Thuso Mbedu is a South African actress who has quickly become one of the most admired and respected faces in the film industry. Many people around the world first saw her in the film The Woman King where she played the role of Nawi. In that movie, Thuso impressed audiences with her powerful performance, energy, and emotional depth. She acted alongside big names like Viola Davis and held her own, earning praise from critics and viewers alike. Many people who watched her for the first time in The Woman King believed she was a very young girl just starting out in acting. But in reality, Thuso has been building her career for years and already had a solid reputation before stepping into the Hollywood spotlight.
Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu was born on July 8, 1991, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her mother was of Zulu descent and her father was of Sotho origin. Sadly, she lost both of her parents at a young age and was raised by her grandmother. Even though she faced hard times, she stayed strong and focused on her education and dreams. Thuso studied at the University of the Witwatersrand where she earned a degree in Physical Theatre and Performing Arts Management. She later attended the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, showing her commitment to learning and growing in her craft.
Before her Hollywood fame, Thuso Mbedu was already a star in South Africa. She appeared in several local TV shows including Isibaya, Scandal!, and Saints and Sinners. Her breakthrough role came when she played the lead role of Winnie in the South African teen drama Is’Thunzi. This performance won her international attention and earned her an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in 2017. She was the first South African actress to receive that nomination in that category. Thuso’s emotional and honest acting in Is’Thunzi touched many hearts and showed the world she had the talent to go far.
In 2021, Thuso made her international debut in the Amazon Prime series The Underground Railroad. The series was directed by Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins and is based on the novel by Colson Whitehead. Thuso played the lead role of Cora, a young woman escaping slavery in the southern United States. Her performance was deeply moving and powerful. She showed pain, strength, and bravery in a way that connected with viewers across the globe. Critics praised her performance as one of the best of the year. She won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series and continued to rise in fame.
Then came The Woman King in 2022. In this historical epic, Thuso played the young and brave warrior Nawi. Many viewers believed she was a new young actress because of her youthful appearance and natural acting style. But Thuso was already over thirty years old at the time and had been acting for many years. Her performance was once again strong and emotional. She showed the growth of a young girl becoming a fierce warrior, and she delivered scenes full of heart, courage, and power. The film was a big hit and introduced her to a global audience who fell in love with her energy and honesty on screen.
Apart from acting, Thuso Mbedu is also known for her humility, intelligence, and pride in her African roots. She speaks openly about staying true to herself and the importance of representing African stories on international platforms. She has become a role model for young girls across Africa and beyond, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
As of 2025, Thuso Mbedu has an estimated net worth of around three million dollars. She earns money through acting, brand deals, and public appearances. Her growing popularity means she is likely to take on more major roles in the future. Many people are excited to see where her career will go next. With her talent, charm, and strong spirit, Thuso is sure to continue shining on the world stage.
In summary, Thuso Mbedu is more than just a pretty face or a rising star. She is a hardworking, talented actress who has overcome many challenges to become one of the most exciting names in film today. Whether in a local South African drama or a Hollywood blockbuster, she gives every role her best and leaves a lasting impression.
