Linda Sokhulu was born in Durban, South Africa, and grew up in Umlazi. She attended St. Anne’s Diocesan College in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, from 1990 to 1993 before continuing her education at Cambridge College in Durban, where she matriculated in 1994. Initially, Sokhulu pursued fashion design at Natal Tech for two years but discovered her true passion for acting during a workshop at the Natal Playhouse.
Career
Linda Sokhulu’s acting journey began with her involvement in theatre productions. She participated in plays such as Schools Macbeth and Izwe Lezathini with the Play House, as well as children’s theatre productions like The Sky is Red and A Doggy Tale. Her dedication to the craft led her to pursue a career in television.
In 2004, Sokhulu made her television debut and quickly made a name for herself in the industry. She portrayed the vibrant and sassy ex-hooker Cleo Khuzwayo on the popular soapie Generations. Her memorable performance caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike. She further solidified her place as a talented actress with her portrayal of the cut-throat lawyer Nikiwe Sibeko on the SABC3 series Isidingo and as Ziyanda, a radio executive with an ancestral calling, on Rhythm City.
Sokhulu’s talent extends beyond television, as she also ventured into film. In 2013, she starred in the feature film Felix, where she played the role of a mother to an aspiring teenage saxophonist. Her remarkable performance garnered critical acclaim, earning her nominations for Best Actress at the SAFTA and Africa Movie Academy Awards. Felix also received accolades at the Durban International Film Festival, solidifying its status as a remarkable production.
In 2024, Linda Sokhulu is set to star in a new Mzansi Magic series called Killer Front Page.
Contributions Beyond Acting
In addition to her acting career, Sokhulu is a respected coach. She shares her expertise and nurtures young aspiring actors at the Market Theatre Laboratory. Sokhulu’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of performers is evident through her coaching work, which she embarked on alongside her friend Pamela Wolfman.
Filmography
Throughout her career, Linda Sokhulu has been a part of several notable television series and films, including:
– Isidingo
– Generations (2004-2007)
– A Place Called Home (2006)
– Ubizo: The Calling (2007)
– Shreds and Dreams (2010, 2014)
– Felix (2013)
– Rhythm City (2019)
– Umkhokha (2021)
– 7de Laan (2022)
– Grown Woman (2023)
-Killer Front Page (2024)