Chiwetel Ejiofor

Date of Birth: July 10, 1977

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Chiwetel Ejiofor is a British actor and filmmaker known for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Ejiofor’s passion for acting was sparked at a young age. He joined the National Youth Theatre and later attended the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Ejiofor made his film debut in Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad” (1997), playing the role of Ensign James Covey. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Okwe in “Dirty Pretty Things” (2002), which earned him a BAFTA nomination. His portrayal of Solomon Northup in “12 Years a Slave” (2013) brought him international acclaim, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Ejiofor’s other notable works include roles in “Kinky Boots” (2005), “Children of Men” (2006), “Doctor Strange” (2016), and the voice of Scar in the 2019 remake of “The Lion King.” In addition to acting, Ejiofor has ventured into directing. His directorial debut, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” (2019), was well-received and showcased his talent behind the camera. Throughout his career, Ejiofor has been lauded for his ability to bring depth and humanity to his characters, making him one of the most respected actors of his generation.

5 Interesting Facts about Chiwetel Ejiofor

1. Chiwetel Ejiofor was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2008 and later promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015 for his services to drama.

2. He survived a tragic car accident at the age of 11 while visiting Nigeria, which resulted in the death of his father and left Ejiofor with a noticeable scar on his forehead.

3. Ejiofor is fluent in Igbo, the native language of his parents’ ethnic group in Nigeria.

4. He has won numerous awards, including a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “12 Years a Slave.”

5. Ejiofor has also worked as a narrator for documentaries, including the BBC series “The Story of Africa.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Chiwetel Ejiofor

1. “The thing about acting is that it’s not about disguising yourself. It’s about revealing yourself.”

2. “I think I enjoy working obviously as much as I can. I enjoy the work. I enjoy the process of making things.”

3. “The thing about playing complex and vulnerable people is that it’s very humbling. It’s very humbling to understand that everyone has a story, and everyone has their own struggles.”

4. “For me, the most important thing is that I feel comfortable and confident in the work that I do. I want to be proud of it at the end of the day.”

5. “Storytelling is a way to explore and understand the world around us and our place within it.”