Thuso Mbedu Biography: Age, Early Life, Career, Movies and Awards
Thuso Mbedu Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu |
| Date of birth | 8 July 1991 |
| Age | 35 (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Education | University of the Witwatersrand (Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management, honours, 2013) |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Active since | 2014 |
| Known for | Is’Thunzi, The Underground Railroad, The Woman King, Task |
Early Life and Education
Thuso Mbedu was born at Midlands Medical Centre in Pietermaritzburg to a Zulu mother and a father of Sotho and Xhosa descent. Both her parents died when she was young, and she was raised in the Pelham area of Pietermaritzburg by her grandmother, who became her legal guardian.
She went to Pelham Primary School and Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School. She then studied Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management at Wits University in Johannesburg, graduating with honours in 2013. In 2012 she also took a course at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York.
Career in South African Television
Her first screen roles were on local television from 2014:
| Years | Show | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Isibaya (Mzansi Magic) | Nosisa |
| 2014 to 2018 | Saints and Sinners | Boni Khumalo (lead) |
| 2015 | Snake Park (SABC 2) | Khethi (guest) |
| 2015 to 2017 | Scandal! (e.tv) | Kitso Medupe |
| 2016 to 2017 | Is’Thunzi (Mzansi Magic) | Winnie Bhengu (lead) |
| 2017 to 2019 | Shuga | Ipeleng |
| 2018 | Generations: The Legacy | Okuhle Cele |
Her breakthrough was Is’Thunzi, which premiered in October 2016. She played Winnie, a teenager sent to live with her strict aunt in Bergville. She landed the part after six months without acting work.
International Breakthrough
The Underground Railroad (2021)
Mbedu played Cora Randall, the lead role in Barry Jenkins’ Amazon Prime Video limited series based on Colson Whitehead’s novel. This made her the first South African actress to lead an American television series. The role won her an Independent Spirit Award and a Gotham Award.
The Woman King (2022)
Her feature film debut was The Woman King, a historical epic set in the Kingdom of Dahomey, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. She played Nawi, a young recruit, alongside Viola Davis.
Later work
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 onwards | Castlevania: Nocturne (Netflix, animated) | Annette (voice) |
| 2024 | Mufasa: The Lion King | Junia (voice) |
| 2025 | Task (HBO) | Aleah Clinton |
| 2027 (expected) | Children of Blood and Bone | Zélie (lead) |
In January 2025 it was reported that she had been cast as Zélie in Paramount’s film adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, alongside Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo and Idris Elba.
Thuso Mbedu Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | DStv Viewers’ Choice Awards | Best Actress | Is’Thunzi | Won |
| 2017 | International Emmy Awards | Best Performance by an Actress | Is’Thunzi | Nominated |
| 2018 | South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) | Best Actress, TV Drama | Is’Thunzi | Won |
| 2018 | International Emmy Awards | Best Performance by an Actress | Is’Thunzi | Nominated |
| 2021 | Gotham Awards | Outstanding Performance in a New Series | The Underground Railroad | Won |
| 2022 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series | The Underground Railroad | Won |
| 2022 | Critics’ Choice Television Awards | Best Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie | The Underground Railroad | Nominated |
| 2023 | Black Reel Awards | Breakthrough Performance, Female | The Woman King | Won |
She was also named on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in 2018, and in 2023 became an ambassador for L’Oréal in sub-Saharan Africa.
Thuso Mbedu Net Worth
There is no verified public figure for Thuso Mbedu’s net worth. Numbers quoted on celebrity websites are estimates without a reliable source, so we do not publish one.
Thuso Mbedu Questions
How old is Thuso Mbedu?
She was born on 8 July 1991, so she is 35 years old in 2026.
Where is Thuso Mbedu from?
Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She grew up in the Pelham area.
What is Thuso Mbedu famous for?
Her lead roles in Is’Thunzi, The Underground Railroad and The Woman King.
Did Thuso Mbedu win an Emmy?
She was nominated for an International Emmy in 2017 and 2018 for Is’Thunzi, but did not win. She has won a SAFTA, an Independent Spirit Award and a Gotham Award.
What is Thuso Mbedu’s next movie?
Children of Blood and Bone, in which she plays the lead character Zélie. Its release is expected in 2027.
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