On track for ‘Railroad’ success

Thuso Mbedu cast in starring role in 11-part series based on Coloson Whitehead’s book for Amazon Video

ACTRESS Thuso Mbedu, 27, has scored a leading role in a Hollywood series, making her the first South African actress to do so. Mbedu was officially cast in the role of Cora, the main character of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Underground Railroad.

Mbedu took to Instagram to tell her fans the good news. “My thumb and neurons are failing me right now so I’ll just do as most South Africans do when this happens: I got the job !!!! It was such an amazing process and experience. Like, true story, just preparing to audition for this role made me grow so much. It is such a blessing and honour to tell this story.”

The series, which tells the story of three slaves who seek freedom from Southern plantations via the Underground Railroad, will premiere on Amazon and will consist of 11 episodes written and directed by Barry Jenkins.

Mbedu first made an appearance on our screens when she starred as Kitso on e.tv’s Scandal! She later landed her first major role on the Mzansi Magic teen drama series

Is’thunzi, which premiered in October 2016.

She was nominated for an International Emmy award for her role in Is’thunzi the following year. In the series, she played Winnie, a go-getter who had dreams of marrying a rich and famous rugby player. In July 2018, she appeared on the SABC 1 soapie Generations: The

Legacy, in the role of Okuhle Cele. Mbedu, who cannot disclose much on her role yet, says, “This is not for me, it is for Africa. This is not the ceiling, it is the beginning and hope for every talented performer to say that – if you work hard and not worry about the when and how. It will happen for you. Keep believing!”

Magazines, such as W Magazine and Variety have referred to Mbedu as South Africa’s “It Girl”, following the announcement.

Stars took to social media to congratulate Mbedu.

Pearl Thusi, who starred alongside Priyanka Chopra in

Quantico, Nomzamo Mbatha and Thembisa Mdoda tweeted their congratulations.

Fans also reacted with joy on Twitter:

@N_Datini - Thuso Mbedu can really act. She deserves this role.

@Passeks - I’m proud of Thuso Mbedu. She’s a brilliant actress, so well deserved.

@_panographer - That ‘I got the job”’ tweet from Thuso Mbedu is most inspiring...Just shows that one can secure bags anywhere in the world...Congrats Thuso