Who Is Charles Okafor, One of Nollywood’s Legendary Actors?

Charles Okafor (born on 23rd July 1960; Age: 63 years old) is a Nigerian actor, producer, and director who rose to fame in 1999 with his role in the movie End of the Wicked. 

He is recognized as one of the veteran actors in Nollywood. Though now retired from acting, Charles Okafor was active in the Nigerian film industry for over two decades and played vital roles in over 200 movies. Read further to learn more about Charles Okafor’s private life, career journey as an actor, and what he is currently up to.

Charles Okafor is 63 Years Old and Hails From Umuleri in Anambra State

He was born Charles Izuchukwu Okafor on 23rd July 1960 and is currently 63 years old. Charles is a native of Umuatuolu Village of Ivite Umuleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, South-Eastern part of Nigeria.

The veteran actor flamboyantly celebrated his 61st birthday in 2021, and the ceremony was studded with Nollywood legends. He is the fourth child in a family of six children. Though born in his hometown in Umuleri, Charles grew up alongside his parents and siblings in the southwestern part of Nigeria, Lagos State precisely.

Charles Has a Master’s Degree in Political Science

Unlike some veteran Nigerian actors, Charles Okafor is a well-educated man. In Lagos, Nigeria, he received his primary and secondary education in Araromi Primary School One, Olodi in Apapa, and St. Gregory College Ikoyi, respectively. Upon completing his secondary education, Charles proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for his tertiary education.

From UNIPORT, Charles Okafor graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he decided to further his education. He got admission into the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations.

Charles Okafor Discovered His Acting Skills at an Early Age

Charles previously worked with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) after he graduated from the university. He worked there for a period of six years and voluntarily resigned. It was then that he decided to pursue a career in acting. Meanwhile, Charles had a passion for acting from a young age.

During his primary and secondary school days, he was actively part of the school drama, performing, and theatre arts and acted in many dramas and stage plays. Then, after he resigned from SEC, Charles Okafor joined the Nigerian film industry in 1996 and landed his first movie role in Domitilla.

The movie shot him into the limelight, attracted him to movie directors and producers, and opened doors for him to bag more prominent roles. Though his debut, his role in Domitilla earned him a nomination for the Africa Movie Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor

He Rose to Fame as an Actor in 1999

Following his debut, Charles Okafor took a few other minor roles and later rose to fame in 1999 after featuring in the blockbuster film End of the Wicked. His role in the movie, which is an occultic film, earned him an award at the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Charles is very skillful and creative in the interpretation of movie roles and can fit into any character assigned to him.

In movies, he mostly plays the role of a gentleman, title chief, royal king, traditional ruler, good husband, and loving father. Also, Charles usually acts alongside actors like Clem Ohameze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Pete Edochie, Kenneth Okonkwo, and other top Nollywood actors.

In addition, Charles Okafor is considered one of the influential actors in Nollywood, given that he tutors and promotes new talents and introduces them to producers, directors, and actors in the industry. Charles Okafor has simply contributed immensely to the growth of Nollywood.

In 2011, the Nigerian Federal Government honored him as a Member of the order of the Federal Republic (MFR). This is known to be the highest recognition and honor given to a Nigerian celebrity who has hugely contributed to the country’s economic growth and development through entertainment.

Charles Okafor’s Movies and TV Shows

During his acting career, Charles Okafor featured in over 300 Nollywood movies, some of which are listed below.

• Domitilla
• Rituals
• Oracle
• My Cross
• Not Your Wealth
• Lost Kingdom
• Igodo
• End of the Wicked
• Conspiracy
• Saving Alero
• Mothering Sunday
• Tenterhooks
• Dangerous Babe
• Street Life
• Two Bad Boys
• Naomi
• Slow Poison
• Shackles and the Rugged Cross
• Too Close for Comfort
• Reckless Babes
• Price of the Wicked
• No Nonsense
• King of the Forest
• Love Oh! Love
• Computer Girls
• Bleeding Love
• Abuja Boys
• Never Die for Love
• My Desire
• Sting
• Omalinze
• Super Hero
• Bless Me
• Friends and Lovers
• Blood Billionaires
• Executive Connection
• Another New Day
• Tomorrow Lives Again
• The World of Riches
• Test of Kindness
• Living With Death
• Last Challenge
• Boiling Point
• Between Love
• Across the River
• Ocean Deep
• Forest of Promises
• 93 Days
• Idahosa’s Trails

Where is Charles Okafor Now?

Recently, many have been asking where Charles Okafor is because he has been very scarce on our screens. Well, he is currently an ordained pastor preaching the word of God and winning souls for Christ.

At the peak of his career, Charles left acting and went into full-time evangelism. According to the actor, he received an urgent call from God to pursue the preaching of the Gospel of Christ, and he did not hesitate to answer the call.

However, even though he has retired from acting, Charles Okafor is one actor that can never be forgotten in Nigeria.

Charles Okafor is Married with Children

The actor-turned pastor is said to be a happily married man with lovely children. However, there is no single information available about who his wife or children are. For this, it seems the man of God leads a private life and intentionally keeps his family away from public knowledge.