Thuso Mbedu is truly blessed

In a relatively short period of time she’s worked her way to the top, landing a major role in Saints and Sinners last year and she is now a rising star on e.tv’s Scandal!

She says: “I don’t believe in luck, but I do consider myself blessed. I have some friends who are still looking for work and I’ve landed two major roles already.”

Mbedu joins the cast of Scandal! as 21-year-old Kitso – a journalism graduate who’s recently started her internship in the newsroom. Unlike model student Boni (Saints and Sinners), Kitso has a spontaneous side and is constantly creating trouble for herself.

Since Mbedu relates more with her previous character which, she admits, came naturally to her, stepping into the new role has been challenging.

WATCH THIS SPACE. Thuso Mbedu stars as Kitso in Scandal! Picture: Supplied

“It’s a good challenge,” she says, “and it forces you to grow. I had to do a lot of research, looking up the psychology of a tomboy in order to understand her (Kitso’s) state of mind. It’s been fun, though, letting lose and being able to play someone that’s so different from me.

She sniggers: “In a way she’s inspired me to take risks, but in a controlled environment. I think growing up without parents – I was brought up by my grandmother – taught me to take responsibility for my actions early on. So, in a way, I’m learning from her mistakes.”

Asked what it’s like seeing herself on television for the first time, she laughs: “It was weird at first. You try and step back and watch as a viewer, but you end up criticising yourself. My roommates always have to tell me keep quiet because they really buy into the story and characters and I’m constantly complaining about how I chose to play something out.”

Not wanting to put all her eggs in one basket, Mbedu is certainly on a roll, getting her name “out there” and attesting to her ability to take on different jobs. The sky’s the limit for the 23-year-old and Mbedu’s reaching for the stars.