Biography

Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor CBE (born July 10, 1977) is a renowned British actor, director, and writer who has garnered remarkable accolades. 

His achievements include a British Academy Film Award, a Laurence Olivier Award, and two British Independent Film Awards. 

In addition to these honors, Chiwetel Ejiofor has received nominations for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and an impressive five Golden Globe Awards.

Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor
Stage Name:	Chiwetel Ejiofor
Born:	10 July 1977 (age 46 years old)
Place of Birth:	Forest Gate, London, United Kingdom
Nationality:	British
Education:	London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
Height:	1.78 m
Parents:	Arinze Ejiofor, Obiajulu Ejiofor
Siblings:	Zain Asher
Spouse:	Not Married
Girlfriend • Partner:	Sari Mercer, Naomie Harris (2000-2007), Lupita Nyong’o (2012-2013)
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Actor • TV Personality
Net Worth:	$18 million

Early Life & Education

Chiwetel Ejiofor, the creative actor, born on July 10, 1977, in Forest Gate, London, hails from a family of Nigerian immigrants, Arinze Ejiofor and Obiajulu Ejiofor, who settled in London during the 1960s. Growing up, Chiwetel experienced a harmonious blend of Nigerian and British cultures, often journeying to Nigeria to reconnect with his extended family. Within this familial tapestry, his sister, Zain Asher, carved her path as a British-Nigerian news anchor.

Despite his parents’ hopes for a career in medicine or law, Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s heart was captivated by the performing arts from a young age. He honed his craft at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), where he meticulously cultivated his acting skills, setting the stage for a career that would transcend boundaries and genres.

After graduating from LAMDA, Chiwetel Ejiofor embarked on his professional acting journey in the late 1990s. His talent graced both the theater stage and television screens, foreshadowing a breakthrough moment in the 2002 film Dirty Pretty Things. This role launched him into the spotlight and adorned his portfolio with critical acclaim and award nominations, including a prestigious BAFTA nomination for Best Actor.

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Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s ascent continued with pivotal roles in iconic films like Love Actually, Serenity, and the seminal 12 Years a Slave, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

However, his success has kept the bonds to his Nigerian roots. Chiwetel Ejiofor utilizes his influential platform to champion critical social and political causes, including human rights, climate change, and the refugee crisis. He actively engages with charitable organizations such as the Refugee Council and the Geanco Foundation, which endeavor to elevate Nigeria’s healthcare and education standards.

Career

Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s career spans the cinematic landscape, starting with his television debut in Deadly Voyage in 1996. He then graced the London stage, delivering captivating performances. In Steven Spielberg‘s Amistad (1997), he portrayed Ensign James Covey, supporting Djimon Hounsou‘s Cinque.

Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s talent shone in G:MT – Greenwich Mean Time (1999) and as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, earning an Ian Charleson Award nomination. His role in Blue/Orange garnered the Jack Tinker Award in 2000.

He took the lead in It Was an Accident (2000), but it was Dirty Pretty Things (2002) that catapulted Chiwetel Ejiofor to stardom, winning the British Independent Film Award for Best Actor.

Chiwetel Ejiofor‘s star continued to rise with Love Actually, the BBC’s The Knight’s Tale, and Trust. His portrayal of Augustus in Rita Dove‘s The Darker Face of the Earth marked the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

He showcased his versatility as Prince Alamayou and The Operative in radio plays and gained recognition for his singing and acting in Kinky Boots, earning a Golden Globe Award. More acclaim followed, including a BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for Tsunami: The Aftermath (2007).

In 2007, Chiwetel Ejiofor starred in Talk to Me and triumphed as Othello, earning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor.

Beyond acting, Chiwetel Ejiofor narrated Partition: The Day India Burned and appeared in Redbelt (2008).

In 2008, Chiwetel Ejiofor was honored as Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

His pinnacle came in 12 Years a Slave (2013), embodying Solomon Northup and earning Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.

Chiwetel Ejiofor ventured into directing with The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind in 2019, based on William Kamkwamba‘s memoir.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: Chiwetel Ejiofor (@chiwetelejiofor__)
• Twitter handle: Chiwetel Ejiofor (@CEjioforFans)
• Tiktok handle: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Personal Life

Chiwetel Ejiofor has been in a relationship with Naomie Harris from 2000 to 2007. There were also rumors of a romance with Lupita Nyong’o from 2012 to 2013. 

Currently, Chiwetel Ejiofor is in a long-term relationship with Sari Mercer. Despite his successful career, he has never been married and has no children. 

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Chiwetel Ejiofor tends to keep his personal life private, but he is known for his passionate advocacy of social and environmental causes, using his platform to raise awareness and support charitable organizations.

Filmography

• Amistad   
• G:MT – Greenwich Mean Time   
• It Was an Accident
• Dirty Pretty Things
• Love Actually
• Three Blind Mice
• She Hate Me
• Red Dust
• Melinda and Melinda
• Four Brothers
• Serenity
• Slow Burn
• Kinky Boots
• Inside Man
• Children of Men
• Talk to Me
• American Gangster
• Redbelt
• Slapper   
• Endgame   
• 2012   
• Salt   
• Savannah   
• 12 Years a Slave   
• Half of a Yellow Sun   
• Z for Zachariah   
• The Martian   
• Secret in Their Eyes   
• Triple 9   
• Doctor Strange   
• Come Sunday   
• Mary Magdalene   
• Sherlock Gnomes   
• The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind   
• The Lion King   
• Maleficent: Mistress of Evil   
• The Elephant Queen   
• The Old Guard   
• Locked Down   
• Infinite   
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness   
• The Pod Generation
• The Old Guard 2

Net Worth

The British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor is estimated to have a net worth of $18 million. He is a British actor, director, and writer living in these fields. 

He has made numerous film and television appearances, including the highly regarded film 12 Years a Slave, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award. Due to his talent and success, Chiwetel Ejiofor has established himself as one of the most well-known actors working in the entertainment business today.