Nigerians never cease to amaze the world and it’s without doubt that there’s a paint of greatness-or more-in every Nigerian scattered all around the globe.Undeniably, the growth of Nigerian movie world-courtesy Nollywood-has not only attracted but also dug out some of the country’s offsprings making it big in Hollywood and English screens.
Movie Moments highlights 11 of the highest paid Hollywood stars with Nigerian origin in Hollywood and English movie industry.
ADEWALE AKINNUOYE-AGBAJE
Leading the pack is the handsome Nigerian-British born by Yoruba parents and grew up in Islington, London. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje holds a Master degree and has been able to successfully infuse Yoruba language into few of his characters in Hollywood movies-most notable been Mo ti so fun e teletele, ori e o pe in Bourne Identity. His muscular and formidable body has earned him distinct roles in the movie world. He has featured in prestigious blockbuster movies as below: Bourne Identity, The Mummy Returns, The Legionnaire, Get Rich or Die Tryin,’ Unstoppable, GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra, The LOST series, The NEWYORK UNDERCOVER series.
HAKEEM KAE KASSIM
Hakeem Kae Kassim is the British trained actor, who was born in Lagos but moved to South Africa, where he stayed and learnt his trade. Hakeem has become a regular face in both Hollywood and Nollywood thriving even with endorsement deals. He has apparently gotten some impressive roles in Hollywood movies some of which are The Pirate of the Carribeans: At World’s End, Hotel Rwanda, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Fourth Kind.
CHIWETEL EJIOFOR
Good looking Chiwetelu Umeadi Ejiofor was born in London to Igbo parentage of Nigerian origin. His style of acting has not only earned him great roles in the British and Hollywood movies, it has also endeared him to directors, who seem to pick as first choice when biography flicks are concerned. Some of his featured movies are: Amistad, 12 years a slave, Dirty Pretty Things, Salt, End Game, Inside Man, Four Brothers, Mind Games.
GBENGA AKINNAGBE
Gbenga Akinnagbe was born on December 12, 1978 in Washington, D.C. to Nigerian parents and grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland. A Nigerian American actor, best known for his role as Chris Partlow on the HBO original series The Wire, Akinnagbe was in and out of trouble as a youth. He is the second oldest of six children, one older sister and four younger brothers. He is the first in his family to be born in the U.S. He attended Colonel Zadok A. Magruder High School in Rockville, Maryland. Akinnagbe attended Bucknell University on a wrestling scholarship, majoring in Political Science and English. He is the cousin of DC rapper Wale. Some of his film roles include Damage, Blue Blood, The Wire among others.
CAROLINE CHIKEZIE
For Caroline Chikezie, growing up on the streets of London has made her one of the established British actress of Igbo origin. Caroline also found her way into prominent Hollywood movies and TV series after her role in Aeon. Some of her movie features are as below: Eragon, Aeon Flux, Breaking and Entering, The SUPERNATURAL TV series, The TORCHWOOD TV series.
SONNI CHIDIEBERE
This apparently Nigerian-Igbo actor has earned minor roles on some blockbuster Hollywood movies also. His movies include: Hotel Rwanda, Blood Diamond, District 9, Lord of War.
EDUN ADETOMIWA
After watching the popular Hollywood TV series, Merlin, his face became a notable one and his name shot in the tabloids for his prolific role interpretation. A young British actor with apparently Nigerian-Yoruba heritage-Adetomiwa Edun, is the coloured character in Merlin, who later became Prince Authur’s in-law and Knight. He has featured in a number of series and some films which include Shakespeares Globe: Romeo and Juliet, The MERLIN TV Series, The LAW AND ORDER: UK TV series.
NONSO ANOZIE
Following the Nigerian-British birth, Nonso Anozie, who is of the Igbo Origin, is one of the fast rising and well paid actor. Having featured in prominent Hollywood blockbusters, Nonso’s distinct Igbo intonation came to the Hollywood flick, Conan the Barbarian. His featured movies include Conan the Barbarian, The Gray, Rock and Rolla, Nanny McPhee Returns, The Last Legion.
NDOKA VALENTINE NDUBISI
Ndoka Valentine Ndubisi would be easily spotted for his role in Fighting Temptations, where he acted alongside Beyonce Knowles. This apparently handsome Igbo dude has acted in a few movie flicks. Not much information is available on his background and parentage. He’s known to be of Nigerian origin and has featured in movies that include The fighting Temptations, Concrete Brown, Unforgiven Sins, Somebodies.
SOPHIE OKONEDO
Sophie Okonedo is another British actress with mixed parentage but of Nigerian paternity-from Edo State. Sophie, who rose to become one of the sought after actresses in England, holds the prestigious title of OBE. With features in several Hollywood movies, Sophie would be most remembered for her roles in Aeon Flux, Hotel Rwanda, Alex Rider: Operation Storm Breaker, Ace Ventura, Dirty Pretty Things, Martian Child.
JUDITH SHEKONI
Judith “Judi” Shekoni, born on March 31, 1982 in Gorton, Manchester, England, is an English actress, model, and television presenter who is based in Hollywood. Obviously of a Nigerian heritage, Judi, who has two sisters and brothers, currently lives in Los Angeles where she has appeared on US television shows such as NCIS, All of Us and Damages. She was the host of Fox reality show When Women Rule the World (2008)although the show was never broadcast in America. She played Zafrina in the The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, Garfield 2, EastEnders.
Additional reports and pictures courtesy: Nairaland and Google
Credits: Gbenga Bada and James Dikko,
Source: Movie Moments
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