10 Ghanaians in Hollywood you need to know

They say America is the land of dreams, and Hollywood, is the world of showbiz. Over the last decade or two, Hollywood has gotten a lot more inclusive. What used to be the home of the stereotypical American stars, has become a home to stars all over the world.

Big names like Lupita Nyongo from Kenya, Nicki Minaj from Trinidad, Sandra oh from Korea, and Jimon Honsou from Benin are rubbing shoulders with their American colleagues. Ghanaians have equally climbed the ladder and gained their rightful spot in the film industry gaint that is Hollywood.

10. Hugh Quarshie

Hugh Quarshie is a Ghanaian born British actor. He’s known for his appearances in the films Highlander (1986), The Church (1989), Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999), and the Doctor Who episodes “Daleks in Manhattan” and “Evolution of the Daleks” (2007). Quarshie has also played the role of Ric for 17 years and is the longest serving cast member in BBC’s Holby City.

9. Frema Agyeman

Freema AgyemangGhanaian-English actress, born to a Ghanaian father and an Iranian mother. She’s famous for her role as Martha Jones in the BBC science fiction series Doctor Who and its spin-off series Torchwood, and Amanita Caplan in the Netflix science fiction drama Sense8.

8. Joey Ansah

Joey Ansah was born in London, as the second son of celebrated Ghanaian fashion designer Kofi Ansah and his Devon-born wife Nicola. His first important role as an actor was in the UK indie film Love Struck (2005). He’s also made Notable appearances on BBC’s Spooks (2005), Batman Begins (2005), The Bourne Ultimatum and Timewatch (2006). In 2008 he was nominated for an MTV Film Award in the “Best Fight” category

7. Peter Mensah

Ghanaian-British Actor, Peter Mensah, is a star from the hit tv series spartacus. You probably know him as ‘Doctore, the strict gladiator trainer in the Spartacus series. Peter Mensah was born in Chiraa, BA region in 1959 and has featured in several blockbuster movies such as ‘Tears of The Sun, 300, Hidalgo and Gods of the Arena. Peter was recently in Ghana in November 2018 to undertake the funeral rights of his late father, Mr Osei Mensah, who passed away, on Tuesday, November 7 evening in Kumasi.

6. Michael Blackson

Michael Blackson is Ghanaian born American comedian and actor, Michael Blackson or should I say, Modasucka! Even though Michael is a comedian first, he has also climbed the acting ladder by starring in movies and series such as Angry African , Next Friday, Are we there yet, and the Monique Show. In 2005, Michael released his comedy sketch titled Modasucka:welcome to America. In November 2018, Michael was brought down to Ghana to host the 2018 AFRIMAS.

5. Akosua Busia

Akosua Gyamama Busia, popularly known as Akosua Busia. She is a Ghanaian British actress, film director and songwriter. Akosua is known for starring in movies such as The Color Purple (1985), Tears of the Sun (2003) and The Seventh Sign (1988).

4.Nana- Kofi Siriboe

Born to Ghanaian parents in the US, Kofi Siriboe claimed his spot in Hollywood when he played a supporting role in the 2008 comedy-drama, The Longshots. He also dabbled into modelling and signed with Wilhelmina Models in New York and Vision Los Angeles. He is the star of Oprah Winfrey Network drama series Queen Sugar, since 2016. He also starred in the 2017 hit comedy, Girls Trip. His brothers Kwesi Boakye and Kwame Boateng are also actors making waves in Hollywood.

3. Idris Elba

Perhaps the most successful of them all, Idris was born in London to a Sierra Leonean father and a Ghanaian mother. Elba is a man of many talents, he’s not only an actor, but a musician, director and oh a DJ. Thats right, he can spin. Elba has had major roles in films such as American Gangster, Takers, Thor, Prometheus, Pacific Rim, Thor: The Dark World, Star Trek Beyond and Beasts of No Nation for which he received BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor).

2. Abraham Attah

The 18-year old Ghanaian actor made his feature film debut in Beasts of No Nation, For his leading role of child soldier Agu. He is currently living in the USA for his career and education and is set to appear in the upcoming Spiderman movie.

1. Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe, Austrian-born actor of German and Ghanaian descent. Boris’s filmography includes Brown Sugar, Soul Food,Man on Earth,Love and Basketball, and Madea’s Family Reunion. He co-starred on BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood and the Grey’s Anatomy spin-off, Station 19. He is married to Nicole Ari Parker, also an actress and they have two beautiful kids together. Boris with support from marketing guru, Bozoma saint John,put Ghana in the international eye this year, when they organized the full circle festival to mark 400 years of slavery where over 40 black hollywood stars took a trip to Ghana for tourist and philanthropic work.

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