Christian Ogbonna Chiwetalu Agu, professionally known as Chiwetalu Agu, was born on March 5th, 1956, in Enugu State, Nigeria. He is a highly esteemed and iconic figure in the Nigerian Nollywood industry, renowned for his talent as a veteran actor, comedian, and television personality. In addition to his successful career, he is also a beloved father and accomplished businessman."
Chiwetalu Agu
Real Name | Christian Ogbonna Chiwetalu Agu |
State of Origin | Enugu State |
Date of Birth | March 5th, 1956 |
Occupation(s) | Actor, Businessman |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife Name | Nkechi Agu |
Children | 5 children |
Known Name | Chiwetalu Agu |
Age | 67 years old (2023) |
Net Worth | $800,000 |
Chiwetalu Agu is widely recognized for his exceptional talent and has made a significant impact on the Nollywood film industry. In 2012, he received the prestigious Nollywood award for the "Best Actor in an Indigenous Movie" for his outstanding performance in a non-English speaking language.
One of the distinctive qualities of Chiwetalu Agu's on-screen persona is his ability to create memorable catchphrases and slangs. While some of his expressions may be considered vulgar, they are nevertheless hilarious and have become inside jokes among fans of Nollywood films.
Chiwetalu Agu is a highly versatile actor who has been active in the Nigerian entertainment industry for several decades. His career began during the time when Nigerian television soap operas were popular, before the emergence of Nollywood movies around 31 years ago.
In the early days, Agu appeared in notable television soap operas such as "Ikoro" on the Nigerian Television Authority Channel 8 Enugu, produced by Joe Onyekwelu. He also featured in shows like "Baby Come Now" and "Ripples," which were produced by Zeb, the brother of Chico Ejiro, and aired on ETV Channel 50 (now ESBS) in Lagos. In "Ripples," Agu portrayed the character of Chief Abunna.
Agu's educational background includes attending Municipal Council School and Saint Luke's Primary School in Ogui, where he completed his primary education. He later pursued his secondary education at the College of Immaculate Conception in Uwani. In 1977, he successfully obtained his WASSCE certificate. Continuing his academic journey, Agu went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Dramatic Arts from Munchen College in Germany in 1981.
Chiwetalu Agu began honing his acting skills from a young age. He fulfilled his mandatory one-year national service in Jos. After this, he performed numerous shows with his theatre group, the Inspirers Theatre Group, which he established in 1983. Agu also worked at NTA, a television station in Enugu, before deciding to pursue acting as his main career.
He has appeared in various films, including "Things Fall Apart," a movie adaptation of the famous novel by renowned author Chinua Achebe. Agu has also acted in "Sunrise," "Old School," and several other films.
Throughout his career, Agu has worked with famous actors such as Ireti Doyle, Patience Ozokwor (also known as Mama G), and Pete Edochie.
His talent and dedication to his craft have earned him recognition as a significant contributor to Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, by Professor Femi Shaka of the University of Port Harcourt.
Agu's work has been celebrated with various awards and nominations. One of his notable accolades includes winning the Best Actor in an Indigenous Movie award for his use of the Igbo dialect in the film "Nkwocha."
Chiwetalu Agu is happily married to Nkechi Agu. Nkechi, his devoted wife, is a native of Mbaise in Imo State. The couple is blessed with five children - three sons and two daughters. The names of two of their sons are Christian Agu and Emeka Agu, while the names of their daughters remain unknown.
Their love story began in Lagos. Chiwetalu's close relative, Jeffrey Agu, a former police officer, noticed Nkechi at a Pentecostal church in Olodi, Apapa, where he had gone for worship. On returning home, he suggested to Chiwetalu that he had found a potential wife for him. This suggestion came after Chiwetalu had turned down numerous suggestions for a suitable wife. He had sought spiritual guidance in choosing a wife, but none of the suggestions had been deemed suitable.
However, everything changed when he met Nkechi. He was instantly smitten by her and wasted no time in bringing her to his home in Idumota. Within a month of their meeting, Nkechi became pregnant. Initially, she was worried that Chiwetalu might deny responsibility, as was common with some young men. However, Chiwetalu surprised her with his reaction. He was overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a father and reassured Nkechi of his commitment to her and their unborn child. He promised to celebrate her and their child.
Today, they are proud parents of five children - three sons and two daughters. Chiwetalu has often expressed his gratitude for his wife's hard work and dedication to their family.
Chiwetalu Agu has received recognition and accolades for his outstanding performances in various movies. Here are some notable awards and nominations he has received:
1. Nollywood Movie Awards (2012):
- Nominated for Best Actor in the Indigenous Movie category for his role in "Nkwocha."
- Won the award in this category.
2. Zulu African Film Academy Awards (ZAFAA London) (2011):
- Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Maidens."
3. African Movie Academy Awards (2008):
- He received a nomination for the Best Supporting Actor award for his outstanding performance in the movie "Across the Niger."
In addition to these nominations and awards, Chiwetalu Agu has also been honored with the Most Popular Actor Award from the Catholic Church of Nigeria.
Last Ofalla
Taboo
Things Fall Apart
Ripples
Return of Justice By Fire
Traditional Marriage
Fire on the Mountain
Price of the Wicked
Dr. Thomas
The Priest Must Die
The Price of Sacrifice
The Catechist
Police Recruit
Sunrise
Old School
Honorable
Sounds of Love
Nkwocha
Across the Niger
The Plain Truth
Sounds of Love
Church Man
Holy Anger
Evil Twin
Beauty and the Beast
Royal Messengers
Royal Destiny
Burning kingdom
The Maidens
Battle of the Gods
The Wedding Party
Chiwetalu Agu is well-known for his memorable phrases, clichés, and hilarious slang.
Some of them include;
1. "Ekwensu eh romance mamiwater"
2. "Oteluba Otelose"
3. "Buru isi mu tinye n'ike nwanyi"
4. "Agwomu aju bunye ike nwanyi"
5. "Nkoli akolia n'elu kolia n'ala"
Chiwetalu Agu, a Nigerian actor known for his comedic roles in Nollywood movies, has been involved in two notable controversies. In one instance, he made comments suggesting that sexual harassment is a widespread issue within the Nollywood industry. This caused some controversy and discussion among the public.
In another incident in 2021, Chiwetalu Agu was arrested by soldiers in Onitsha, Anambra, on allegations of supporting IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra), a separatist group. This arrest generated attention and raised questions about his involvement with the organization.
Chiwetalu Agu is believed to have a net worth of approximately $800,000. This indicates the total value of his assets and financial worth, which includes his earnings from acting and other business endeavors.
Instagram: You can find him on Instagram at @chiefchiwetaluagu.
Facebook: His Facebook page is simply named "Ciwetalu Agu."
Twitter: You can follow him on Twitter using the handle @aguchiwetalu.
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