By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Nigeria is blessed with raw talent, and it’s no surprise that many of its sons and daughters are making waves in Hollywood.
From blockbuster movies to hit TV series, Nigerian-born actors are flying the flag high and proving that African talent has no boundaries.
Here are seven top Nigerian-born actors who have carved out a name for themselves in the competitive world of Hollywood.
1. Chiwetel Ejiofor
Born in London to Nigerian parents from the Igbo tribe, Chiwetel Ejiofor is one of the most respected actors of his generation.
He shot to global fame with his role in 12 Years a Slave (2013), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. His other credits include Doctor Strange, The Martian, and Children of Men.
2. David Oyelowo
Born in Oxford to Nigerian parents, Oyelowo proudly embraces his Yoruba heritage.
He gained worldwide recognition for portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma (2014), earning Golden Globe and Academy Award buzz. He’s also starred in The Butler, Queen of Katwe, and Nightingale.
3. Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo, born to Nigerian parents in London, is a powerhouse singer and actress. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role as Harriet Tubman in Harriet (2019).
She also starred in Widows and lent her incredible voice to Broadway, winning both a Tony and a Grammy.
4. John Boyega
Best known for playing Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, John Boyega is proudly Nigerian, hailing from the Yoruba tribe.
Beyond Star Wars, he starred in Pacific Rim: Uprising, Detroit, and The Woman King. Boyega is also vocal about his roots and often celebrates Nigerian culture.
5. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Adewale is known for his towering presence and versatile acting. He’s featured in Suicide Squad, Thor: The Dark World, and the TV series Lost.
His Nollywood-inspired film Farming, which he directed, was based on his own life story growing up as a Nigerian child fostered in the UK.
6. Uzo Aduba
Emmy Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba, born to Nigerian parents, is best known for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black.
She has since gone on to star in Mrs. America and Painkiller, cementing her reputation as a force in Hollywood.
7. Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Popularly known as “Africa’s Samuel L. Jackson,” Hakeem Kae-Kazim is a Nigerian-born British actor who has featured in major productions like Hotel Rwanda, Black Sails, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, and 24.
His deep voice and commanding presence make him a standout performer.
Other notable Nigerian-Hollywood actors include Sope Dirisu (Gangs of London), Rotimi Akinosho (Power), Jimi Odukoya (Woman King), and so on.
