Lorcia Cooper

Lorcia Cooper (now Lorcia Cooper-Khumalo) is a multi-award-winning South African actress, dancer, and choreographer. Born on November 9, 1978, in Bo Kaap, Cape Town, she has built a career spanning over two decades in the entertainment industry. Early Life and Education Dance Foundations: She began dancing at the age of four, initially competing in Ballroom and Latin American dance with her brother. At eight, she joined the Academy of Dance under Debby Turner. Education: She matriculated from Good Hope Seminary High School in 1996. Career Highlights Cooper-Khumalo first gained widespread fame for her role as Charmaine Jacobs in the e.tv soapie Backstage. Television & Film Roles: Lockdown: Portrayed the "hard-as-nails" gangster Tyson, for which she won a SAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama in 2019. Scandal!: Played the character Erin, returning to the role in 2022 after a 10-year hiatus. The Queen: Joined the cast as Cordelia, a character who shakes up the local cocaine business. Housekeepers: Starred as Mkhonto. Red Ink: Appeared as Detective Morapadi in 2024. Paradys: Recently cast in a lead role for this SABC 2 telenovela, set to premiere in early 2026. Film: Notable film credits include Zulu Wedding (as Marang). Dance & Choreography: At 19, she won the FNB Vita Best Female Dancer Award and has performed in theatre and corporate shows globally, including Europe and the USA. Personal Life Marriage: She announced her marriage to Mandla Khumalo during her 2019 SAFTA acceptance speech, stating she now goes by Mrs. Khumalo. Family: She is a mother of two children, a son named Kumo and a daughter named Jannah.