Chiwetel Ejiofor: His rise to the top

Chiwetel Ejiofor

A profile of the quiet actor who has taken the world by storm with his role in 12 Years A Slave

Many factors make Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave a must-see, one of these is the story, which is a dark but accurate version of one of history’s greatest injustices. But without the stellar performances of two of the main actors in the film, who continue to receive worldwide recognition for their astounding acting, the film wouldn’t have been as powerful. The two are Lupita Nyong’o and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Nyong’o is everybody’s darling this awards season; Ejiofor – credited by many making the film the success it was.More pics after cut..









12 Years A Slave continues to win laurels the world over. Ejiofor and his colleagues continue to bask in all the glory that has come with it. In a recent interview with CNN African Voices, Nyong’o, Ejiofor’s sidekick in the movie speaks about how the whole team didn’t know how exactly the movie was going to be received, and why it has come as a huge relief to know that it is a global hit. The initial pessimism has given way to weeks of red carpet glamour across some of the world’s leading award schemes. It’s been such a beautiful journey – one Ejiofor can be proud of. He learned violin for his role as a free man who is enslaved.



Born to professional Nigerian parents in a smart area in London, the actor first expressed an interest in acting aged 13 – just two years after losing his father in a a car accident while visiting Lagos. In an interview with Slant the actor revealed more about his relationship with Nigeria, saying: "I used to spend my summers there when I was a kid. As an adult, every couple of years. I recorded interviews with my grandfather, 10-hour long conversations, before he died. I've always had a long and fruitful relationship [with Nigeria]."
Ejiofor’s acting resume coming into 12 Years A Slave was solid. It was one many actors would want to have. Prior to making it big on silver screen, he was a notable face in the British stage drama and theatre industry, taking part in many productions across the country.
 










His first major attempt in Deadly Voyage, a movie that retold the story of a Ghanaian stowaway ‘hero’ Kingsley Ofosu brought him to the world’s attention, and from there his career has flourished. At only 36, the actor’s future looks bright. With a long list of titles already to his credit; Amistad, Twelfth Night, Dirty Pretty Things, Kinky Boots, Tsunami: The Aftermath, and 2012 among others, it makes sense why he keeps challenging himself role after another.
Ejiofor is the dream man of most directors. Post 12 Years a Slave success stories tell us how much trust McQueen had in him. McQueen has said in interviews that Ejiofor was the only person he thought of ahead of production. In Ejiofor, McQueen saw a unique actor; he saw someone with so much steel and a forgiving spirit, too. Ejiofor can be seen next in Z for Zachariah. Fans will be watching with anticipation hoping the star will win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Solomon Northup.



Culled from MSN Entertainment