Best African Actors Dazzling in Hollywood
Africans are everywhere, literally.Their presence in cinema has accelerated as of late with for example the spotlights on Lupita N’yongo,Chiwetel Ejiofor and many others.Gifted and talented African actors who either come from mixed heritage or first generation Africans are dazzling the acting world.All those who leave their countries and come to America pursue their dreams of making it in movies still look to Hollywood as the destination.The following are some of the great African Hollywood actors that made their mark in the film and television world:
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Chiwetel Ejiofor
One of the most celebrated actors these days, Chewetel Ejiofor hails from London to Nigerian parents. He has appeared in many notable films such as Children of Men(2006), Endgame (2009) and most recently the widely acclaimed 12 Years a Slave (2013).He has listed his five favorite films as Raging Bull (1980), The Godfather (1972), Fargo (1996), Miller’s Crossing (1990) and Do the Right Thing (1989).
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Nonso Anozie
You most likely recognize this actor from the multitude of Game of Thrones characters in the massively popular show (he played Xaro Xhoan Daxos).Born in London,England, British-Nigerian Nonso Anozie has also appeared alongside Ejiofor in Ender’s Game (2013), and Keira Knightley in Atonement (2007).He was the winner of the 2004 Magnolia Stage Performance Award in China and was the first non-Chinese to be honoured with the prize of best actor.
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Carmen Ejogo
This lovely woman is not only an actress but a songstress as well,having worked with a number of artists such as Jordan Sparks.When it comes to her lineage, her mother is Scottish while her father is Nigerian.Intelligent to boot:member of MENSA. She has appeared in television shows such as Law & Order,and in the recent movie thriller, The Purge:Anarchy.
Edi Gathegi
Kenyan born actor Gathegi, has appeared in huge blockbusters,namely X-Men: First Class (2011),Twilight Breaking Dawn part 2 and independent movies (Gone Baby Gone (2007)).He attended the renowned New York University to perfect his acting chops.
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Gbenga Akinnagbe
Akinnagbe speaks Spanish, both parents are Nigerian AND writes for The New York Times. You may recognize him acting alongside Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in The Savages (2007) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (TV Series).
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Idris Elba
Women really love this guy. Here are some of the reasons: he’s devilishly handsome,armed with a sexy British Accent,deejays under the pseudonym “Big Driis The Londoner” and he’s a great actor.Theatre, television and film actor, Elba comes from parents who come from Sierra Leone and Ghana. He gained his breakthrough role in the TV show The Wire (2002) and has appeared in films such as Pacific Rim (2013) and Thor: The Dark World (2013).
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Sophie Okonedo
Known for her stunning performances in Hotel Rwanda (2004) and Skin (2008), Sophie Okonedo was born in England to a Jewish mother and Nigerian father.She has attended Cambridge University and was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to drama.
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Razaaq Adoti
Began acting on stage at a young age of 17, Razaaq Adoti grew up in England to Nigerian parents.He has starred in films opposite Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins and Resident Evil: Apocalypse,co-starring Milla Jovovich.
Obba Babatunde
Born in Jamaica, New York to Nigerian parents, this gentleman has accomplished a great deal in the film,stage and television world.From Philadelphia (1993) to Introducing Dorothy Dandridge (1999),Obba Babatunde has churned out impressive performance throughout his long career.
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Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Started off as a model in Milan,London born Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbe is the son of immigrants from Nigeria.The actor is fluent in several languages including Italian,Yoruba and Swahili.He is recognized for his roles in The Mummy Returns (2001), Lost (TV series) among many others.
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Sasha Pieterse
Most known in recent times in her role as Alison DiLaurentis in the hit TV show Pretty Little Liars, Sasha Pieterse is still solidifying her mark in Tinseltown.The South African beauty has been in a number of commercials, and movies including Spy Kids (2001).
David Oyelowo
Nigerian actor David Oyelowo got slapped by Oprah…in a movie that is in Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013). Another one of the many actors from England on this list, he has worked great talents involving Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln) and Tom Cruise (Jack Reacher). He attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, also made history in 2000 when he became the first black actor to portray an English monarch for the Royal Shakespeare Company when he played the title role in a production of Henry VI Parts I, II and III.
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