Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje

22 Aug, 1967 | Islington, London, England

Actor

Biography

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is an English actor, solicitor and former fashion model. Early life Akinnuoye-Agbaje was born in Islington, London, England behind the firestation on Upper Street. His parents are from Nigeria, but moved to London, where he was born. He has four sisters and is fluent in several languages, including English, Italian, Yorùbá (the language of his parents\' ethnic group), and Swahili. He holds a Master of Laws from King\'s College London. The meaning of his name is broken down thus: Ade- the crown, wale- has come home, Akin- warrior, nuoye- of chieftaincy, Agbaje prosperity and wealth. Career Akinnuoye-Agbaje\'s first time on camera was in Dawn Penn\'s video for her 1994 hit, "No, No, No (You Don\'t Love me)". Around the same period, he appeared in the video for the Pet Shop Boys\' hit song "Jealousy" where he played the part of a roguish adulterer. He is known for portraying the criminal Simon Adebisi in the HBO prison series Oz, and Mr. Eko on ABC\'s survivor drama Lost. He has numerous film credits since he began acting in 1994 and has appeared in many top movies, including The Bourne Identity, in which he played a deposed African dictator. He has also stated that he will be directing a movie about his life story. Personal life Akinnuoye-Agbaje is a Buddhist and a fan of Arsenal F.C. He was arrested in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 2, 2006 for disobeying a police officer and operating a motor vehicle without a license. He was released after six hours] on $500 bail. On September 26, 2006 he was cleared of all charges after providing proof that he had a license. Those who have trouble pronouncing his name often call him "Triple A", while his family calls him "Wálé". At school, he was called "Wally Badger".