While lots of Nigerian movie stars are working in Nollywood, some of them decided to pursue their career in the United States and act in American movies. Nowadays, they have earned respect among Hollywood actors, directors, and producers, and starred in some high-budget Hollywood films. Who are the people that make Nigeria famous all over the world?

David Oyelowo

This actor was born in England, precisely in Oxford. However, he has Nigerian parents. He is one of the most famous and successful actors in Hollywood of Nigerian descent. His career started by being invited to a youth theatre by his childhood crush. He proceeded to study the theatre art at college, and because of his passion, he had excellent grades and was recommended to pursue an acting career by his teachers. Later in life, he won a scholarship at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He completed his training at this academy in 1998. He made appearances in many big Hollywood movies, such as “Maisie Raine”, “Brothers and Sisters”, and “Tomorrow La Scala”. He also had roles in some TV shows and films. Except that, David Oyelowo was a voice actor for the “Star Wars” Episode 7. To this day, he is still a respectable figure in Hollywood.

Caroline Chikezie

Born in England in the Nigerian family, Caroline Chikezie is quite known in Hollywood these days. When she was young, Caroline was sent to the boarding school in her native land Nigeria, in hopes that she forgets her dreams of becoming an actress. But this obstacle made her want to achieve this even more. She took up the Medicinal Chemistry studies but soon understood it was not her true calling. Later, Caroline managed to win a scholarship in the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts. This actress played in such movies as “Footballers’ Wives” and “As If”. She is currently one of the most notable Nigerian actresses in Hollywood.

Hakeem Kae-Kazim

This talented actor was born in 1962. He is of British-Nigerian origin, like most of the actors in this article. The thing that attracts viewers to him is, undoubtedly, his unique on-screen voice. He has starred in TV film “24: Redemption”, as well as the movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, “Big Fellas”, “The Fourth Kind”, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, “Darfur”, “Girl Soldier”, and many others. He is also an Etisalat ambassador.

Nonso Anozie

He is an English actor who was born in 1979 to Nigerian parents. His outstanding roles include Xaro Xhoan Daxos in the popular series “Game of Thrones” and Samson in miniseries “The Bible”. He also had roles on other popular shows, notably “Doctor Who”. Nonso Anozie was featured in multiple Hollywood movies. He is an example of a Nigerian actor who reached huge success abroad.

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John Boyega

This actor is relatively young – he was born in 1992. He was born in London, in the Nigerian family. He first rose to prominence in 2011 when he got a role in the sci-fi comedy movie “Attack the Block”. In 2015, he received a role in the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. This appearance made him famous in Hollywood. He also acted in some other notable movies like “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Imperial Dreams”.

Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje

Here is another actor who was born in London. His parents were of Yoruba nationality. He has a Law education which he achieved in London. His acting career took off in 1994, and since then he began acting in a wide amount of movies, some of which are “The Bourne Identity”, “The Mummy Returns”, “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls”, and “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”. He also was on a popular TV show "Game of Thrones".

Gbenga Akinnagbe
This well-known Hollywood actor of Nigerian origin was born in 1978 in Washington to Nigerian parents. He grew up in Silver Spring, which is in Maryland. Gbenga Akinnagbe is the second oldest out of six kids. He finished Becknell University and got a degree in Political Science and English. This actor is best known for his role of Chris Paltrow in the series called “The Wire”. He also appeared in the films “The Savages”, “The Taking of Pelham 123”, and the series “Graceland”

Chiwetel Ejiofor

This award-winning actor earned everything due to his unstoppable energy and humble nature. He was born in 1977 in London to Nigerian parents, who belonged to Igbo ethnic group. His parents were a doctor and a pharmacist respectively. When he was 11, he survived a bad car incident, where his father was killed. He began acting at the age of 13, later joining the National Youth Theatre. He eventually got a place in London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He was featured in a lot of Hollywood movies which he received plenty of awards for. Some of his most famous works include “12 Years a Slave”, “Dirty Pretty Things”, “Serenity”, and “2012”.


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rhonard:
Hakeem Kae-Kazim

This talented actor was born in 1962. He is of British-Nigerian origin, like most of the actors in this article. The thing that attracts viewers to him is, undoubtedly, his unique on-screen voice. He has starred in TV film “24: Redemption”, as well as the movies like “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, “Big Fellas”, “The Fourth Kind”, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, “Darfur”, “Girl Soldier”, and many others. He is also an Etisalat ambassador.

And whr is Sam Adegoke who acts as his son in Dynasty

All of them that you mentioned are not Nigerians. They are using Nigerian names and surnames because their grand parents are from Nigeria so they don't have choice other than using those names. Hope it make sense.

By MrSensor