Editor's Review

In Kenya when you mention Hollywood, the first name that comes to mind is award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o. 

In Kenya when you mention Hollywood, the first name that comes to mind is award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o.

She is famed for her role in the movies; Black Panther and 12 Years A Slave which have made her a global sensation.

However, Lupita is not the only Kenyan who has made it to Hollywood. In fact, there are a number of actors who made it to the global film giant before her.

This article reviews 5 Kenyan actors who made it to Hollywood before Lupita Nyong’o:

Edi Gathegi

For those who have watched Blacklist and Black redemption, you probably know him as Matias Solomon. He was born in Nairobi’s Eastland area. He is one of the most established Kenyans in Hollywood and has featured in several top movies and series including; House, Gone Baby Gone, Twilight, Twilight Saga, X-Men, and Startup.


Raymond Ofula

He is one of the veteran actors in the country. When you mention his name, the first thing that comes to mind is his roles in local films, however, he also boasts of featuring in a number of Hollywood films that include; To Walk with Lions (1990), Lara Croft Tomb Raider; The Cradle of Life (2003) The Cradle of Life (2003) and Kaleidoscope (2009).


Lenny Juma

In addition to being an actor, Lenny is also a casting director. He has featured in several Hollywood movies that include; Mountains of the Moon (1990), Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003), and The Constant Gardener (2005).


Karara Muhoro

The Kenyan actor is known for his roles in Congo (1995), Phone Booth (2002) and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997).


Benjamin Alfred Onyango

He grew up in Nairobi’s Jericho estate. His mastery of Swahili has made him an asset at Hollywood. He is known for his roles in; Tears of the Sun (2003), God's not Dead (2014), and Beautifully Broken (2017).