Life story of actor Deyemi Okanlawon, movies, rise to stardom

Deyemi Okanlawon is a prominent Nigerian actor whose impact spans film, television, theatre, and voice acting.

Renowned as one of Nollywood’s most versatile performers, he earned the title of the highest-grossing Nollywood actor in both 2020 and 2021, according to Film One’s box office reports.

His standout performances in Netflix originals such as King of Boys: The Return of the King, Blood Sisters, Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman, and Lisabi: The Uprising, as well as blockbusters like Omo Ghetto: The Saga and Prophetess (2021), have cemented his status in the industry.

Profile summary

Name: Deyemi Okanlawon

Born: 19th April, 1981

Place of birth: Lagos

Education: University of Lagos

Relationship status: Married

Religion: Christianity

Career: Actor

Background

Born on 19th April, 1981 in Lagos State, Nigeria to Adeyemi Okanlawon, an aircraft engineer, and Adeyinka Okanlawon, a baker and entrepreneur, Deyemi’s creative journey began early.

He had his first acting experience at age five in a school play.

He attended Taikenny Nursery and Primary School and continued to International School, Lagos.

He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos and later earned a Certificate in Acting for Film from Delyork Creative Academy.

Path to Stardom

Deyemi’s passion for acting sparked early, with his first performance at age five in a school play.

By nine, he had already featured in a nationally syndicated TV commercial with veterans like Sola Sobowale and Kunle Bamtefa.

While studying at university, he joined drama groups, balancing the arts with academics.

His first feature film role came in 2011’s ZR-7: The Red House Seven. His early works in short films and web series like Blink, Gidi Up, and Knock Knock, quickly brought him into the spotlight.

After graduating from the University, he transitioned to full-time acting in 2013 and has since appeared in over 50 productions across various genres.

He gained wider acclaim with his roles in Omo Ghetto: The Saga, which grossed over ₦187 million, and Blood Sisters, Nigeria’s first Netflix original series.

He also featured in the critically acclaimed Yoruba-language film Elesin Oba, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Achievements

Since dedicating himself to the industry, Deyemi has featured in over 50 productions.

His accolades include nominations from the AMVCA, AMAA, AFRIFF, BON, and City People Awards. He is known for his genre-spanning roles, from drama and comedy to action and romance.

In 2015, he launched Covenant Entertainment Services, providing consultancy and management for film projects.

He later joined Silverbird Film Distribution, where he rose to become acting CEO during the 2020 pandemic, before returning to acting full-time.

In 2024, Deyemi made his producing debut with All’s Fair in Love, which starred Timini Egbuson and Buhle Samuels.

The romantic comedy grossed over ₦130 million and ranked as the second most-watched Nollywood film on Prime Video that year.

His follow-up production, Three Working Days, a heist thriller, premiered in October 2024 and starred industry heavyweights like Nancy Isime, Femi Adebayo, and Mike Ezuruonye.

Filmography

His portfolio includes notable roles in

• Gidi Up (Seasons 1 & 2)
• Blink
• Road to Yesterday
• Dinner
• The Royal Hibiscus Hotel
• Pandora’s Box
• The Devil in Between
• A Few Good Men
• Vanity’s Last Game
• Dowry
• If tomorrow never comes, among others.

Personal life

Deyemi married Damilola Okanlawon in January 2013, and together they have three sons.

Actor Deyemi Okanlawon with wife and children

Outside acting, he has worked in sales and marketing, including a stint as marketing manager and later acting CEO at Silverbird Film Distribution.

He is also trained in Shotokan Karate and enjoys swimming, biking, and playing the saxophone and guitar.

He is passionate about storytelling, marketing, and travelling.

Net worth

Deyemi Okanlawon’s estimated net worth currently stands between $1.5 million and $2 million, accrued from his acting career, production ventures, brand endorsements, and past corporate roles.