Gideon Okeke
Gideon Okeke is a Nigerian actor, model and TV Presenter.[1][2] He came to the public eye in 2006 when he appeared as a contestant on the first edition of Big Brother Nigeria. In 2008, Gideon joined the cast of MNET TV series Tinsel on which he is a regular to date.[3]
Early life and education
An only child, Gideon grew up in Ajegunle, one of the slums of Lagos, a place he speaks so fondly of.[4] He attended Nnamdi Azikiwe University where he studied applied bio-chemistry. He later enrolled at the Lee Strasberg institute in New York where he obtained professional training in acting.[4]
Career
Television work
After appearing in the first edition of Big Brother Nigeria, Gideon joined the cast of M-NET daytime series Tinsel, as Phillip Ade Williams, the arrogant son of a media mogul.[5] He remains one of the longest serving actors on the show.[6] Gideon has also appeared on the South African TV series Jacobs cross.[6] In 2014, he played the role of Bernard in the irokotv series Poisoned Bait, directed by BAFTA LA award-winning director Leila Djansi. In addition, Gideon was the host of the DSTV game show Money Drop.[7]
Film
Gideon landed his first lead role in the Nigerian drama film Relentless in 2010, starring alongside Jimmy Jean-Louis and Nneka Egbuna.[8] His second lead role was in the 2014 crime thriller A Place in the Stars. In the same year, he played the role of Tobena, the love interest of the lead character in the romantic comedy When Love Happens. Other films to his credit include the caper crime comedy Gbomo Gbomo Express and the Ghanaian romantic drama Anniverssary. In 2016 he was cast in the drama thriller 93 Days. Starring alongside Danny Glover, Gideon received an AMVCA nomination for his portrayal of Dr Morris Ibeawuchi, one of the surviving doctors of the Nigerian Ebola crisis.[9][10]
Stage
Gideon has appeared on several stage productions including Fractures, an adaptation of Arthur Miller's A View From The Bridge.[11] He also played Fela Kuti in Fela.. Arrest The Music, a musical that celebrates the talent of the Nigerian Afrobeat legend.[12][13] Gideon is also a cast member of Saro The Musical 2, currently touring London.[14][15]
Personal life
Gideon is a single father to daughter born in March 2016.[16][17]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Relentless | Obi |
| 2014 | A Place in the Stars | Kim Dakim |
| 2014 | ...When Love Happens | Tobena |
| 2016 | 93 Days | Morris-Ibeawuchi |
| 2016 | Gbomo Gbomo Express | Francis |
References
- ^ "Gideon Okeke is Dapper & Outspoken in the New Fratres Styleman Series - "Africa is more elegant than sack cloth, animal skin or loin clothing" - BellaNaija". www.bellanaija.com.
- ^ Izuzu, Chidumga. "Gideon Okeke: 7 things you probably don"t know about talented "Tinsel" actor".
- ^ NJOKU, BENJAMIN. "I'm an ambitious actor – Gideon Okeke, of Tinsel fame".
- ^ a b "How Tinsel changed my story –Gideon Okeke". 12 October 2013.
- ^ "Africa Magic Official Website". Africa Magic Official Website.
- ^ a b Izuzu, Chidumga. ""Tinsel": Show celebrates 1500th episode".
- ^ "Gideon Okeke hosts the Money drop Nigeria - Vanguard News". 12 January 2013.
- ^ Okoi-Obuli, Wendy. "Review – Andy Okoroafor's 'Relentless' (Arthouse Exploration Of Contemporary Nigeria) - IndieWire". www.indiewire.com.
- ^ Izuzu, Chidumga. "Gideon Okeke: Actor is "Morris Ibeawuchi" in Steve Gukas" upcoming film "93 Days"".
- ^ "93 Days Top AMVCA Award Nominations List".
- ^ "Fractures: Gideon Okeke, Beverly Naya, Patrick Diabuah others to perform on stage -". 11 January 2017.
- ^ "Vanguard - Gideon Okeke: 'Fela's shoes are too big for me'".
- ^ "Gideon Okeke: 'Fela's shoes are too big for me' - Vanguard News". 7 January 2017.
- ^ "Bimbo Manuel, Gideon Okeke star join 'Saro The Musical 2' - Nigerian Entertainment Today - Nigeria's Top Website for News, Gossip, Comedy, Videos, Blogs, Events, Weddings, Nollywood, Celebs, Scoop and Games". 6 December 2014.
- ^ Izuzu, Chidumga. ""Fela! The Concert": Afrobeat Legend to come alive in Lagos with "foreign cast"".
- ^ "Actor Gideon Okeke Speaks On Fatherhood - Nigeriana.org News". nigeriana.org.
- ^ "What is Gideon Okeke trying to tell us about his daughter". 16 May 2015.