Gbenga Akinnagbe Is Getting Tony Buzz For His 'To Kill A Mockingbird' Performance

March 26, 2019
285 Views

Nigerian-American actor, Gbenga Akinnagbe is a supremely talented performer, best known for his standout work on acclaimed TV shows, The Wire and The Deuce.

He recently took his gifts to the stage, making his Broadway debut in the Aaron Sorkin play, To Kill A Mockingbird. Adapted from Harper Lee’s novel of the same name, the show recently made history, becoming the highest-grossing American play in Broadway history.

(Photo: Broadway.com)

In the just-concluded play, Akinnagve played Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The role placed Akinnagbe center-stage while the various white residents of 1934 Maycomb, Alabama, accused him, defended him and, finally, condemned him. 

For Akinnagbe, portraying the character was political, and he recognized Robinson’s suffering in himself. His nuanced interpretation of the character is already earning him Tony buzz, with experts predicting a nomination (and win) for ‘Best Featured Actor in a Play’ at the 2019 Tonys.

Akinnagbe’s performance has been praised as “haunting”, and a Tony win would be a very big boost for his career. Not to mention he will be in good company, joining Cynthia Erivo and Sophie Okonedo as only the third actor of Nigerian descent to nab the prestigious award.

The 2019 Tony Award nominations will be revealed on April 30, 2019. 

(Photo: Broadway/To Kill A Mockingbird)

Tech and politics. Is there even a difference between the two?

You may be interested

AFCON 2025Q: New Boy Osho, Iheanacho, Start For Super Eagles Vs Benin Republic
Sports
Sports

AFCON 2025Q: New Boy Osho, Iheanacho, Start For Super Eagles Vs Benin Republic

Webby - November 14, 2024

The Super Eagles will line-up in a 3-4-3 formation in tonight’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Benin…

My Goal Was To Achieve Success With Ten Hag At Man United –De Ligt
Sports
Sports

My Goal Was To Achieve Success With Ten Hag At Man United –De Ligt

Webby - November 14, 2024

Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt has suggested Erik ten Hag didn’t get the breaks he needed to keep his job…

I Want To Take My Game To New Level –Lookman
Sports
Sports

I Want To Take My Game To New Level –Lookman

Webby - November 13, 2024

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has reiterated his commitment to take his game to the next level.The Nigerian international, who…

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.