Hollywood, American motion-picture industry, is the most influential movie production in the world. It earned an astounding $11.1 billion dollars in 2015 which is equal to the rest of top 9 movie industries combined.
The film business in the United States and Canada has made $21.3 billion in 2020, making it the world’s most lucrative sector.
Notably, Hollywood played a pivotal role in driving the sector’s growth in 2021, accounting for an impressive 80.5% of the total revenue increase following the COVID outbreak. This remarkable feat underscores the enduring relevance and allure of Hollywood cinema, as audiences worldwide continue to flock to theaters in search of captivating storytelling and immersive cinematic experiences.
Within the realm of entertainment, numerous celebrities of African descent grace the spotlight. While initially presumed to be African Americans, many are, in fact, descendants of Nigeria, adding to the rich diversity of talent in the industry.
The Hollywood stars on this list were born in Nigeria and grew up in overseas, while other were born and raised outside the country. Nevertheless, they have one or both Nigerian parents.
Below are the top 10 Hollywood actors that are from Nigeria:
John Boyega
John Adedayo Bamidele Adegboyega, professionally recognized as John Boyega, is a British actor and producer. Hailing from the Camberwell district of London and raised in Peckham, he is the son of Abigail, who works as a carer, and Samson Adegboyega, a Pentecostal minister, both of whom are of Yoruba descent. Boyega also has two older sisters.
His journey to fame began in Britain with his portrayal of a teenage gang leader in the comedy horror film “Attack the Block” (2011). However, he achieved international recognition through his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy films, including “The Force Awakens” (2015), “The Last Jedi” (2017), and “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). In acknowledgment of his talent, he was honored with the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016 and received the Trophée Chopard at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
In Steve McQueen’s anthology series Small Axe (2020), Boyega took on the role of Leroy Logan in “Red, White and Blue,” a portrayal that earned him a Golden Globe Award. Following this success, he went on to feature in the historical action film “The Woman King” (2022) and the mystery film “They Cloned Tyrone” (2023).
Uzo Aduba
Uzoamaka Nwanneka “Uzo” Aduba is an American actress. Uzo Aduba hails from Boston, Massachusetts, born to Igbo parents originally from Nigeria. Raised in Medfield, Massachusetts, she completed her education at Medfield High School in 1999. Aduba pursued her studies at Boston University, focusing on classical voice, while also engaging in track and field competitions.
She achieved widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black (2013–2019). Her remarkable performance earned her numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014, an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2015, and two SAG Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series in 2014 and 2015.
Notably, she stands as one of only two actors to receive an Emmy Award in both the comedy and drama categories for the same role.
In 2020, Aduba took on the role of Shirley Chisholm in the Hulu miniseries “Mrs. America,” a portrayal that earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie and the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Movie/Miniseries.
Aduba’s diverse acting career includes roles in films such as “American Pastoral” (2016), “My Little Pony: The Movie” (2017), “Candy Jar” (2018), “Miss Virginia” (2019), and “Lightyear” (2022). Additionally, in 2021, she graced the Broadway stage in Lynn Nottage’s play “Clyde’s,” earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play.
Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Hakeem Kae-Kazim is a Nigerian-British actor and producer. Kae-Kazim was born in Lagos to parents originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He moved to South London at a very young age.
His passion for acting ignited during his involvement in school plays and through his participation in the National Youth Theatre, where he developed a profound affection for theatre and acting. He honed his skills at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, completing his training and graduating in 1987.
Following his graduation, he was extended an invitation to join the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company, where he furthered his education in classical acting techniques.
After working with Brian Cox and Ian McKellen at the Royal National Theatre, Kae-Kazim started appearing on British television in various shows like The District Nurse, The Bill, Saracen, Screen One, and Love Hurts. In 1994, he got his first recurring role as Mr. Manyeke in the BBC children’s series Grange Hill. Later, he also appeared in the ITV police procedural Trial & Retribution.
At the age of 25, Kae-Kazim moved to South Africa, where he began his acting career. He debuted in feature films with Ross Kettle’s After the Rain (1999). However, his breakthrough came with his role as Georges Rutaganda in the Academy Award-nominated film Hotel Rwanda (2004). He received international recognition for this performance. In the same year, he starred in the Canadian CBC miniseries Human Cargo and received a Gemini Award nomination. He also appeared in the Syfy and BBC miniseries The Triangle.
Following the success of Hotel Rwanda, Kae-Kazim appeared in several films like Slipstream and The Front Line before portraying Captain Jockard in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. He made guest appearances in popular TV shows such as Lost, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Criminal Minds. Kae-Kazim also joined the cast of the Fox series 24 as Colonel Iké Dubaku for its 2008 tie-in television film 24: Redemption and continued in its seventh season in 2009.
The 61-year-old movie star starred in the Nigerian films Inale (2010) and Last Flight to Abuja (2012), and also appeared in Half of a Yellow Sun. He produced and starred in Man on Ground (2011) about Nigerian immigrants to South Africa, earning Kae-Kazim nominations for Best Film and Best Actor at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards. He also had producing credits on the films Black Gold and Black November.
In the 2020 Netflix movie “Riding with Sugar,” Kae-Kazim’s performance earned him the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film. He also featured in the BBC America adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s “The Watch” and the Sky One series “Intergalactic,” alongside appearing in films such as “Black Beauty,” “The Shuroo Process,” and “Godzilla vs. Kong.”
In 2022, Kae-Kazim took on roles in the Nigerian epic fantasy film “Aníkúlápó” and as Majordome in the Starz adaptation of “Dangerous Liaisons.” Additionally, it was announced in January 2022 that he would make his directorial debut with the upcoming feature film “It’s the Blackness,” set in South London, where Kae-Kazim spent his formative years.
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo also known as ‘David O’, is a classically trained stage actor who has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. He is a British actor, director, and producer.
He is undoubtedly one of the Hollywood actors that are from Nigeria, often showcasing his Yoruba dialect in many of his blockbuster movies, including “Gringo” and several others.
Oyelowo was born on April 1, 1976, in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, to Nigerian parents. His father, Stephen, hails from Oyo State in Western Nigeria, while his mother is Igbo, also originating from Southern Nigeria. Raised in a Baptist household, Oyelowo spent his early years on an estate in Tooting Bec, South London, until the age of six, when his family relocated to Lagos, Nigeria. In Lagos, his father worked for the national airline, while his mother was employed by a railway company.
Oyelowo admired Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington while growing up. He attended Lagos State Model College, Meiran, a military-style boarding school, before his family returned to London when he was 14, settling in Islington. Oyelowo is an omoba (or prince) of the Yoruba people within the Nigerian chieftaincy system, as his grandfather once ruled a part of Oyo State known as Awe.
Oyelowo gained widespread recognition by portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in the biographical drama film “Selma” (2014) and Peter Snowdin in the HBO film “Nightingale” (2014), both of which earned him critical acclaim. He received praise for his performances as Louis Gaines in “The Butler” (2013), Seretse Khama in “A United Kingdom” (2016), and Robert Katende in “Queen of Katwe” (2016).
Additionally, he has taken on supporting roles in various films, including “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” (2011), “The Help” (2011), “Lincoln” (2012), “Red Tails” (2012), and “Jack Reacher” (2012).
Rotimi
Olurotimi Akinosho, known professionally as Rotimi, is a Nigerian-American actor and singer. Rotimi was born in Maplewood, New Jersey, into a Nigerian family with Yoruba roots. During his time at Columbia High School, he participated in both the varsity basketball team and the choir. He furthered his education at Northwestern University, graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Business.
In his initial foray into acting, Rotimi auditioned and secured his first role as drug dealer Darius Morrison on the show “Boss.” He also made appearances in three episodes of ABC’s “Betrayal.”
Rotimi transitioned to the big screen with his debut in the film “Black Nativity” (2013). Subsequently, he starred in “Imperial Dreams,” which premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and received the “Best of NEXT” award.
Following this, Rotimi appeared in the commercially successful film “Divergent” (2014). In 2016, he featured in the movie “Deuces,” alongside Lance Gross and Larenz Tate.
Rotimi’s career took a significant turn when he joined the cast of Starz’ TV series “Power” as a series regular, portraying the role of Andre Coleman, known for his quick temper.
As a contemporary R&B artist, Rotimi has unveiled two digital mixtapes: “The Resume” (March 8, 2011) and “While You Wait” (November 30, 2011). His music videos have graced the screens of international and U.S.-based entertainment outlets such as MTV, MTV Base, and VH1 Soul.
Rotimi has showcased his musical talents on various stages, including opening for renowned artists like Jennifer Hudson, T.I., Estelle, and NERD. Additionally, he has made appearances on shows like BET’s “106 and Park” and featured in R&B singer Keyshia Cole’s music video for “Trust and Believe.”
In the realm of music placements, Rotimi’s track “I’m the One” found its way onto the first episode of “Boss.” His career received a significant boost in 2015 when American rapper and Power executive producer, 50 Cent, signed him to his label, G-Unit Records. Under G-Unit, Rotimi released his inaugural single, “Lotto,” featuring 50 Cent.
Continuing his musical journey, Rotimi dropped “Doin it” in 2016, a single from his 5-track project titled “Summer Bangerz.” In 2017, he unveiled his debut EP, “Jeep Music Vol. 1.” In 2019, Rotimi made waves with the release of his single “Love Riddim,” attracting attention from both his existing fan base and new listeners alike.
In December 2020, Rotimi got engaged to Tanzanian singer and lover, Vanessa. The pair welcomed their first child (a boy) Seven Adeoluwa Akinosho in September 2021. Similarly in March 2023, Rotimi announced the arrival of his second child (a girl) Imani Enioluwa Akinosho.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is a British actor known for his explicit roles in his highest grossing movies.
Akinnuoye-Agbaje was born in Islington, London, to Nigerian parents of Yoruba descent who were studying in the UK at the time. When he was just six weeks old, his biological parents relinquished custody, and he was placed with a white working-class family in Tilbury, Essex. This foster family, which included Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s two sisters, cared for at least ten African children at various times. His foster father worked as a lorry driver, facing financial challenges while supporting the large family.
At the age of eight, his biological parents took him back to Nigeria, but due to his inability to speak the Yoruba language and assimilate, he was returned to Tilbury shortly thereafter. This brief stint in Nigeria left him struggling to reconcile his heritage with the distinctly British culture and environment in which he was raised. As a young boy, he faced persistent racial abuse in the predominantly white neighborhood where he grew up. Enduring physical attacks from local skinheads, he eventually gained their respect by standing up to them and later joined forces with them.
At 16, his birth parents sent him to a boarding school in Surrey, where he found solace in his studies and underwent a transformative period in his life. He later earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of London and went on to obtain a Master’s in Law from King’s College London. During his university years, Akinnuoye-Agbaje worked in a clothing store, where he was introduced to the world of modeling. On March 17, 2017, he received an Honorary PhD from Princess Anne, Chancellor of the University of London.
Akinnuoye-Agbaje’s modeling career paved the way for his entry into Hollywood, where he made his acting debut in the 1995 film “Congo.”
He gained prominence for his roles as Simon Adebisi in the HBO series “Oz” and Mr. Eko in ABC’s “Lost.” His film credits include roles in “The Bourne Identity,” “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls,” “The Mummy Returns,” and “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.” Additionally, he appeared in the music video for Grayson Hugh’s “Talk It Over.”
In 2009, Akinnuoye-Agbaje was considered for the role of Black Panther in a Marvel Studios film. He has also appeared in TV shows like “Monk” and portrayed characters in films like “The Thing,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Suicide Squad.”
In 2012, he announced plans to develop a film based on his life story, titled “Farming.” The film, which won awards at the Edinburgh Film Festival, starred Damson Idris, Kate Beckinsale, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
In 2021, Akinnuoye-Agbaje lent his voice to an immersive tour of the Roman Colosseum for the BARDEUM mobile app.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor, born on July 10, 1977, is a British actor. He has received numerous awards, including a British Academy Film Award and a Laurence Olivier Award. Additionally, he has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and five Golden Globe Awards.
Ejiofor was born in Forest Gate, located in the East End of London, to Nigerian parents of Igbo heritage who belonged to the middle class. His father, Arinze, worked as a doctor, while his mother, Obiajulu, was a pharmacist. He has a younger sister named Zain, who is a correspondent for CNN, and another sister named Kandi, who is a GP doctor.
In 1988, when Ejiofor was 11 years old, tragedy struck during a family trip to Nigeria for a wedding. While driving to Lagos with his father after the celebrations, their car collided head-on with a lorry. Sadly, his father lost his life in the accident, and Ejiofor sustained severe injuries, resulting in scars that are still visible on his forehead.
Being a Hollywood actor that is Nigeria, he starred in many movies showcasing African cultures like 12 years a slave, half of a yellow sun and lots more.
Ejiofor was honored as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours. That same year marked his directorial debut with the short film “Slapper,” which he also wrote, based on an idea by editor/director Yusuf Pirhasan.
In 2009, he starred alongside John Cusack in the film “2012,” which became a box office hit grossing over $700 million and ranking among the highest-grossing films of all time, securing the 5th position in the top films of 2009. He portrayed CIA officer Darryl Peabody in “Salt” (2010) and earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for his leading role as band creator Louis Lester in the BBC Two drama series “Dancing on the Edge” (2013), later aired on Starz in the United States.
ADETOMIWA EDUN
Babatunde Adetomiwa Stafford “Tomiwa” Edun, born in 1985, is a Nigerian actor based in the UK. He is recognized for his portrayals of Sir Elyan in the television series Merlin, Marcus Young in Bates Motel, and Alex Hunter in the FIFA video game series, including FIFA 17, FIFA 18, and FIFA 19.
Edun was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to Olawale Edun, a Nigerian financier, and Amy Adwoa (née Appiah), who is half-Ghanaian and half-English. His maternal uncle is the philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah. His maternal grandparents were Joseph Emmanuel Appiah, a Ghanaian lawyer, diplomat, and politician, and Peggy Cripps, an art historian and author. Through his father’s side, Edun claims descent from the colonial Egba official Adegboyega Edun.
He moved to the United Kingdom at 11 and attended Eton College from 13 before studying Classics at Christ’s College, Cambridge. At Christ’s College, he won a dissertation prize for his thesis on Homer’s Odyssey. Although encouraged by his father to pursue a career in banking and interning with Citigroup, he ultimately chose to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) instead.
He also featured in Nigerian drama, Eyimofe, also known as This Is My Desire is a 2020, film produced, written and directed by twin brothers Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri on their directorial debuts. The film is made of two chapters called Spain and Italy. The film stars Jude Akuwudike and Temi Ami-Williams in the main lead roles. The film was opened to positive reviews from critics and was screened at various global international film festivals in 17 countries.
Edun has appeared in various TV shows. In 2009, he was in an episode of The Fixer and later played a soldier returning from Afghanistan in Law & Order: UK. He portrayed Elyan in three episodes of Merlin’s third series and became a recurring character in the fourth series, with his character being killed off in the final series in 2012. In 2011 and 2012, he appeared in The Hour as Sey. In 2015, he had a recurring role in Bates Motel as Marcus Young and appeared in Lucifer, Legends, and Death in Paradise. He also appeared in the 2016 Doctor Who Christmas Special as Mr. Brocks and portrayed a war criminal in an episode of Elementary the following year.
Adepero Oduoye
Adepero Oduye is an American actress, director, singer, and writer. Adepero Oduye was born in Brooklyn, New York, one of seven children of Nigerian parents. Although she graduated pre-med from Cornell University, she decided to pursue her passion for acting upon graduation.
Oduye gained recognition in 2011 for her role in Dee Rees’ film Pariah, earning awards and a nomination for Best Female Lead at the Independent Spirit Awards. Meryl Streep praised her performance during her Golden Globe acceptance speech for The Iron Lady. The next year, Oduye appeared in the Steel Magnolias TV remake.
In 2013, she starred alongside Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014. She also featured in Ava DuVernay’s short film The Door and made her directorial debut with Breaking In, a short film based on her brother’s experience with the NYPD.
Oduye made her Broadway debut in Horton Foote’s The Trip To Bountiful and appeared in The Big Short in 2015, which won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. She co-starred in The Dinner in 2017 and appeared in Geostorm and Widows in 2018. In 2019, she played activist Nomsa Brath in the miniseries When They See Us directed by Ava DuVernay.
Martins Imhangbe
Martins Isoken Imhangbe, born 7 July 1991, is a British-Nigerian actor. He made his debut in theatre, earning an Ian Charleson Award nomination for his performance in the 2018 production of Richard II. As of 2020, he plays Will Mondrich in the Netflix series Bridgerton.
Imhangbe hails from Edo State, Nigeria. From ages 2 to 7, he resided in Greece and was fluent in Greek. His family relocated to South East London thereafter. Initially, he pursued a BTEC diploma in Performing Arts at Lewisham College.
Though initially unsuccessful in his drama school audition, he opted to study Technical Theatre at Southwark College. Later, he successfully auditioned for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, graduating in 2013.
Imhangbe landed his first major onscreen role as Will Mondrich in Bridgerton. The character is based on the real-life boxer, Bill Richmond. Imhangbe trained for the role with Cuong Hua at The Commando Temple in Deptford.