First time I heard from someone that this lady here is in her early thirties, I did not believe it not until I read about her on the internet. But really, to be frank, the...

First time I heard from someone that this lady here is in her early thirties, I did not believe it not until I read about her on the internet. But really, to be frank, the first thing that came to my mind when I saw that she is above thirty, I said, "Well, she will definitely live long. Because she has a lot of life in her...since she looks like a teenager in her thirties." 

This thing is very confusing. I'm like, is she real?!

Her name is Mbedu Thuso and she was born at Midlands Medical Centre in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal to a Zulu mother and a Xhosa and Sotho father, which is reflected in her multicultural name. She was raised in the Pelham area by her Zulu grandmother, who became her legal guardian after the passing of both her parents at an early age. This is what she has to say about herself:

My Journey: From Pelham to Hollywood

I still chuckle when people do a double take at my age. “You’re in your thirties?” they ask, incredulous. The truth is, I’ve grown accustomed to the confusion. At 34, I’ve learned to embrace the youthful energy that’s been my constant companion since childhood. But my story isn’t just about appearances—it’s about resilience, heritage, and the winding path that led me from a small South African town to the world’s biggest stages.

Born Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu on July 8, 1991, at Midlands Medical Centre in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, my name reflects the multicultural tapestry of my family. My Sotho father, Xhosa mother, and Zulu grandmother wove their languages into my identity: Thuso (Sotho for “hope”), Nokwanda (Zulu), and Mbedu (Xhosa). Tragedy struck early when I lost both parents, leaving my grandmother—my pillar of strength—to raise me in Pelham. She instilled in me the Zulu values of ubuntu (humanity) and the quiet resolve that defines my career today.

Growing up, I found solace in storytelling. I’d act out scenes from Sarafina! in our living room, mimicking Leleti Khumalo’s fiery spirit. But it wasn’t until my teens, when I stumbled upon a community theater group, that I realized acting could be more than a hobby. After high school, I enrolled in the University of Witwatersrand’s Physical Theatre program, where I honed my craft through movement and voice work. A scholarship later took me to New York’s Stella Adler Studio, where I immersed myself in the raw, emotional depth of Method acting.

My breakthrough came in 2014 with Isibaya, a South African soapie that earned me two International Emmy nominations. Critics praised my portrayal of Kitso, a fiery young woman navigating love and betrayal. But it was Is’Thunzi (2016–2017) that truly tested my range. Playing Winnie, a teenager grappling with poverty and ambition, I drew from my own experiences of loss and perseverance.

Then came the call that changed everything: Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad (2021). I remember trembling as I read the script for Cora, a enslaved woman fleeing the antebellum South. This wasn’t just a role—it was a reckoning with history, a chance to honor the resilience of Black women across generations. When the series debuted, I was overwhelmed by messages from viewers worldwide, thanking me for giving voice to their ancestors’ stories.

2022 brought The Woman King, where I played Nawi, a fierce Agojie warrior. Training in combat and weightlifting for months, I channeled the strength of my grandmother and the women who raised me. Working alongside Viola Davis was a masterclass in humility and power.

Today, I split my time between Los Angeles and South Africa, balancing Hollywood projects with local initiatives. My net worth may be reported as $1–5 million, but wealth to me is the freedom to choose roles that matter. I remain unmarried, preferring to focus on my craft and family—my sister Masentle, a sports scientist, keeps me grounded.

People often ask how I’ve stayed “young.” My answer? It’s not about looks; it’s about living with intention. My grandmother taught me that life is precious, and every day is a gift. When Forbes Africa named me to their “30 Under 30” list in 2018, I thought of her, smiling in her Pelham home.

I’m not just an actress—I’m a bridge. Between cultures, continents, and generations. My name, Thuso, means “hope,” and I hope my journey inspires others to embrace their complexity, just as I have.