Introducing Chukwudi Iwuji

Stage, screen and film actor Chukwudi Iwuji is as articulate as he is talented. Born to Nigerian parents, he studied Economics at Yale before embarking on a succesful acting career.

Chukwudi is an Associate Member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, having played numerous lead roles, including Hamlet and Tamburlaine. He has starred alongside Emma Thompson and Sir Anthony Hopkins in King Lear, Eddie Redmayne in Day of the Jackal, Keanu Reeves in John Wick and Chris Pratt and Bradley Cooper in Guardians of the Galaxy. I first saw him in The Split as the dashing Zander Hale. I roared at the screen, along with many thousands, I’m sure, as his on-screen husband double-crossed his character. Chukwudi has a beautiful smile and exudes charm on screen. And now, having spent time with him, I can say with absolute certainty that his charm is not an act but part of who he is.

Although I had watched him on screen for many years, I didn’t know Chukwudi; I was introduced to him by his brother Odiri. As you’ll hear in this podcast, Odiri and I met at an airport bar, and, as is my habit, I struck up a conversation. Odiri also has a big smile and an easy disposition, and before long, we got into various subjects, including our respective lives and families. Having shared my various projects, including my podcast, I wasn’t expecting much more than cursory interest, but the Iwuji’s, as I’ve come to know, do not do cursory things - they do wholehearted committed things and true to his word, Ordiri introduced me to Chukwudi who immediately agreed to be a guest on my show, and I am so very glad he did.

What followed was a conversation of great depth and character. Chukwudi shares his insights on the profound impact of relationships in shaping his identity and career. He reflects on the influence of his parents, the inspiration drawn from Paul Newman, and the pivotal role of his English teacher, Miss Brewis, in nurturing his love for literature and acting. Through personal anecdotes, he emphasises the importance of gratitude, mentorship, and the desire to honour those who have shaped his life. He also reflects on the profound influences in his life, particularly focusing on the impact of his mentor, Sir Michael Boyd. There's a particularly heartfelt tribute to his sister's dedication to oncology and how his family's support has shaped his identity as an actor and a father.

And talking of fathers, the format of my podcast asks one last question: “Who should I speak to next and why?” Chukwudi nominated his dad, Eleazar. I have since interviewed Eleazar, and it is clear to me now why the Iwuji clan are so accomplished. And let’s just list those accomplishments. Odiri is the founder of a digital information company specialising in content licensing to the film industry. His sister Nne Nne is the first black British High Commissioner for the Foreign Office. And then there’s Chinenye, an esteemed Oncologist. All this from their father, who didn’t get his first pair of shoes until he was 14 but went on to a long and illustrious career in the United Nations.

As a family, they are bonded by their faith, commitment to education, and service to others. Sadly, the oldest of the Iwuji siblings died in 2000, and Dorothy, Eleazar’s wife and childhood sweetheart, passed away in 2009. But had I met them, I would recognise the same curiosity and drive that the rest of their clan possess, and, of course, that beautiful Iwuji smile.

It was an absolute pleasure to interview Chukwudi, and I hope you enjoy this podcast. He has the most remarkable speaking voice, and if you watch him on YouTube, you can see what I mean by that smile!

Enjoy!