Has a masters in Law from the University of London, but took a different career path when bitten by the acting bug.
Is perhaps best known for his role as the cunning, fierce super-criminal Adebisi on "Oz" (1997).
He went from playing Ernie Hudson's good friend, the guide Kahega to Hudson's Capt. Munro in "Congo," to playing his enemy, the sociopathic Adebisi to Hudson's hard-headed Warden Glynn in "Oz."
He has Nigerians parents
Born on the same day as the Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley.
The son of immigrants from Nigeria, he has played almost entirely African characters despite having been born and raised in England. He usually employs a deep, Nigerian timber while acting, while off-screen he has a very British, somewhat Cockney accent.
He is fluent in several languages including Italian, Yoruba, Swahili, and (of course) English. He can "get along" in a few other languages, including French.
He is a Buddhist and admitted that he had to chant more than usual while playing the brutal character of "Majestic" in Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005).
Adewale Akinnuoye Agbaje Detailed Biography
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Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (born 22 August 1967) is an actor and a former model.
His parents are Nigerian. Born in London, England, Akinnuoye-Agbaje has four sisters and he is fluent in several languages, including English, Italian, Yorùbá (which is the tribe his parents are from), and Swahili. He also holds a Master of Laws from the University of London. He is a practicing Buddhist. The meaning of his name is broken down thusly: Ade- the crown, wale- has come home, Akin- warrior, nuoye- of chieftaincy, Agbaje prosperity and wealth.
He is most known for portraying the criminal Simon Adebisi in the HBO TV series Oz, as well as Mr. Eko on the second season of ABC's survivor drama Lost.
His film credits include Congo (1995), The Mummy Returns (2001), The Bourne Identity (2002), and Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005).
