Thuso Mbedu is a South African actress whose work has gained her so much fame even internationally. She was nominated for Emmy Award for her role in the telenovela Isthunzi which was called one of the most compelling TV programmes in South Africa. Thuso Mbedu was born and raised in Pelham, Pietermaritzburg, KZN. Her mother passed on when she was four years old. She was then raised by her grandmother.

She went to Pelham primary school and attended Pietermaritzburg girls high school. When she was 18, she attended the university of Witwatersrand, where she studied Physical Theatre and performing Arts management, resulting her graduating with an Honours. In 2012, she attended the Stellar Studio of Acting in New York, USA.