Thuso Mbedu and the deeper look into the path shaping her work, family and public image
Thuso Mbedu is a South African actress who gained international recognition for her portrayal of Winnie in the South African television drama series Is'Thunzi. She has appeared in films and TV series such as The Woman King, The Underground Railroad, and Shuga.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Thuso Mbedu is an award-winning American-based South African actress and model.
- She gained international prominence after starring in the 2021 Amazon TV series The Underground Railroad.
- Thuso Mbedu's child is Zenny Zen, born on 5 November 2014.
Profile summary
Full name | Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu |
Date of birth | 8 July 1991 |
Age | 34 years (as of 2026) |
Zodiac sign | Cancer |
Place of birth | Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa |
Current residence | Johannesburg, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Ethnicity | African |
Religion | Christianity |
Sexuality | Straight |
Height in inches | 5′4″ |
Height in centimeters | 163 |
Weight in lbs | 125 |
Weight in kilograms | 57 |
Body measurement in inches | 32-25-36 |
Body measurement in centimetres | 81-63-91 |
Hair colour | Black |
Eye colour | Dark brown |
Siblings | 1 |
Relationship status | Single |
Children | 1 |
School | Pelham Primary School, Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School |
University | University of the Witwatersrand |
Profession | Actress, producer |
What is the background of Thuso Mbedu?
Thuso Mbedu was born on Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa. Her parents died while she was young, and her grandmother raised her. She has an older sister named Masentle Nomalungelo Mbedu.
In an interview with Greg Williams, she talked about her upbringing, saying:
My sister and I lost our mother to a brain tumour when I was four years old. And we didn’t have much of a relationship with our father. He was never in our lives. And so, our grandmother raised us. She was super strict.
How old is Nawi from Woman King?
As of 2026, Thuso Mbedu's age is 34. She was born on 8 July 1991. Her zodiac sign is Cancer.
What languages does Thuso Mbedu speak?
The South African actress is proficient in IsiZulu and English. She has elementary proficiency in Afrikaans, making her multilingual for her roles and international career.
Thuso Mbedu's education
She matriculated from Pietermaritzburg Girls' High School. In 2013, she graduated with honours from the University of the Witwatersrand in Physical Theatre and Performing Arts.
She also attended the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York in 2012, where she studied film and drama.
Source: Original
Career
She debuted her acting career in the Mzansi Magic drama series Is'thunzi, which premiered in 2016. Hard work pays off, and in 2017, as per Thuso Mbedu's IMDb, she was nominated for an Emmy Award for her role in the show.
She also played Kitso Medupe in the soap opera Scandal!, Nosisa in Isibaya, and Boni Khumalo in Saints and Sinners. In late 2014, she appeared in the second season of the soapie Isibaya. Since her acting debut, she has appeared in several films and TV series.
Thuso Mbedu's movies and TV shows
Below is a list of Thuso Mbedu's acting credits.
Year | TV series/Film | Role |
2027 | Children of Blood and Bone | Zelie |
2025 | Task | Aleah Clinton |
2023-2025 | Castlevania: Nocturne | Annette |
2024 | Mufasa: The Lion King | Junia |
2022 | The Woman King | Nawi |
2021 | The Underground Railroad | Cora |
2017–2019 | Shuga | Ipeleng |
2018 | Side Dish | Phiwe |
2018 | JJC: Johnny Just Come | Fifi |
2018 | Liberty | Rosie |
2016–2017 | Is'Thunzi | Winnie |
2017 | Lokoza | |
2015 | Scandal! | Kitso |
2014 | Isibaya | Nosisa |
Awards
Some of the awards she has won include:
Year | Award |
2017 | DSTV Viewers Choice Awards |
2018 | South African Film and Television Awards |
2021 | Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards |
2021 | Gotham Awards |
2022 | Independent Spirit Awards |
2023 | Black Reel Awards |
During an interview on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, she revealed how she uses acting to impact people’s lives. She said:
I choose projects that I feel would have some sort of impact. We are not following the money; we are following purpose. We are following changing people’s lives. I did drama in high school and university because I wanted to use acting as a tool for social change.
Beyond acting, she has built a successful modeling career. She has starred in commercials for major brands such as Nivea, Steers, Nando’s, and Dettol Even Tone, and has graced the covers of W Magazine and Essence Magazine.
Her multifaceted career is supported by a strong professional team, with representation from agencies including CAA, Creative Partners Group, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP, Gang Tyre Ramer Brown & Passman, and Wolf-Kasteler.
How rich is Thuso Mbedu?
As of 2026, Thuso Mbedu's net worth and salary are not publicly known. She, however, earns her worth from acting in blockbuster films, series, and modeling.
Source: Getty Images
Is Thuso Mbedu married?
The actress is in a relationship. However, it is not publicly known who Thuso Mbedu's husband is. She has a daughter, Zenny Zen, born on 5 November 2014.
The father of Thuso Mbedu's daughter does not seem to be in the picture either, and she keeps her love life personal.
How tall is Thuso Mbedu?
Thuso Mbedu's height is 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimetres), and he weighs 125 pounds (57 kilograms). She has black hair and dark brown eyes. Her body measurements are 32-25-36 inches (81-63-91 centimetres).
Trivia
- Mbedu appeared on the 2018 Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list.
- She was born at the Midlands Medical Centre.
- Her mother was Zulu, and her father was of Sotho and Xhosa descent.
- In 2023, Mbedu became the ambassador and spokesperson of L’Oréal for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Thuso Mbedu is known for her exceptional acting skills and has been recognized with numerous accolades. She continues to make strides in her career and is considered one of the industry's most talented and promising actresses.
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