Luthuli Dlamini - Biography, Education, Career Achievements, Controversies, Filmography and Personal Life

Luthuli Dlamini (born on 13 March 1966) is a Zimbabwe-born South African film and television actor, best known for his role as Stan Nyathi on the e.tv soap opera Scandal!. He has also appeared in popular shows such as Generations, Jacob's Cross, InterSEXions, Rockville, Room, Tempy Pushas, and Uzalo.

Born in the 1960s, Dlamini experienced significant historical events such as the Beatles craze and the Zimbabwean Liberation Movement. In an interview with DRUM, he shared that while his life in the United Kingdom was enjoyable, he occasionally felt lonely and like a foreigner.

Early Life and Education

Luthuli Dlamini was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, at Mpilo Central Hospital. He spent part of his childhood in Tshabalala and some in the United Kingdom with his father, who had secured a well-paid job there. This move allowed Dlamini to return to Zimbabwe for his education. His father was a teacher, and his mother was a nurse, providing him with a comfortable and convenient upbringing.

Dlamini attended Carmel Primary School and completed his O’levels at Christian Brothers College. He pursued his A levels in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology at Anderson College. He further obtained an H Tech in Medical Physics and Physiological Measurement. Additionally, he earned diplomas in Business Management, Human Resources Management, Restaurant Management, and Performing Arts.

After acquiring these qualifications, Dlamini returned to the United Kingdom to study at Coventry University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and Financial Management from Coventry University.

Career

Luthuli Dlamini began his acting career at a very young age, making his first theater appearance at Bulawayo Theater when he was just nine years old. He played the lead role in his school play, "Baoa Tree." Despite his early start in acting, he took a break to focus on science. However, after a tragic incident where he lost a patient during surgery, he returned to his passion for acting. He joined the English Theater, where he was cast in numerous William Shakespeare plays, including "King Lear," "Romeo and Juliet," and "The Merchant of Venice."

Upon returning to South Africa, Dlamini shifted his focus to television films. He faced significant challenges in his career, including being denied many acting roles due to his accent. Despite this, he persevered and became one of South Africa's most successful actors.

From 2008 to 2009, Dlamini played the leading role of Tombo Mbuli in the M-Net sitcom "The Coconuts." On July 4, 2013, he joined the television show "Generations," which aired live on SABC 1, playing the role of Scott. He also played the role of Advocate Zulu on "Uzalo" from season 1 to season 4.

Dlamini initially informed the producers of "Scandal!" on June 4, 2007, that he needed time off due to illness. After a prolonged absence with no communication, the producers tried to reach him without success. Eventually, they went to his house, which appeared uninhabited. After two weeks without any news, the police were notified and discovered he had been inside his house recuperating. Despite his explanation, he was dismissed from "Scandal!" on June 28, 2007, but later returned on a recurring basis to conclude his character's storyline.

In 2019, Dlamini won the Best Actor Award at the Nice International Film Festival in France. He is represented by Jaffit Management, founded by David Meyer, who is also an actor. Other artists represented by the company include Amy Annear, Adrian Mazive, John Indi, and Keri Mabope.

Personal Life

Veteran actor Luthuli Dlamini has successfully kept his personal life private. He and his wife, whose identity remains unknown, have five children. In an interview with News24, Dlamini expressed his deep love for being a good father to his children and a responsible husband to his wife.

Several years ago, the "Scandal!" actor had a contentious encounter with Amos Masombuka, a security personnel at Atterbury Theatre. The incident occurred after Dlamini reportedly disappeared with Masombuka's phone.

Filmography

Television Series

2007-2013 - Jacob's Cross

2010 - InterSEXions

2011-2013 - Scandal!

2013 - Generatiions

2015-2016 - Tempy Pushas

2018 - Uzalo

Films

2010 - The Lost Future

2013 - Chander Pahar

2016 - Mandela's Gun

2016 - Cry of Love

2016 - The Journey Is The Destination

2016 - Jongo

2016 - Naked Reality

2010 - I'm Braukleid durch Africa

2019 - The Furnace