Luthando ‘BU’ Mthembu has opened up about the personal impact of playing Vuyani in the hit South African series Adulting, revealing that stepping into the character sometimes made him retreat into his shell.
Mthembu’s comments, as reported by Daily Sun, offer a glimpse into the less visible side of playing a character who has become closely associated with his public image.
Also see: ‘I bow out with a full heart’ Samkelo Ndlovu bids farewell to ‘Adulting’ character
The actor and musician has portrayed Vuyani since Adulting premiered in 2023. The character is known for his confidence, complicated relationships and sometimes reckless approach to life.
Separating BU from Vuyani
As reported by Briefly News, while audiences may easily associate Mthembu with Vuyani, the actor has previously acknowledged the challenge of convincing viewers that the character and the person behind him are different.
In an earlier interview, he explained that the role had changed his life by increasing his popularity and opening doors for his other talents, including music.
The attention has, however, come with its own pressures. Speaking on the All The Smoke podcast, Mthembu reflected on how intense moments surrounding the character can become, suggesting that there are times when he needs to withdraw when things feel overwhelming. He further shared that it took time to get used to filming sex scenes.
Also see: Thembinkosi Mthembu talks Bonga’s marriage in ‘Adulting’ S3
A defining role for BU
There is no denying the importance of Adulting in Mthembu’s career. Before landing the role, he had appeared on productions including Ayeye: Stripped and Redemption, while his stint on Big Brother Mzansi helped introduce him to a wider audience.
Vuyani ultimately became his breakthrough television role, allowing Mthembu to demonstrate his range while navigating the complicated relationship between celebrity, character and personal identity.
For fans, his latest reflections are a reminder that even roles that appear glamorous on screen can carry an emotional weight behind the scenes.
Also see: ‘I love being uncomfortable’ – Thembi Seete on intimacy in ‘Adulting’ role
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