Majid Michel

Majid Michel is one of the most magnetic leading men Ghanaian cinema has produced, an actor whose intensity and charm made him a star across both Ghallywood and Nollywood before he turned, in later years, to preaching.

Early life

He was born on 22 September 1980 in Cantonments, Accra, the son of a Lebanese father and a Ghanaian mother, and grew up among nine siblings. He attended Mfantsipim School, the same institution that produced Kofi Annan and fellow actor Van Vicker, where he was active in the drama club.

Breakthrough

He worked as a model before acting, and broke through on the hugely popular television drama Things We Do for Love. His film debut in Divine Love, alongside Jackie Appiah, John Dumelo and Van Vicker, made him a household name and launched a generation of Ghanaian screen stars.

Nollywood and stardom

His talent quickly carried him into Nigeria's Nollywood, where he starred opposite the biggest names in African film, including a leading turn beside Genevieve Nnaji in Emerald. Known for playing charismatic, often morally complex characters, he became one of the most bankable actors on the continent.

Awards and faith

He was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards several times through the late 2000s and early 2010s, finally winning in 2012. In recent years he has become increasingly devoted to his Christian faith, working as an evangelist and speaking openly about how his beliefs now shape the roles he will accept.