As we celebrate Charles Okafor’s 50th Birthday today, 9News Nigeria wants to reveal everything you should know about the highly celebrated Nollywood veteran in requisite to popular demand by his fans both in Nigeria and around the world.
Charles Okafor is one of the most popular actors in Nigeria. He is very talented and also an interesting character to watch out for in the Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood.
He has been in the Nigerian movie industry for over two decades.
Charles Izuchukwu Okafor was born on 23rd July 1970 in Umuatuolu Village of Ivite Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State in the south eastern part of Nigeria.
He is the fourth Child in a family of six. He grew up in Lagos State in the south western part of Nigeria. He completed his primary school education at Araromi Primary School at Olodi, Apapa, Lagos State in the south western part of Nigeria. He is married with two children.
He is a Minister and Preacher of God’s kingdom as well as public speaker and image maker for governments, global organisations and businesses. Charles is a well acknowledged philanthropist and also a Youth Development and Empowerment advocate.
Charles Okafor is a veteran Nollywood actor, producer, director, entrepreneur and a television personality. He is very handsome, gifted, skillful, creative and talented in acting and interpretation of movie roles. He knows how to interpret his roles very well and can fit in any character given to him by movie directors and producers in Nigeria.
He acts mostly in epic movie, contemporary movie, glamour movie and cinematic movies. He always plays the role of a title chief, traditional ruler, royal prince, good husband, good boyfriend and lovely father in several Nollywood movies.
After completing his primary school education, Charles Okafor proceeded to St. Gregory College in Ikoyi, Lagos State in the south western part of Nigeria for his secondary school education and obtained his West African Senior School Certificate. During his primary and secondary school days, Charles Okafor was actively involved in school drama, theatre and performing arts. He was an active member of his Dramatic Club and acted in several drama and stage plays.
After his primary and secondary school education, Charles Okafor proceeded to University of Port Harcourt in River State in the south southern part of Nigeria and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Art. After obtaining his first Degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, Charles Okafor proceeded to the University of Lagos and obtained a Masters Degree in Political Science and International Relations.
Charles Okafor is considered as one of Nigerian most talented and prolific actor. He is also regarded as one of the richest actors in Nigeria and also one of the highest paid actors in Nigeria. He is always known for playing the role of a gentleman in several Nollywood movies.
He worked briefly with the Security and Exchange Commission, following the completion of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). After spending six years with the Security and Exchange Commission, Charles Okafor resigned from the job voluntarily and decided to pursue a career in acting.
After obtaining his Masters Degree in Political Science and International Relations, Charles Okafor joined the Nigerian movie industry popularly known as Nollywood in 1996 and acted in his first movie titled “Domitilla” a movie that brought him to limelight and gave him a lot of advantage in Nollywood and also attracted him to movie directors and producers in Nigeria.
In 1999, Charles Okafor rose to fame after starring in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “End of the Wicked” an occultic movie in which he starred alongside with Pete Edochie, Kenneth Okonkwo and Kanayo O Kanayo.
His role in the movie “End of the Wicked” earned him an award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. His role in the movie “Domitilla” also earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Charles Okafor in the cause of his acting career has starred in more than 300 Nollywood movies. Some of the movies he has acted include End of the Wicked, Domitilla, Conspiracy, Blood Billionaires, Executive Connection, World of Riches, Tomorrow Lives Again, Super Hero, Abuja Boys, King of the Forest, Price of the Wicked, Forest of Promises, Billionaires Club and many more.
In 2005, his role in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “Billionaires Club” won him the award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards and Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Best of Nollywood Awards.
Charles Okafor usually acts alongside his close friend Kanayo O Kanayo, Clem Ohameze, Pete Edochie, Keneth Okonkwo, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD) and other top Nollywood actors. He usually features in ‘occultist’ movies and acts very well in his role to the extent that many people are having negative feelings about him, but Charles has already cleared the air that he only acted the occultist roles as given to him. Charles Okafor in the cause of his acting career has won several awards and recognitions.
Some of the awards he has won include Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Best Actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards. He is currently married with lovely kids.
Charles Okafor currently has an estimated net worth of over $1.5 million, making him one of the richest and most influential actors in Nigeria. Charles Okafor has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards as the Best Male Actor in Nigeria and Best Lead Actor in Nigeria. He is considered as one of the best box office grossing actor.
Charles Okafor is also considered as one of the most sought after actor in Nigeria and also one of the best performing actors in Nigeria. In 2011, Charles Okafor was honored by the Nigerian Federal Government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) which happens to be the highest honor and an award given to a celebrity in Nigeria who has contributed immensely to the economic growth and development of the country through entertainment.
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