Nelisa Mchunu (born 2 February 1992) is a South African actress, model, MC, motivational speaker and writer who is known for her roles in TV soap operas Isithembiso, Isibaya and Uzalo.
Eyes have always been on Nelisa Mchunu ever since she dominated the screen in 2018 with her stunning performance in Uzalo. Being a sensational actress, her popularity has continued to rise both within and outside the industry, and it seems she is just getting started.
Mchunu is loved by critics and fans alike, having won the hearts of Uzalo viewers with her enviable acting skills. Though she is relatively new on TV, she has made a huge impression on the entertainment industry as one of Mzansi’s talented actresses. The actress may not have won an award for her roles in Uzalo, but she undoubtedly has everything it takes to dominate the industry and reign as an influential actress.
Summary of Nelisa Mchunu’s Biography
- Full name: Nelisa Mchunu
- Gender: Female
- Date of birth: 2 February 1992
- Place od Birth: Wartburg, South Africa
- Nelisa Mchunu Age: 32 Years Old
- Ethnicity: African
- Nationality: South African
- Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Siblings: 10, including Londeka Mchunu (sister)
- Occupation(s): Actress, Model, MC, Motivational speaker, Writer
- Education: University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Famous for: Her role in Uzalo
- Nelisa Mchunu’s Instagram: neliisah
- Twitter: @neliisah
Nelisa Mchunu Is From Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal
Actress Nelisa Mchunu is a native of Inanda, a fast-growing township in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Her parents gave birth to her in the city on the 2nd day of February 1992. Not much is known about her family history as she is yet to share information about this aspect of her life with the public.
Though Mchunu is already on her way to the pinnacle of success, only a few people know that she is one of South Africa’s celebrities who had humble beginnings. Her success story is quite inspiring, considering her background and circumstances surrounding her early life.
The actress is a hometown heroine who rose from the bottom to the top through consistency and a dint of hard work. KwaZulu-Natal is known for producing some of the greatest, most influential performers in the South African entertainment industry, and this Inanda-born screen diva is lucky to be one of them.
The Actress Lost Her Dad At An Early Age
Losing a loved one is painful, but it is more painful when they pass away at a time they are needed the most. Nelisa Mchunu suffered serious tragedy at the age of four when she lost her father to the cold hands of death. We gathered that her father lived in a township of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal called Clermont before his death.
Mchunu doesn’t speak much about her late father. This explains why she is yet to open up about his background, death, and the particular year he drew his last breath. The actress is not the only child in her family. Her parents gave birth to other children who are doing well in their respective fields of endeavors. The actress often has fond memories of visiting his father who was briefly part of her life in her childhood.
She Was Raised By Her Mother Single-handedly
Following the tragic death of the actress’s father, Mchunu’s mother was forced to raise her kids single-handedly. With her mother on her side, Nelisa was able to successfully enroll and complete her elementary education. She later proceeded to high school to further her studies but was forced to move in with her grandmother in Grade 8 due to her mother’s financial condition.
Nelisa Mchunu studied Dramatic Arts at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits), but she didn’t graduate with her mates because she dropped out of the prestigious institution due to her mother’s inability to pay her school fees at some point in her academic journey.
According to the actress, her mother’s financial condition took a turn for the worse when she was in high school. Things eventually got worse in her Grade 8, leading Nelisa and her two brothers to move in with their grandmother. Unfortunately, the actress lost her grandmother when she was in grade 11.
Not much is known about Nelisa’s mother, her roots, occupation, and personal life, but we do know that she is very proud of her daughter’s thriving acting career. Nelisa’s mother has been very supportive of her career and personal life right from her budding years, and we are certain she is ready to do much more just to see her daughter become more successful.
Nelisa Mchunu Wears a Coat of Many Colors
Before stepping into the limelight, Nelisa Mchunu regualr jobs just like every other normal girl out there. The Uzalo actress served as a waitress and also worked in a PR company as an assistant. Luckily for her, the actress didn’t spend much time working for other people before her big break came. It’s quite inspiring to know that Nelisa Mchunu is no stranger to working hard, and the fact that she is not afraid to open up about it makes her amazing.
More so, if hustling were a competition Nelisa Mchunu would win many medals. Simply put, Nelisa wears a coat of many colors. Besides her gig in front of the camera, she is also a well-versed writer, model, motivational speaker, and MC. When she is not busy in front of the camera, she engages herself with other side hustles.
From her multiple sources of income, the actress has been able to turn her financial situation and that of her family around. Mchunu lives a lavish lifestyle, and we understand why – she is a celebrity, and it is not out of place for her to enjoy the fruits of her hard work. Although the Uzalo actress is already on her way to greatness, she hopes to take over the industry in the nearest future by improving her craft through consistency and dedication to the job she loves so much.
Her Television Career Began In 2014
Nelisa Mchunu launched her television career in the year 2014. Her first acting role was in the South African soap opera Isidingo, but her success didn’t stop there. Through her roles, the actress was able to win the praises and admiration of filmmakers and other actors on the TV show.
Though Mchunu is easily recognized for her role in Uzalo, she owes her career breakthrough to Isidingo. Ever since the actress debuted, she has never looked back or slowed down her activities as an entertainer. She has continued to build her acting resume by appearing in a string of TV shows.
She Got Her Big Break When She Joined the Cast of Uzalo in 2016
Actress Mchunu was thrust into the limelight in 2016, two years after she made her first television appearance. This was made possible after she joined other actors in the South African soapie, Uzalo. She was cast in a supporting role to portray the character, Fikile. It is not known exactly how Nelisa managed to snag the role, but what matters most is that she is living up to expectation and making the most of every moment she invests on the set.
Mchunu plays a major role in Uzalo. Her character is a hairdresser, as well as an acquaintance to GC, Thobile, and Smangele. She is also known for her affair with ex-convict Sbu (played by Simphiwe Majozi).
Nelisa Has Made Appearances In The Following TV Shows
- Isidingo (2014)
- Isithembiso
- Heads of tails
- Uzalo as Fikile (2016)
She Has Been Tight-Lipped About Her Relationship In Real Life
Nelisa is not one of those celebrities who enjoy public attention, especially when it has to do with her personal life. She may be vocal and open about her feelings for a man on the filming set, but she doesn’t act the same way in real life. Mchunu keeps personal matters to herself and away from the prying eyes of the media. She literarily shies away from talking about her relationship status, thus making it difficult to tell if she is dating a man or not.
Most of Nelisa Mchunu’s fans believe she could be single or seeing someone privately since she has not introduced any man to them. Recently, however, the actress left her fans wondering if she has finally met her prince charming after she shared a picture of herself with a young man.
Although she didn’t comment on the picture or reveal the name of the young man, her fans quickly concluded that she and the mystery man are an item. She is yet to either shut down the rumor or affirm their relationship.
Nelisa Mchunu Has A Sister Who’s Also Very Talented
Uzalo actress Mchunu is undoubtedly good at what she does, but did you know she has a sister who is as talented as she is. Her name is Londeka Mchunu, and she is no stranger to the spotlight like her sister. Londeka is Nelisa’s younger sister, and she won the attention of the public after she appeared in the television show, Isithembiso. She has been portraying Snegugu since she joined Isithembiso in 2017. The Mchunus sure have good acting genes.
