7 Nollywood Stars Who Have Featured In Hollywood Films

BY EVELYN OLUBUKOLA

Recall that days ago, the news broke about Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele’s inclusion in an upcoming Hollywood superhero movie. Few days later, her name was taken down and replaced by another Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji.  Though neither of the actresses has made any comment about the production and the recent development, you will agree with me that we are still hopeful that one of our own will feature in a superhero flick.

This would not be the first time Nollywood actors and actresses have a earned a spot in Hollywood movies. In fact, there’s been a commendable collaboration between the two film industries in times past. We compiled a list of Nollywood actors who have featured in big international movies. 

OLU JACOBS

Olu Jacobs is a renowned veteran actor who has starred in several international movies and British television series from the 70’s. In 1980,he featured in Dogs of War, a Western war film, directed by John Irvin. His other Hollywood credits include Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, Pirates and numerous TV series.

RICHARD MOFE-DAMIJO

Richard Mofe Damijo, another veteran in Nollywood, popularly known as Zaddy, had his first at encounter with the international scene when he starred in 2004’s Hollywood action thriller, Critical Assignment alongside Michael Power. He also featured in a United States-based CBN television production, Heart of the Father. 

STEPHANIE LINUS

Stephanie Linus is a multiple award winning actress and filmmaker who starred as a Nigerian mazid in 2016’s Boonville Redemption, a movie shot in Low Angeles, USA. She starred alongside Pat Boone, Diane Ladd, Edward Asner amongst others.

GENEVIEVE NNAJI

Genevieve Nnaji, Nollywood superstar actress and director is starring in an upcoming Hollywood movie Farming, directed by Nigerian-British actor and director, Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje. The movie was shot in the UK and Nigeria.

OSAS IGHODARO AJIBADE

Osas Ighodaro Ajibade who is best known for her role in Tinsel had featured in several Hollywood movies before she returned to Nigeria in 2012. In 2015, she featured in yet another one Where Children Play, directed by BAFTA/LA winner Leila Djansi. Other Hollywood credits include Hookers in Revoit, Cadillac Records, Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns. 

JIM IYKE

Jim Iyke, Nollywood’s hunk made his Hollywood debut in 2003’s And Then There Was You alongside Lynn Whitfield, Garcelle Beauvais, Greg Vaughan,  Léon Robinson and Trilby Glover.

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEINDE

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde had a cameo appearance in the fifth episode of Hit the Floor an American drama television series in 2013. This episode was her Hollywood debut.