ACTOR Luthando “BU” Mthembu opens up about how playing Vuyani on Adulting has affected him off-screen.
The 33-year-old star from KwaMashu in KZN first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on Big Brother Mzansi in 2022.
Although his time on the reality show was cut short, the platform helped him build a fan base and opened doors in the entertainment industry.
Before landing his breakthrough role on Adulting, BU had already appeared in productions including Ayeye: Stripped and Redemption.
He’s also a musician and continues to pursue music alongside acting.
On Adulting, BU played Vuyani, a young man whose relationships, lifestyle and choices often place him at the centre of the drama.
The character is known for his womanising ways and a flashy approach to life, but the series also explores his vulnerabilities and growth.
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Speaking during his podcast recently, BU was asked if he was viewed as a sex symbol because of his role.
He said Adulting didn’t introduce him to the world of sex.
“When I got introduced to the sex world, I had already had control,” he said.
BU also pushed back against the idea that the show is centred on sex only, saying viewers should recognise work that goes into production.
“We’re not going to disrespect the craft and centre it around sex,” he said.
However, the actor admitted playing Vuyani and being associated with the show’s intimate storylines has affected how he views certain things in his personal life.
Asked whether the role had changed his real-life experiences, he said: “It did change a lot of things, how I perceive things in general. If anything, it puts me back into my shell.”
He stated that constantly being exposed to intense situations could become overwhelming.
“I think when anything is too much, you can just feel like it’s too wild,” he added.
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