Thuso Mbedu is a highly talented South African actress who has gained international recognition for her remarkable performances. Born on July 8, 1991, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Mbedu had a challenging upbringing, losing both her parents at a young age. She was raised in the Pelham area by her Zulu grandmother, who became her legal guardian. Mbedu attended Pelham Primary School and later enrolled in Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School.

Mbedu embarked on her acting career in 2013 when she appeared in the second season of the Mzansi Magic soapie isiBaya. She then landed the role of Kitso, a journalism student and wild child, on the popular soapie Scandal! in 2014. Her talent and dedication to her craft were evident as she had a guest role as Kheti in the second season of the SABC 2 teen drama series Snake Park.

In 2016, Mbedu achieved her breakthrough when she secured her first starring role in the Mzansi Magic teen drama series Is’thunzi. The show garnered critical acclaim and achieved commercial success. Mbedu’s performance in the series received widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Her portrayal earned her consecutive nominations for the International Emmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress in 2017 and 2018, solidifying her status as a rising star.

In 2019, Mbedu made her international debut in the American historical drama film “The Underground Railroad.” She portrayed the character of Cora Randall, a young enslaved woman who embarks on a harrowing journey to freedom. The film garnered immense praise for its storytelling and Mbedu’s exceptional performance. Her portrayal of Cora earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress.

Currently, Mbedu is working on the upcoming American historical drama television series “The Woman King,” where she will star as Nawi, a general in an all-female army who fights against the Dahomey Amazons. The series, set to premiere on Netflix in 2023, has already generated significant anticipation among viewers.

In addition to her outstanding performances, Mbedu has received recognition and accolades for her work. She was nominated for the International Emmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress for her role in Is’Thunzi in 2017 and 2018. Furthermore, her portrayal in “The Underground Railroad” earned her the Gotham Independent Film Award for Outstanding Performance in a New Series and the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Performance in a Scripted Series in 2021.

While Mbedu prefers to keep her personal life private, it is known that she currently resides in Los Angeles and is single. Her focus remains on her acting career and delivering compelling performances that captivate audiences worldwide. With her talent, dedication, and growing list of achievements, Thuso Mbedu is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the world of acting.