Akin Lewis, born in 1957 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is a celebrated Nigerian film and television actor, director, and producer. He grew up in Zaria, Kaduna State, and pursued education at the University of Ife and Sofia University.

Lewis’s acting journey began in 1973 when he joined a drama troupe led by the renowned dramatist Professor Bode Sowande. He first gained national attention with the role in the 1980 NTA Ibadan sitcom Why Worry, but his breakthrough came portraying the playboy “Emeka” in Koko Close, earning him Best Actor honours in 1982. His versatility spanned across stage and screen with notable appearances in Madam Dearest (2005), Tinsel (2008), and the critically acclaimed film Heroes and Zeroes (2010), for which he received the Audio Visual Awards (TAVA) Best Actor accolade.

Over a distinguished career exceeding four decades, Akin Lewis has taken on roles in major Nollywood features such as Silver Lining (2012), King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021), Soft Work (2020), The New Patriots (2020), and Your Excellency (2019), a political satire that became one of Nigeria’s top-grossing films of the year.

Akin Lewis’s sustained excellence and training, which he even celebrated 40 years on stage in 2013, are a testament to his dedication and influence in Nollywood.