South Africa’s Thuso Nokwanda Mbedu has reached international superstardom and the success many people her age have only dared to dream of.

The 31-year-old actress is standing in solidarity with Hollywood writers.

And yet, her down-to-earth and girl-next-door demeanor contrast with the worldwide recognition she’s carrying.

While local fans sing her praises for putting SA on the global stage, she tones the tunes down to only finding her feet in the giant hills of Hollywood.

The LA-based, award winning actress needs no introduction – certainly not in South Africa. She burst into the local entertainment industry in 2014, playing the character of Boni on Mzansi Magic’s Saints and Sinners.

And almost 10 years later, she has established a global presence, bagged awards, collaborated with iconic brands and filled her passport with travel stamps.

There’s no denying that Thuso is a talented actress; an art she embodies passionately.

Looking at where she is now, one might think luck has a lot to do with it. And, they might be right if they borrow the meaning of the word from Roman philosopher Seneca, who once said: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

 

 

 

Thuso has envisioned and prepared for the life she’s now living in Hollywood.

From our lenses, it might look glamorous but from her reality, she’s still new and, even with two critically acclaimed US productions to her name, she’s still knocking on as many doors as she can.

Thuso carries her voice with eloquence and confidence. Her make-up, if any, is subtle while her hair is short and natural. She seems happy and holds no reservations about her journey.