Chiwetel Ejiofor is 49 years old as of October 2026. He was born on 10 July 1977.
British actor nominated for an Oscar for 12 Years a Slave, also acclaimed for Othello on stage and Dirty Pretty Things
Did you know?He survived a serious car accident in Nigeria as a child which left him with distinctive scars on his forehead.
Quick facts
Date of birth10 July 1977
Age49
NationalityBritish
BirthplaceForest Gate, United Kingdom
Occupationstage actor, film actor, actor
Editor's Take:
Chiwetel Ejiofor is a British actor whose depth and stillness have earned him praise on stage and screen. He was born in London to Nigerian parents and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Steven Spielberg cast him in Amistad while he was still a student. He drew attention in Dirty Pretty Things and as a drag performer in Kinky Boots. On stage he played Othello at the Donmar Warehouse to great acclaim. His lead role as Solomon Northup in 12 Years a Slave, which won Best Picture, brought him an Oscar nomination. He has since made his directing debut with The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. He was appointed CBE in 2015.
Key Milestones
1997: Makes his film debut in Amistad
2008: Wins an Olivier Award for Othello
2013: Stars in 12 Years a Slave
2019: Makes his directing debut with The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Chiwetel Umeadi Ejiofor (born 10 July 1977) is a British actor and director. He is the recipient of various accolades, including a British Academy Film Award and a Laurence Olivier Award, in addition to nominations for an Academy Award, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and five Golden Globe Awards.
