Sope Dirisu can hold a Shakespearean stage and throw a convincing punch in a gangster drama. In a few years, the British Nigerian actor has moved from supporting roles to leading parts in some of Britain’s most talked-about productions.
London roots
Dirisu was born in 1991 in London to Nigerian parents. His first name, Ṣọpẹ́, is Yoruba.
Early television
He built his career in British television, appearing in series including The Mill, Utopia, Humans, The Casual Vacancy, Siblings and Undercover.
Coriolanus
In 2017, he played the title role in Shakespeare’s Coriolanus at the Royal Shakespeare Company. His performance earned a commendation at the Ian Charleson Awards, which recognise young classical actors.
His House
In the horror film His House, he played Bol, a refugee from South Sudan trying to build a new life in England with his wife while being haunted by the past. He was nominated for Best Actor at the 2020 British Independent Film Awards.
Gangs of London
Since 2020, he has starred as Elliot Carter in the Sky Atlantic series Gangs of London, an undercover police officer caught inside a violent criminal empire. The role, with its intense fight scenes, brought him international attention.
Leading man
In 2022, he took the title role in a period drama film, showing his growth into a leading man.
Range
His roles span classical theatre, horror, action and drama. Critics often note his physical presence and emotional depth.
British Nigerian talent
Dirisu is part of a generation of British actors with Nigerian roots, following figures such as Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Oyelowo and John Boyega, who have found success on stage and screen.
Stage and screen
Many actors move from stage to screen and never return. Dirisu’s career has kept a foot in both, with theatre training that shows in his screen work.
Mr Malcolm’s List
In 2022, Dirisu played the title character in Mr Malcolm’s List, a Regency-era romantic comedy with a diverse cast. The role showed a lighter, more charming side of his acting after the violence of Gangs of London.
Physical preparation
Gangs of London is known for its long, brutal fight scenes. Dirisu trained intensively for the role, and the action sequences were praised as some of the most ambitious on British television.
A name to watch
Sope Dirisu’s rise has been steady rather than sudden. Each role has shown something new, and many in the industry expect his biggest parts are still ahead.
