Jimmy Akingbola is a renowned British actor who has made a name for himself in the television, theatre, and film industries.
He gained fame for his role in the TV series Kate & Koji alongside Brenda Blethyn. Many fans are curious about Jimmy Akingbola parents, ethnicity, early life and career. Find out all the details below.
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Who Are Jimmy Akingbola Parents?
Jimmy Akingbola was born to Nigerian immigrant parents, whose names are unknown to the public. He has a brother named Sola Akingbola, an English musician and actor. Growing up in a multicultural family, Akingbola became interested in acting at a young age.
Difficult circumstances marked Jimmy Akingbola’s childhood. His parents separated when he was just two years old due to his father’s accusations of infidelity, and his mother’s undiagnosed schizophrenia made it difficult for her to care for him.
As a result, Jimmy was placed in foster care in 1979 rather than being adopted. Growing up, he was raised by the Crows, a white British family who took him in and raised him as one of their own alongside their biological children.
Jimmy had a particularly close relationship with his foster mother, Gloria, who he holds dear to this day. In a documentary, Jimmy explores his affection for the Crows and his bond with Gloria.
Jimmy Akingbola Early Life
Jimmy Akingbola is a British actor of Nigerian descent, born on August 7, 1978, in Plaistow, London, England.
Akingbola attended a private high school before pursuing his passion for acting. He graduated from a British university with a 3-year, full-time acting diploma. Later, he owned the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) in Wandsworth, London.
Jimmy Akingbola Ethnicity and Nationality
Akingbola’s ethnicity is Black, and he holds British nationality. He was born and raised in Plaistow, London, England. Akingbola’s parents migrated to the United Kingdom from Nigeria, and he is proud of his Nigerian heritage.
Jimmy Akingbola Career
Akingbola began acting in the early 2000s and has become a well-known name in the British entertainment industry. He has acted in various TV shows, films, and theater productions.
In 2005, Akingbola landed a lead role in the British TV drama Holby Blue. He played the character of PC Neil Parker, and his performance was widely praised. He went on to appear in several other TV shows, including Doctors, Law & Order: UK, and Sirens.
In 2016, Akingbola appeared in the HBO TV series, Insecure as the character of Simon. His performance was again highly acclaimed and earned recognition in the United States and the United Kingdom.
In addition to his TV work, Akingbola has acted in various films. He starred in the British comedy film Daylight Robbery in 2008. He also appeared in the film, The Comedian’s Guide to Survival in 2016.
Akingbola’s theater work is just as impressive as his TV and film work. He has acted in several successful theater productions, including the National Theatre’s production of The Gods Weep in 2010. He also recreated the lead role in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Othello in 2015.
Aside from his acting career, Akingbola is also an entrepreneur. He founded the TriForce Creative Network, which supports diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. He also owns the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) in Wandsworth, London.