Oscar Mgudlwa, popularly known as Madluphuthu, has died
Best known for his iconic role in the cult favourite Madluphuthu film series of the early 2000s. Mgudlwa became a household name for his hilarious, unfiltered takes on township life.
His raw, relatable, humorous storytelling not only made audiences laugh but also captured the daily struggles and spirit of Mzansi's kasi culture.
It's understood he died on Wednesday morning and within hours, 'RIP Madluphuthu' was trending across social media platforms.
His son Asanda took to social media to share the news, saying: 'Rest in peace dad. I love you and I will forever love you, Madiba Dlomo.'
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The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Actor Oscar ‘Madluphuthu' Mgudlwa remembered as ‘humble and patient' at memorial service
'Our dad tried his best and had a beautiful heart,' said one of Mgudlwa's sons at the memorial service. Family, friends and colleagues gathered in Randburg to bid farewell to actor Oscar Mgudlwa, popularly known as Madluphuthu, at his memorial service on Wednesday. 'He was a humble and patient person, and he rubbed off those good qualities on us,' said actor Innocent Masuku, who is still fondly known as his character name from Yizo Yizo, Bobo. Mgudlwa died a week ago, and the cause of death has not been revealed. He was 49 years old. 'He was not just an actor. We were planning to host a lot of programmes together, but that won't happen. So I'd like to say rest well, my dear friend,' said Masuku. One of Mgudlwa's sons, Asanda, said his father was a good-hearted person. 'Our dad tried his best and had a beautiful heart. He loved his family and his kids a lot, even his friends. He loved them a lot. He prayed a lot and gave us advice,' Asanda said. The actor is survived by four kids. The son was one of the first people to make his father's passing public on the day he died. ALSO READ: Actor and comedian Madluphuthu reportedly passes away Mgudlwa a pioneer Mgudlwa was one of the pioneers in the low-budget movie industry, which experienced significant growth around the 2000s when DVDs were prevalent. In films such as My sh*t father and My Lotto Ticket, Madluphuthu 1 and Madluphuthu 2, Mgudlwa became an instant celebrity through his character of intellectually disabled and hilarious Madluphuthu. The films, whose DVDs were priced under R50, were a staple in most townships due to the infectious humour that most black people in those areas could relate to. Before building a name for himself in film and comedy, Mgudlwa had a stint as a Kwaito musician. He worked with the late Mapaputsi in 2001, and prior to that, he released an album with Mina Nawe's Man Child in 1998. Mgudlwa was from Daveyton, in Ekurhuleni. Although not as prominent as he once was in his heyday, Mgudlwa remained appreciated within the industry at the time of his death. The likes of film and TV director Mandla N were in attendance at his memorial service, as was hip-hop artist Kwesta, singer and actor Jamela Vuma, affectionately known as J Ross. The latter said that he and Mgudlwa's changing rooms were next to each other while they were working on a project. 'Every morning, we started with prayer. I'm sure the second month from when the show started, we were always together. I think the last day on set, we prayed as a cast. I know where he is now, he is with the Lord,' shared Vuma. NOW READ: Lerato Kganyago Ndlala on winning on Deal or No Deal: 'The timing couldn't have been better'
The South African
17-07-2025
- The South African
Comedic icon Oscar ‘Madluphuthu' Mgudlwa dies at 50
South African actor and comedian Oscar Mgudlwa, famously known as Madluphuthu, has passed away. The actor reportedly died on Wednesday, 16 July, at the age of 50. The news of his passing was confirmed by his son, Asanda, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media: 'Rest in peace dad. I love you and I will forever love you, Madiba Dlomo.' Oscar rose to national fame in the early 2000s through the Madluphuthu comedy film series, where he starred as Madluphuthu . His on-screen chemistry with the late Winnie Khumalo, who played his mother, was unforgettable. These films did more than just entertain; they became cultural touchstones that resonated deeply with South Africans. Through humour and relatable storytelling, they captured the essence of township life and the daily grind faced by ordinary people. What set Oscar apart was his raw and relatable brand of storytelling. He didn't just perform, he embodied the spirit of Kasi culture with authenticity and heart. His humour was sharp, his characters real, and his delivery unmatched. In an era before social media virality, Oscar became a household name simply by connecting with the people through laughter and honesty. Beyond his famed role in Madluphuthu , Oscar was a multi-talented creative. He contributed as a scriptwriter, musician, and all-around storyteller who understood the pulse of South Africa. He later appeared in The Black Door , where he once again showcased his versatility and depth as an actor. His untimely death has shocked fans across the country. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, with many sharing fond memories of the joy he brought into their homes. For many, his work represented more than just comedy, it was a reflection of real life and a source of comfort. Lethukuthula Mashinini wrote, 'My heartfelt condolences to you.' Jen Zwane shared, 'Condolences to you and the family. What a stellar guy he was.' Sebabatso Monageng wrote, 'Condolences to you, your family and community at large. Your Dad was a legend, a power house on the screens.' WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE MADLUPHUTHU MOMENT OR LINE? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
17-07-2025
- The Herald
Oscar Mgudlwa, popularly known as Madluphuthu, has died
Bongani 'Madluphuthu' Mgudlwa, the actor and comedian who brought laughter to countless homes, has died. Best known for his iconic role in the cult favourite Madluphuthu film series of the early 2000s. Mgudlwa became a household name for his hilarious, unfiltered takes on township life. His raw, relatable, humorous storytelling not only made audiences laugh but also captured the daily struggles and spirit of Mzansi's kasi culture. It's understood he died on Wednesday morning and within hours, 'RIP Madluphuthu' was trending across social media platforms. His son Asanda took to social media to share the news, saying: 'Rest in peace dad. I love you and I will forever love you, Madiba Dlomo.'
