Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Chiwetel Ejiofor
July 10, 1977
London, England, UK
48 Years Old
Cancer
Who Is Chiwetel Ejiofor?
Chiwetel Ejiofor is a British actor, writer, and director recognized for his profound gravitas and multidimensionality across diverse roles. His nuanced performances consistently bring depth to every character.
He achieved widespread recognition with his powerful portrayal of Solomon Northup in 2013's 12 Years a Slave, which garnered him an Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA Award; he is known for his calm intensity.
Early Life and Education
Family life shaped Chiwetel Ejiofor significantly, as his parents, Arinze and Obiajulu, were Nigerian immigrants who valued education. Tragedy struck early when his father died in a car crash during a family trip to Nigeria when Ejiofor was eleven.
He began acting in school plays at Dulwich College and later joined the National Youth Theatre at age thirteen. Ejiofor was accepted into the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art but departed early to take a role in Steven Spielberg’s film Amistad.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances has not been publicly documented for Chiwetel Ejiofor. He maintains a highly private personal life, rarely discussing relationships in the media.
Ejiofor has no publicly known children. He has not confirmed any current partners, focusing instead on his extensive acting and directing career.
Career Highlights
Critical acclaim defines Chiwetel Ejiofor’s journey, most notably for his role as Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave, which earned him a BAFTA Award and an Academy Award nomination. His early career also saw powerful performances in Dirty Pretty Things, Love Actually, and Kinky Boots.
Ejiofor expanded his craft by stepping into directing with the acclaimed film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, released in 2019, an adaptation he also wrote and starred in. He further reached global audiences through his recurring role as Mordo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Doctor Strange films.
To date, Ejiofor has collected an Olivier Award for his stage performance in Othello, and was appointed both an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his services to the arts.
Signature Quote
“Education is the most important thing we have.”