Grateful to see another year” : Thuso Mbedu celebrates turning 34 

By Nosipho Mnyandu  

July 8 has been named “The Most Perfect Day in a Year” by South African-born international star Thuso Mbedu, who celebrates turning thirty-four. The acclaimed actress, known for her role in The Woman King alongside Viola Davis, shared heartfelt images on social media, including a touching photo of her celebrating her fourth birthday thirty years ago. She described it as a day to remember, as it marked the last birthday she shared with her mother. 

While the world celebrates Thuso, it is fitting to reflect on some of her most remarkable milestones and achievements. Thuso first rose to prominence through her outstanding performance in the South African original television drama series Is’thunzi, which earned her International Emmy Award nominations in both 2017 and 2018. This breakthrough set the stage for an upward trajectory, culminating in her inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2018. 

Three years later, she made history by becoming the first South African actress to lead an American television series, portraying the character of Cora in The Underground Railroad. Her performance was met with widespread acclaim, earning her the Best Female Performance in a New Scripted Series award by the Independent Spirit Awards. In 2022, she made her feature film debut as Nawi in The Woman King, a historical epic based on the true events of the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states in Africa during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. 

Beyond her exceptional talent in acting, Thuso Mbedu also became widely recognized as the ambassador for L’Oréal in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, a significant achievement not only for her career but also for the African continent. 

In recent news, Thuso announced via social media that she will star in the lead role in Children of Blood and Bone, a long-awaited project she has dreamed of since 2019. The film is scheduled for release in January 2027 and will feature a cast including Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, and Tosin Cole. 

Close friends and colleagues have shared heartfelt messages, wishing her continued success and happiness. As Thuso Mbedu turns thirty-four, one thing is for sure: her journey is only just beginning.