Born in London to a Nigerian father and British mother, Sophie Okonedo never considered being an actress when she grew up, let alone an international star. A voracious reader all her life—a government official visiting the family’s home marveled at the large bookcase stocked with books—Okonedo got her start through a writing workshop she took with renowned novelist and playwright, Hanif Kureishi (My Beautiful Laundrette, My Son the Fanatic). Though she had no desire to be a writer, Okonedo took the course because it was something interesting to do at night. She soon realized, however, that she
Began her career onstage with the Royal Shakespeare Company
1991
Made film debut in Isaac Julian's "Young Soul Rebels"
1995
Had a small role opposite Jim Carrey as The Wachati Princess in "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls"; earned an MTV Movie Award nomination for the kiss she shared with Carrey
1997
Cast in a small role as the Jamaican Girl in "The Jackal," starring Bruce Willis and Richard Gere
1998
Gave a memorable performance as the brave, resourceful story-teller in “Arabian Nights” at The Young Vic in London
