Mpho Osei Tutu is a multi-award-winning South African actor born on December 31, 1981, in Paris, France. With a Ghanaian father and Mosotho mother, he carries roots across five countries: South Africa, Lesotho, Ghana, France, and the USA. Over 20 years, he’s worked with HBO, BET, BBC, and Discovery Channel, starring in Seriously Single, Resident Evil, and Outer Banks.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Mpho Osei Tutu |
| Date of Birth | December 31, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Paris, France |
| Nationality | South African (Ghanaian-Mosotho heritage) |
| Residence | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Partner | Tumi Morake (wife, fellow actress/comedian/writer) |
| Children | Three |
| Occupations | Actor, Voice Artist, Screenwriter, Director, Producer |
| Net Worth | $1–2 million USD (estimated) |
Early Life and Education
An 8-year-old Mpho fell in love with theater while standing on a stage in Paris. Growing up surrounded by five cultures made him comfortable playing characters from all walks of life. He later earned a BA (Hons) in Dramatic Art from Wits University in Johannesburg, majoring in Performance, Television, and Screenwriting.
Career
What stands out about Mpho’s career is that he doesn’t stick to one thing. Sure, he’s an actor, but he’s also a screenwriter, director, and producer. Over 20 years, he’s built a reputation as someone who can do all of it.
Some of his writing work includes episodes of SAFTA award-winning shows like Rhythm City, The Lab, and A Place Called Home. He also wrote for the 2010 Emmy-nominated Hopeville and was a series regular on the 2007 Emmy-nominated Home Affairs. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes work that most people don’t see, but it’s clearly part of what makes him a complete storyteller.
On camera, Mpho’s turned in some standout performances. In 2018’s The Imposter, he played twin roles, Tebogo and Gary Mokoena, and doubled for himself in the process. That’s not easy to do, and it shows his commitment to the craft.
Personal Life
Mpho’s life is grounded despite being in the celebrity world. He’s married to Tumi Morake, an actress, comedian, and writer. They married November 28, 2009, and are still very much a team.
They have three kids, and Mpho says they have “synchronised diaries” and talk every day, no matter where they are. That kind of communication in a celebrity marriage is hard, but they prioritize their relationship.
Net Worth
Mpho Osei Tutu’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $2 million USD (approximately R18 million to R36 million South African Rands). This comes from his 20-year entertainment career, high-profile projects with HBO, BET, and BBC, and his multi-award-winning status.
Filmography
| Movie | Role | When |
|---|---|---|
| Seriously Single | Lead actor | Recent |
| Resident Evil | Actor | Recent |
| Outer Banks | Actor | Recent |
| The Imposter | Lead (Tebogo & Gary Mokoena, twins) | 2018 |
| Hopeville | Writer | 2010 (Emmy-nominated) |
| Home Affairs | Series regular | 2007 (Emmy-nominated) |
| Rhythm City | Writer (episodes) | SAFTA award-winning |
| The Lab | Writer (episodes) | SAFTA award-winning |
| A Place Called Home | Writer (episodes) | SAFTA award-winning |
| Joburg | Producer/Director | International festival circuit |
| Getting it On | Producer | 2006 (Best Overall Short winner) |
Awards and Recognition
- Multi-award-winning actor and writer
- Writer for Emmy-nominated Hopeville (2010)
- Series regular on Emmy-nominated Home Affairs (2007)
- Getting it On won Best Overall Short at the 2006 Multi Choice VUKA! Awards
- Writer on SAFTA award-winning shows: Rhythm City, The Lab, A Place Called Home
