Big Hollywood actors that are of Nigerian origin — you would be shocked to know we have quite a number of them and they do not just play the roles of minor characters. Some of them take up important roles, and they are making significant contributions to the industry.

Many of these Hollywood actors of Nigerian origin have become household names, showcasing their talent across a variety of genres, from drama to action and even superhero films. They are not only starring in major roles but also shaping narratives, bringing unique cultural perspectives to their performances. Their success reflects the growing influence of the African diaspora in Hollywood, and they are opening doors for more diverse representation in mainstream cinema.

Some of the notable actors include Hakeem Kae-Kazim, who starred in “Pirates of the Caribbean”, John Boyega (“The Woman King”), David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave”), Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”), Yvonne Orji, Dayo Okeniyi, and Tomiwa Edun.

Acting is “the actor’s ability to be himself in the character and to be the character in himself”, according to Uta Hagen. These actors embody each character given to them just as the quote implies.

Hakeem Kae-Kazim
Hakeem Kae-Kazim is a highly respected British-Nigerian actor from western Nigeria with a diverse career in both Hollywood and African cinema. After gaining wide attention for his role as Georges Rutaganda in “Hotel Rwanda”, Kae-Kazim went on to star in major films like “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, “Lost”, and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”, as well as TV series such as “24: Redemption”, “Black Sails”, and “Dynasty”. His deep voice and commanding presence have also made him a sought-after actor for voice roles in video games like Final Fantasy XIV.

In addition to his international success, Kae-Kazim has also contributed significantly to the Nigerian film industry. He has starred in several Nigerian films, showcasing his dedication to telling African stories. Some notable Nigerian films he has appeared in include “Last Flight to Abuja”, a suspenseful drama about a plane crash, and “Half of a Yellow Sun”, based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel.

Yvonne Orji
Yvonne Orji is a Nigerian-American actress and comedian best known for her role as Molly Carter on the HBO series “Insecure”. Her portrayal of Molly, a successful yet conflicted lawyer, earned her critical acclaim and several award nominations. Beyond acting, Orji is also a talented stand-up comedian, incorporating her Nigerian heritage and personal experiences into her comedy routines. In 2020, she released her first HBO comedy special, “Momma, I Made It!”, which highlights her life as a first-generation Nigerian-American. Orji is also an author, releasing the book Bamboozled by Jesus, where she shares lessons from her life journey, blending humour and inspiration. Proud of her Nigerian roots, she often speaks about her upbringing and the challenges of balancing both Nigerian and American cultures. Yvonne Orji continues to be a strong voice in Hollywood, representing Nigerian talent and culture with pride.

Dayo Okeniyi
Dayo Okeniyi is a Nigerian-American actor known for his roles in both film and television. He first gained recognition for his role as Thresh in “The Hunger Games” (2012), which was his breakout role in Hollywood. Following this, Okeniyi appeared in other major films such as “Terminator Genisys” and the animated series “Iwájú”. He has also made his mark on television, starring in series like “Shades of Blue” alongside Jennifer Lopez and Queenpins. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, and later moving to the United States, Okeniyi has embraced his Nigerian heritage while building a successful career in Hollywood.

Tomiwa Edun
Tomiwa Edun is a British-Nigerian actor known for his roles in both television and video games. He gained prominence for his portrayal of Sir Elyan in the popular TV series “Merlin”. He is also well-known for playing Alex Hunter in the FIFA video game series, where he provided both the voice and motion capture for the character. Edun has appeared in other major projects, including “The Hour”, “Doctor Who”, and “What Happened to Monday”.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Edun later moved to the UK, where he pursued acting and attended the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). His diverse talents have allowed him to work across different mediums, from TV and film to video games, making him a versatile actor. Tomiwa Edun’s success is a testament to his dedication to his craft.

John Boyega
John Boyega is a British actor and producer born to western Nigerian parents, best known for his breakout role as Finn in the “Star Wars” sequel trilogy. He has also starred in critically acclaimed films such as “Attack the Block”, “The Woman King”, “They Cloned Tyrone”, “Half of a Yellow Sun”, and “Detroit”. In addition to acting, Boyega is a vocal advocate for social justice, using his platform to speak out on issues such as racial equality and police brutality. He has also ventured into production with his company, UpperRoom Entertainment, working to create more opportunities for underrepresented voices in the film industry.

David Oyelowo
David Oyelowo is a British-American actor and filmmaker with Western and Southeast Nigerian roots. Renowned for his powerful and transformative performances, Oyelowo gained wide recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the critically acclaimed film “Selma”, a role that earned him several award nominations. Oyelowo has also appeared in films like “The Butler”, “A United Kingdom”, and “Queen of Katwe”. Beyond acting, he has directed and produced several projects, including “The Water Man”, and is committed to bringing diverse stories to the screen. He is a vocal advocate for better representation of African and Black talent in Hollywood.

Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor is a British-Nigerian actor and filmmaker with deep roots in Igbo culture, thanks to his Nigerian parents. He is known for his strong performances in movies, TV, and theatre. He became famous worldwide for his role in “12 Years a Slave”, where he played Solomon Northup, earning an Oscar nomination for the part. Ejiofor has also appeared in big films like “Doctor Strange”, “The Martian”, “Half of a Yellow Sun”, and “Children of Men”. He has directed and written a film called “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”. Ejiofor is highly respected in Hollywood and proudly represents Nigerian talent in the film industry.

Uzo Aduba
Uzo Aduba is an American actress with Nigerian roots, widely recognized for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren in the popular TV show “Orange Is the New Black”. Her standout performance in the series earned her multiple Emmy Awards and made her a fan favourite. Beyond that, she has appeared in other well-known projects like “Mrs. America”, where she portrayed activist Shirley Chisholm, and “In Treatment”, showcasing her range in both drama and comedy. She often speaks proudly of her Nigerian heritage and uses her platform to celebrate her culture.