Biography
Samela Tyelbooi (born May 4, 1981) is a South African actress. The 41-year-old is best known for playing Lois Gumede on the SABC1 drama series Society.
The actress is also well known for playing Ayanda in the SABC1 soap opera Generations The legacy. She portrays each role with great enthusiasm making it relatable to viewers.
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| Quick Facts | |
| Name: | Samela Tyelbooi |
| Born: | May 4, 1981 (age 41 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Grahamstown, Eastern Cape |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | BTech, Information Technology |
| Alma mater: | Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University |
| Children: | 3 |
| Occupation: | Actress, singer |
| Years Active: | 2006 – date |
| Profiles: | Instagram • Twitter |
| Net Worth: | R2.4 million |
Early Life
Samela Tyelbooi was born on May 4, 1981, in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. She fell in love with acting from a very young age.
Though she had shown great enthusiasm for acting, she had her breakthrough at twenty-five. She landed her first role as a supporting actress in the soap opera Generations.
Career
Acting
The actress is among the few who nails almost all the roles they play in the industry. She made her debut major appearance on screen in a cameo role on Generations.
Samela Tyelboo appeared as Ntosh, a supporting role, in the SABC1 drama series Intsika, in 2011. Later, she appeared in the E.tv soap opera Rhythm City in 2012. She portrayed a struggling singer and songwriter, Shado Shilongo.
In 2013, Tyelboo landed a guest starring role of Vumile in season one of the SABC1 science fiction series Room 9. In 2018, Samela appeared as Ayanda in the SABC1 soap opera Generations: The Legacy.
Samela told News24 that her career highlight is being part of Society. She was a nominee for the Best Supporting Actress in 2017 SAFTAs.
Singing
Tyelboo is also a talented singer and performs on occasions and events. She has shared the stage with musicians like Masauko and NoBuntu Mhlambi.
Personal Life
Children
Samela Tyelbooi is a proud mother of three children. Her first daughter is in her twenties.
The actress took a break from acting in 2021 because she was pregnant with her third baby. Since her stomach was visible, she could not appear on the screen.
In an interview, she revealed that being a mother is stressful for her, yet it is rewarding. She strives to be a good mother to her daughter and wants her to be proud of her.
Husband
Tyelbooi reserves the name of her husband. According to her, being in a relationship gave her good practice in the role. She also says the role helps her appreciate motherhood.
Social Profiles
The actress is active on social media and shares posts about her music, acting career, and personal life. Tyelbooi has 33.6k followers on Instagram and 15.2k followers on Twitter.
Net worth
Samela Tyelbooi is a multifaceted actress with over fifteen years in the industry. She has an estimated net worth of R2.4 million as of August 2022.
Filmography
| Society as Lois Gumede |
| SAFTAs as Presenter |
| Room 9 as Vumile |
| Rhythm City as Shado Shilongo |
| Maseko Ties as Grace |
| Loxion Lyric as Aunty Joan |
| It’s Complicated as Mandisa |
| Intsika as Ntosh |
| Generations as Journalist/Ayanda |
| 4Play: Sex Tips for Girls as Female Bidder |