Nigerian actors are increasingly making their mark in Hollywood, bringing exceptional talent, cultural richness, and powerful storytelling to the global stage.
Their performances across diverse genres and roles continue to highlight the depth and versatility of Nigerian artistry.
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Born to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, Chiwetel Ejiofor has received widespread acclaim for his role as Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave, earning an Oscar nomination.
His impressive resume includes roles in Doctor Strange, The Lion King (2019), and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, which also marked his directorial debut.
John Boyega
John Boyega, a British actor with Nigerian roots, gained international recognition as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He has delivered compelling performances in Detroit, The Woman King, and They Cloned Tyrone. Boyega is also a vocal advocate for social justice and a producer committed to amplifying underrepresented voices in film.
David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo, who has ties to both western and southeastern Nigeria, is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. His film credits include The Butler, Queen of Katwe, and A United Kingdom. Oyelowo has also directed and produced films like The Water Man, further expanding his impact in the industry.
Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba, an American actress of Nigerian descent, rose to fame with her Emmy-winning role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in Orange Is the New Black. She has since starred in Mrs. America as Shirley Chisholm and led the HBO drama In Treatment, showcasing her versatility in both comedy and drama.
Yvonne Orji
Nigerian-American comedian and actress Yvonne Orji gained acclaim for her role as Molly Carter in HBO’s Insecure. Her work has earned her several award nominations. Orji has also released a comedy special, Momma, I Made It!, and authored the inspirational book Bamboozled by Jesus.
Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Hakeem Kae-Kazim, a British-Nigerian actor, is known for his role in Hotel Rwanda. He has appeared in major international productions like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, 24: Redemption, and Black Sails. He remains active in Nollywood with roles in Last Flight to Abuja and Half of a Yellow Sun.
Dayo Okeniyi
Nigerian-American actor Dayo Okeniyi made his Hollywood debut as Thresh in The Hunger Games (2012). He has since appeared in Terminator Genisys, voiced a lead character in Iwájú, and starred in Shades of Blue alongside Jennifer Lopez.
Tomiwa Edun
British-Nigerian actor Tomiwa Edun is known for playing Sir Elyan in the TV series Merlin. He also portrayed Alex Hunter in the FIFA video game series and has featured in Doctor Who and What Happened to Monday, proving his versatility across formats.
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo, a British actress of Nigerian heritage, is close to achieving EGOT status with Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards for The Color Purple. She received an Oscar nomination for Harriet and portrayed Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha. Her film credits also include Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale.
These stars exemplify the global appeal of Nigerian talent, enriching Hollywood with their powerful voices, diverse backgrounds, and inspiring achievements.
