Securing a role in a Hollywood film is a dream come true for every actor and actress around the world. A majority of African actors and actresses who have made it into the Hollywood film industry have ended up bagging top awards – a true testament that Africa is chock-full with raw talent. Here are some of the top African celebrities who are blazing the Hollywood trail.

Lupita Nyong'o



Lupita Nyong’o, Kenyan

The world still remembers the day this Hollywood sensation became the first-ever Kenyan to win an Academy Award for her role in “12 Years a Slave.” She is also remembered for her stunning blue Cinderella Prada gown at the 2013 Oscar Awards when she was voted the best supporting actress. One year after her well-deserved Oscar, Lupita was named the most beautiful woman in the world by People magazine.



Kandyse McClure, South African

This South African-born model and actress has appeared in several top Hollywood movies and TV series including “Hemlock Grove,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Persons Unknown” and “Stephen King’s ‘Carrie.’” Many love her for her unparalleled talent and beauty. She has a way of looking stunning in whatever she wears.


Djimon Hounsou



Djimon Hounsou, Benin

Hounsou is perhaps one of the many African celebrities who have gone through a myriad of challenges to reach where they are today. He was born in Benin in 1964 and later moved to France with his brother, where he ended up becoming homeless. He started modeling for designers and photographers, however – a career that turned his life around. Hounsou moved to US in 1990. After his big-screen debut in “Without You, I’m Nothing,” he has appeared in numerous Hollywood films including “Amistad,” “Gladiator,” “The Cradle of Life,” and “Blood Diamond.”


Adewalle Akinnuoye-Agbaje



Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Nigerian

Adewalle is a British citizen born of a Nigerian family. He has a Master’s degree in law from the University of London. He has appeared in many Hollywood films, including “The Mummy Returns,” “Oz,” “Get Rich or Die Trying,” and “The Samurai.”

Peter Mensah




Peter Mensah, Ghanaian

Mensah was born in Ghana in 1959 and later relocated to England with his parents. He has performed major roles in many Hollywood films including “The Incredible Hulk,” “Tears of the Sun,” “Avatar,” “300,” and many TV series. Mensah is currently living in Canada with his family.


Azie Tesfai



Azie Tesfai, Ethiopian

Her stunning beauty, likable character and impeccable acting talent are some of the qualities that make Azie Tesfai one of the most distinguished African celebrities in Hollywood. Although she was born and raised in Los Angeles, her parents hail from Ethiopia and Eritrea. She has played popular roles in numerous network and cable TV series, including “Melrose Place,” “Royal Pains,” a regular role on the CW’s hit comedy “Jane the Virgin” and a new character during the current season of HBO’s “Silicon Valley.”


Source:http://howafrica.com/meet-the-5-african-celebrities-who-have-made-it-big-in-hollywood/