Nominations | 3 awards |
@mpho_sebeng |
Mpho Sebeng's biography
Mpho Sebeng was born in Soweto to Nomsa Sebeng and Joe Sebeng and grew up in Witpoortie in Roodeport, Gauteng. He was the eldest child in his family and had a younger sister called Lebogang Sebeng.
Sebeng discovered his passion for acting at a young age because his grandfather, who used to work at Universal, would bring him movies monthly. So, Mpho would try re-enacting roles played on TV, and that motivated him to get into acting.
Educational background
He attended West Ridge High School and matriculated in 2011, attaining two distinctions. His high school achievements include being the first to get full colors for drama at 17 years old. He was vice-captain of his high school rugby team, got full colors for athletics, and played soccer.
In addition, Mpho was the MC of Mr. & Mrs. West Ridge in 2010 and 2011. He was also part of the school's body council and the MD of the RCL. It is unknown whether the actor furthered his education beyond the high school level.
Career history
Mpho Sebeng entered the entertainment industry at age 12 through his mother's friend. Sebeng's mum invited the friend to watch him perform a play in his primary school.
Afterward, the friend referred Mpho to the Legends Management agency, where manager Lisa Modisane helped him become a professional actor.
Sebeng’s first acting gig was on Zero Tolerance at age 12. He described the experience as effortless, as he was on a natural high. The actor enjoyed challenging roles and could exit a production he felt was not challenging enough.
His favorite roles were high schooler Nksoi on Saint and Sinners, the psychopathic Lebo on Z’bondiwe, and Neo on Ring of Lies. His character on Ring of Lies was a dream come true because the actor wanted athletic roles to make him work on his body.
Mpho Sebeng and Thuso Mbedu co-starred in Saints and Sinners as Nksoi and Boni Khumalo, respectively. Mpho also appeared in Khandakulu (a short film) and Winnie (a feature film) and had significant roles in Man in Crisis (2019) and The Jakes Are Missing (2015).
In 2022, he had recurring roles in the Netflix dramas The Brave Ones and Savage Beauty and Netflix comedy-drama Miseducation in 2023. His last interview was about his role as DJ Whisky on Showmax series 016FM. Mpho shared how the show helped him value Vaal's people and community. He said:
For me, the Vaal is such a melting pot of culture, fashion, and language, which was something I was very drawn to while doing my research about the area.
I had to take the time to hang around with the locals, especially the people who started the culture of ama-Italiana [Italian culture] and izikhothane [an expensive lifestyle].
Was Mpho Sebeng in The Queen?
In The Queen (South African TV series), actor Mpho Sebeng played Litha, a young man trying to live an honest life despite his background.
Mpho Sebeng's movies
Here is a list of some of his famous movies and series:
Year | Film and Character |
2011 | Winnie Mandela as a student leader |
2015 | The Jakes are Missing as Jakes Simons |
2019 | Man in Crisis |
2022 | Thando as Thokozani |
2022 | Collision as Thando |
2022 | Mngani Wam' as Kabelo |
2023 | Miseducation as Caesar |
2024 | 016FM as Whiskey |
Mpho Sebeng's TV soaps
Here is a list of some of his TV shows:
Television show | Character |
Bay of Plenty - Season 1 | Supporting cast |
Hush Money - Season 1 | Mayihlome Dukashe |
I Love South Africa - Season 2 | Contestant - Himself |
Kokota - Season 1 | Mello 012 |
Miseducation - Season 1 | Caesar Mokoena |
Rhythm City - Season 1 | Mose |
Ring of Lies - Seasons 1 & 2 | Neo |
Saints and Sinners - Season 1 | Nkosi Radebe |
Savage Beauty - Season 1 | Bonga |
Scandal! - Season 1 | Lutho |
Soul Buddyz - Season 5 | Slay |
The Brave Ones - Season 1 | Nduku |
The Estate - Season 3 | S'khumbuzo Biyela |
The Queen - Season 7 | Litha |
The Throne - Season 1 | Goitseone |
Z'bondiwe - Season 1 | Lebo Ngcobo |
Zero Tolerance - Seasons 1, 2, & 3 | Siso Ledwaba |
Mpho Sebeng's nominations
Sebeng's acting prowess never went unrecognized. In 2018, he was nominated for the Golden Horn Award for Best Actor in a TV soap for playing Neo on Ring of Lies (2016). Mpho was also nominated for the 2017 AMVCA for Best Supporting Actor and the 2022 IDYLLWILD Best Supporting Actor.
What happened to Mpho from Ring of Lies?
The actor died on Sunday, 5 May 2024, in a car accident in Potchefstroom, North West province. The family confirmed Mpho Sebeng's cause of death on Sunday evening with a statement:
The family of the South African entertainer, Mpho Sebeng, are saddened to confirm to the public and media that their son has indeed passed away.
The SABC paid tribute on X:
The SABC is saddened by the untimely passing of the actor Mpho Sebeng. His immense contribution to the entertainment industry will never be forgotten. The SABC extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
Netflix South Africa also shared their condolences on X with a post:
A life well lived. Rest in peace, Mpho Sebeng.
Some of Mpho Sebeng's colleagues echoed the same sentiments on social media. Actor, producer, and friend Zola Hashatsi wrote on Instagram:
It is with a sad, deep, painful heart to announce the passing of a young brother, friend I took in to replace us when we exited @craze_tv, a thespian, that was @mpho_sebeng. This one hurts, and I'm not okay.
Actress Sophie Ndaba of the 016FM drama series honored Sebeng's work on one of his final projects. She said:
Working with actors with some roots in the Vaal was so nostalgic. "The most honor I had was getting to experience Mpho, who I found well-mannered...Mpho used to love throwing jokes when chilling by the river during our break time. He was the type of person you could talk to about anything...
Ndaba added:
Mpho had more experience than his direct co-actor, who isn't as well known as him, but he never bossed him around or made him feel inferior, to me, he is a true and real character.
Where was Mpho Sebeng buried?
Family and friends gathered at the Joburg Theatre for Mpho Sebeng's memorial service on Thursday, 9 May 2024, and laid him to rest at Heroes Arch, Westpark Cemetery.
Notable celebrities, including Thomas Gumede, Dineo Moeketsi, Bontle Modiselle and her husband Priddy Ugly, Vuyo Ngcukana, Natasha Thahane, Warren Masemola, Josta Dladla, and Mr. JazziQ, attended the burial ceremony.
Words from his parents, read by his sister Lebogang Sebeng, were:
Mpho, you lived up to your name, my boy. My boy, we are proud of you. We want to know that you made us proud. My boy, you lived your dreams. You fulfilled every destiny. We didn’t expect to be burying you so soon. Heaven’s gate celebrates the arrival of a true servant.
Where is Mpho Sebeng?
Some fans have wondered what happened to Mpho Sebeng after noticing his absence on their screens. The actor died on Sunday, 5 May 2024, and was buried on 9 May 2024, at Heroes Arch, Westpark Cemetery.
Mpho Sebeng’s girlfriend
Sources claim he was dating Nolu Ledwaba, and she even shared memories of her with him after his death. Nolu shared her condolences on Facebook, and people reposted screenshots of her message.
Mpho Sebeng's wife
The actor never posted or talked about his wife on social media or with the press. Nonetheless, reports claim they had a private wedding in December 2022 at an undisclosed location.
It was said that among those who attended were the celebrities Warren Masemola, Rashaka Muofhe, Mbulelo Katise, and Zola Hashatsi. Movie director Kagiso Modupe even shared pictures of Mpho's wedding photos.
Mpho Sebeng's Instagram
Sebeng was an active social media user with 118K followers on IG. Meanwhile, 12K people follow his Facebook page, and his X (formerly Twitter) account has 30.1K followers.
Facts about Mpho Sebeng
- His interests, besides acting, were script writing, photography, and directing.
- His favorite acting memory was meeting Jennifer Husdon on set in the movie Winnie (2011).
- He never confirmed rumors of him being married.
- Rumors of his alleged girlfriend, Nolu Ledwaba, emerged online after his death.
- He was buried at Heroes Arch, Westpark Cemetery.
Actor Mpho Sebeng was a one-of-a-kind talent. Remarkable performances and accolades marked his nearly two-decade career in the Mzansi film industry.
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Source: Briefly News