2025 Week 41 Man Crush Monday - Akin Lewis

If there’s one name that defines longevity and professionalism in Nollywood, it’s Akin Lewis. Born in 1957 in Ibadan, Oyo State, and raised in Zaria, Kaduna State, Lewis began acting at age 16. Right from the start, his passion for the art outshone everything else — and it’s been on display ever since. He joined his first amateur drama group in 1973, eventually breaking through with memorable roles on TV series like Why Worry and Koko Close, where he quickly became a household name in the 1980s.

Over the years, he’s shown remarkable versatility — playing everything from playboys to patriarchs in marquee projects such as Madam Dearest, Heroes and Zeroes, the political satire Your Excellency, and the action-driven Soft Work. In 2010, he earned a prestigious Audio Visual Award (TAVA) for Best Actor, solidifying his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected thespians.

But Akin Lewis isn’t just about fame. He prides himself on discipline and professionalism, approaching every role as a unique challenge. Even with decades under his belt, he believes acting is never “easy” — every character requires study, emotion, and authenticity. He’s also earned academic recognition, boasting a Master’s degree (with specialization in acting and directing) and even a PhD, underscoring his deep commitment to the craft.

On balancing fame with personal life, Lewis keeps his feet firmly on the ground. He says he never “takes work home,” always ensuring he’s present as a husband, father, and mentor. Even with numerous decades in the spotlight, he refuses to consider retirement, arguing that acting isn’t something you leave behind — it’s something that evolves with time.

Choosing acting as a career in the 1970s meant working mostly for passion, not pay — and Lewis remembers those early days fondly. That foundation shaped his view of the industry: creativity should always come first. But he also recognizes how Nollywood has transformed over the decades, evolving from small, passionate productions into a global entertainment powerhouse. Through all those changes, Lewis’ focus has never wavered: deliver quality, stay grounded, and let the work speak for itself.

QUICK FACTS

Career span: 50+ years in acting, directing, and producing.

National spotlight: Began in 1980 with Why Worry.

Awards: Best Actor, TAVA Awards (2010).

Education: Master’s — top honors; PhD in theatre arts.

Recent work: Appears in major titles like The Benefactor, Throne of Ashes (A stage play in London), Iwo, Freedom Way, Turning Point, and lot more.