7 Hollywood Actors Who Have Featured in Nollywood Movies

Image:Instagram

As Nollywood continues to rise as a global film powerhouse, it has increasingly attracted the attention of international stars, including top actors from Hollywood. 

Over the years, several big names from the American movie industry have crossed over to feature in Nigerian films  either in full Nollywood productions or in cross-cultural collaborations. 

These appearances have helped elevate Nollywood’s global visibility while also giving fans a chance to see their favourite stars in African settings. Here are seven Hollywood actors who have featured in Nollywood movies:

1. Vivica A. Fox – A Trip to Jamaica (2016)

Vivica A. Fox, known for her roles in Kill Bill and Independence Day, made a surprising but exciting appearance in AY Makun’s hit comedy 

A Trip to Jamaica. The film, which starred Funke Akindele and AY himself, became a box office sensation in Nigeria.

 Vivica played the role of a wealthy American woman caught in a whirlwind of drama and culture clash. Her inclusion helped boost the movie's international appeal and symbolized the growing ties between Nollywood and Hollywood.

2. Kim Basinger – Amina (2012)

Oscar-winning actress Kim Basinger took a bold leap into Nollywood territory by starring in Amina, a psychological drama directed by Nigerian filmmaker Christian Ashaiku.

 She played the role of a psychiatrist helping a Nigerian woman navigate trauma. The film also featured Nollywood star Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. Kim’s involvement brought credibility to the film on an international level and showcased Nollywood's willingness to explore deep, emotional themes.

3. Akon – Black November (2012)

Though primarily known as a music star, Akon showed his acting skills in the socially charged film Black November, which tackled issues of oil exploitation and militancy in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.

 Directed by Jeta Amata, the movie was a fusion of Nollywood and Hollywood talents and featured a star-studded cast, including Vivica A. Fox, Kim Basinger, and Mickey Rourke. Akon’s participation added star power and attention from his global fan base.

4. Mickey Rourke – Black November (2012)

Hollywood veteran Mickey Rourke, known for The Wrestler and Iron Man 2, also appeared in Black November. 

He played a U.S. senator entangled in the political web of oil exploitation in Nigeria. Rourke’s gritty performance gave the movie a dramatic edge and solidified its place as one of the most ambitious Nollywood-Hollywood crossover films.

5. Eric Roberts – 30 Days in Atlanta (2014)

Eric Roberts, an Oscar-nominated actor and the brother of Julia Roberts, played a role in AY’s romantic comedy 30 Days in Atlanta. 

The film was shot partly in the United States and featured top Nigerian actors like Ramsey Nouah and Richard Mofe-Damijo. Roberts’ presence elevated the film’s status, helping it win international recognition and break local box office records.

6. Hakeem Kae-Kazim – Last Flight to Abuja (2012), Black November (2012)

Though of Nigerian descent, Hakeem Kae-Kazim built much of his career in Hollywood, appearing in films like Hotel Rwanda and the TV series 24. 

He returned to his roots by working on Nollywood films such as Last Flight to Abuja and Black November. His performances bridged both worlds and brought a polished, international flair to Nigerian productions.

7. Sarah Wayne Callies – Black Gold (2011)

Best known for her roles in Prison Break and The Walking Dead, Sarah Wayne Callies starred in Black Gold, another Nollywood-Hollywood collaboration directed by Jeta Amata. 

The film addressed oil exploitation in the Niger Delta and featured Nigerian actors alongside Billy Zane and Tom Sizemore. Sarah’s role added emotional weight and helped carry the film’s global environmental message.

These appearances underscore Nollywood’s growing global appeal and ability to attract top Hollywood names. As international collaborations continue to increase, the line between Hollywood and Nollywood keeps blurring, paving the way for a truly global African cinema.

#Nollywood

#NolywoodTimes 

#EntertainmentDaily