Chukwudi Iwuji Biography

Born in Nigeria, Chukwudi Iwuji moved to Ethiopia with his family when he was 10 years old. His parents became diplomats of the United Kingdom and sent Iwuji to boarding school in England at age 12. He went on to attend Yale University for economics, and later attended the Professional Theater Training Program at the University of Wisconsin in 2000.

A year later, Chukwudi found himself immersed in theatre, performing at the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he appeared in productions of Julius Caesar, Hamlet, The Merry Wives of Windsor, King Lear, and more. He continued his theatre career until 2016, when he found success in the film and television industry.

Having appeared in small guest roles on shows like Doctor Who in 2011, and Madam Secretary in 2016, Chukwudi was beginning to get a feel for the industry. His most notable television role came in 2018 with Sundance TV’s The Split as Zandar — after a 30-year absence from their father, a family of female divorce lawyers are forced to fix the past upon his return. He appeared on the show until 2022 when it came to an end. Soon after, Chukwudi landed the leading role of Clemson Murn on HBO’s Pacemaker. Despite the short first season, the show was a hit among DC fans and is in talks to return for a second season.

Appearing in Exam (2009) during his theatre run, Chukwudi returned to the film industry with John Wick: Chapter Two (2016), in the role of Akoni. He continued to take part in films such as Bikini Moon (2018), Daniel Isn’t Real (2019), and The Girl Who Got Away (2022), but found the most exposure in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) in the role of The High Evolutionary.

Chukwudi likes to joke about falling asleep during his hair and makeup process. Spending around 70 minutes each day on the set of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, he would often take the opportunity to nap, catching up on rest during filming.

Filmography:

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. (2023)
The Girl Who Got Away (2021)
News of the World (2020)
Shine Your Eyes (2020)
Daniel Isn’t Real (2019)
Rosy (2018)
Extent (2018)
Bikini Moon (2017)
National Theatre Live: Obsession (2017)
National Theatre Live: Hedda Gabler (2017)
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Barry (2016)
Fall to Rise (2014)
Exam (2009)