CHIWETEL UMEADI EJIOFOR
OBE (Order of the British Empire)
DOB: 10 July 1977, London England
Education: Dulwich College, National Youth Theatre
In my book, Chiwetel ‘Chiwe’ Ejiofor is due some series props. His face has graced the stage and the screen with equal measure. Granted not all of his roles have been big ones, but they have certainly provided fertile ground for some of his larger roles.
Film credits include (in no particular order):
- Amistad, directed by Steven Spielberg
- Dirty Pretty Things, directed by Stephen Frears (Winner: Best Actor, British Independent Film Awards)
- Endgame (TV) (Nominee, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film)
- Melinda and Melinda, directed by Woody Allen
- American Gangster, directed by Ridley Scott
- Redbelt, written and directed by David Mamet
- Kinky Boots, directed by Julian Jarrold (Nominee, British Independent Film Award for Best Actor – Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)
- Children of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuarón
- Tsunami: The Aftermath (TV) (Nominee Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film, Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Mini-Series, TV Film or Dramatic Special)
- The Inside Man, directed by Spike Lee
- Talk to Me, co-starring Don Cheadle (Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male, Nominee, Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture)
Some of these films are quite popular, while others came and went with little mainstream mention. It is no wonder then as I was starting to work on this list it was only then that I realized just how prolific he is, yet still manages to fly under the radar.
And I have not even mentioned his highly lauded stage career. In 2008, he received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the title character in Shakespeare’s Othello. Another notable stage performance was in the 2007 Royal Court Theatre production of Chekhov’s The Seagull alongside Kristin Scott Thomas, Mackenzie Crook and Carey Mulligan.
With a CV like this, he is slowly being raised to the status of ‘national treasure.’
It should come as no surprise having mastered TV, film and stage, that he has been conferred an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his body of work.
Next up for Mr. Ejiofor is a role in the completed film Savannah and, in 2013, a film that I cannot wait to see: Twelve Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen and produced by Brad Pitt, who will also feature in the film.
Source for Article: Wikipedia
Great spotlight on an exceptional actor. Chiwetel Ejiofor stands out in just about everything he does. Fine post.
Thanks Leopard!
I love this guy. If you ever get to see the TV series Shadow Line, please do. he is great in it… really tense high production values and very good indeed
Yeah I heard about. Will keep an eye out for it. Thanks!
I like this guy, he’s got screen presence and always comes across genuine and likable. I wish Hollywood would cast him more in prominent roles.
You and me both Ruth, you and me both.
Hi, iluv and company:
Excellent choice for an actor who is just starting to come into his own!
First caught my attention with Kinky Boots and as the eloquent hired assassin for Parliament in .Serenity . Thought he did well in Redbelt and American Gangster . Making roles however large or small his own.
Needs a breakout role in a series like Luther . Surprised he wasn’t on the short list for Spielberg’s Red Tails !
Shadow Line as Scott mentioned above, could just be the ticket to elevate him. Let us hope. His impressive CV proves he has been under radar far too long.
Always enjoy seeing him appear in movies. It’s too bad he is badly underrated so far. Hopefully, he will get more opportunities in the future.
Let us hope!
I like him too. He’s a terrific actor and should, definitely be better known. I caught him the underrated thriller, SALT with Angelina Jolie. He was wonderful in a not very sympathetic role.
Same for CHILDREN OF MEN.
Pound for pound, one of the best actors in the game! Period.
most definitely