Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu was born on July 8, 1991. She is a South African actress who has risen to prominence in recent years for her roles in both American and South African productions. She is best known for her starring role as Cora Randall in the Amazon Prime Video miniseries The Underground Railroad, which earned her several critical accolades, including an Independent Spirit Award and a Gotham Award. Mbedu is a talented and versatile actress who is poised for a long and successful career.
Early Life
Thuso Mbedu was born on July 8, 1991, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She was raised by her Zulu grandmother after the passing of both her parents at an early age. Mbedu attended Pelham Primary School and then Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School. She went on to study Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), graduating in 2013 with honors.
Career
Thuso Mbedu began her acting career in South Africa, appearing in several television shows and films. In 2016, she landed her breakthrough role as Winnie Mandela in the Mzansi Magic telenovela Is’Thunzi. Her performance was critically acclaimed, and she won the International Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her work.
In 2019, Mbedu was cast in the lead role of Cora Randall in the Amazon Prime Video miniseries The Underground Railroad. The series was an adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Mbedu’s performance was widely praised by critics, and she was nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe Award and a Critics’ Choice Television Award.
Mbedu is also set to star in several upcoming projects, including the films The Woman King and Causeway. She is also attached to star in a television adaptation of the novel The Secret Lives of Bees.
Personal Life
Thuso Mbedu is a very private person and does not share much about her personal life with the public. It is known that she is currently single and has no children. She is also a strong advocate for social justice and women’s empowerment.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Woman King | Nawi | Supporting /Co-Starring |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2018 | Saints and Sinners | Boni Khumalo | Lead role |
| 2014 | Isibaya | Nosisa | 3 episodes |
| 2015–2017 | Scandal! | Kitso Medupe | Supporting role (15 episodes) |
| 2015 | Snake Park | Khethi | Guest role |
| 2016–2017 | Is’Thunzi | Winnie Bhengu | Lead role (25 episodes) |
| 2017–2019 | Shuga | Ipeleng | Recurring role (20 episodes)[34] |
| 2018 | Generations: The Legacy | Okuhle Cele | Recurring role |
| 2018 | Side Dish | Phiwe | Miniseries |
| 2021 | The Underground Railroad | Cora Randall | Miniseries (8 episodes) |
| 2023 | Castlevania: Nocturne | Annette (voice) | Animated Series |
Award and Nomination
| Year | Association | Category | Nominated works | 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 | Best Actress TV Drama | Is’Thunzi | Won |
| 2018 | International Emmy Awards | Best Performance by an Actress | Is’Thunzi | Nominated |
| 2019 | South African Film and Television Awards | Best Actress – TV Drama | Is’Thunzi | Nominated |
| 2021 | TCA Awards | Individual Achievement in Drama | The Underground Railroad | Nominated |
| 2021 | Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Actress, TV Movie/Limited Series | The Underground Railroad | Nominated |
| 2021 | Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards | Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series, or Television Movie | The Underground Railroad | Nominated |
| 2021 | Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards | TV Breakout Star | The Underground Railroad | Won |
| 2021 | Gotham Awards | Outstanding Performance in New Series | The Underground Railroad | Won |
| 2022 | Critics’ Choice Television Awards | Best Actress in a Miniseries or Television Movie | The Underground Railroad | Nominated |
| 2022 | Independent Spirit Awards | Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series | The Underground Railroad | Won |
| 2023 | Black Reel Awards | Outstanding Actress of the Year | The Woman King | Won |
| 2023 | National Film & Television : South Africa | Best Supporting Actress | The Woman King | Nominated |
| 2023 | National Film & Television: South Africa | National Film & Television: South Africa | The Woman King | Nominated |
Net Worth
Mbedu’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. She has earned her wealth through her successful acting career.
Social Media Handles
Thuso Mbedu is very active on social media. You can follow her through the following social media handles.
- Instagram: @thuso.mbedu
- Twitter: @thuso_mbedu
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