Yvonne Nelson (born November 12, 1985)[1] is a Ghanaian actress, model, film producer and entrepreneur.[2] She has starred in several movies, including House of Gold (2013), Any Other Monday, In April, and Swings.[3][4][5]
Yvonne Nelson | |
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![]() Yvonne Nelson in Sisters at War in 2015 | |
Born | (1985-11-12) 12 November 1985 (age 37) Accra, Ghana |
Nationality | Ghanaian |
Alma mater | St. Martin De Porres, Aggrey Memorial Senior High School, Zenith University College and Central University |
Occupation | Actress, model, film producer and entrepreneur. |
Years active | 2000-present |
Children | 1 |
Yvonne Nelson was born in Accra, Ghana. She is of Fante and Ga descent. She started her education at St. Martin De Porres School in Accra[6] and later went to Aggrey Memorial Senior High School. She had her tertiary education at Zenith University College and Central University, where she did a degree course in human resource management.[7][8] She graduated from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) with a Masters Degree in International Relations and Diplomacy in 2020.[9]
Nelson, a former Miss Ghana contestant, accidentally began her career when she went to her favorite place to watch an audition and the producer asked if she would like to perform. He later acquired her number after she rejected the offer. Sheand featured in her first movie scene with big-screen roles in Princess Tyra in 2007 and Playboy in 2008.[6][10] She delved into movie production in 2011. Her first production was the movie The Price, which was released that same year.[6] She also produced Single and Married in 2012 and House of Gold in 2013.[11] The latter won Best Picture at the Ghana Movie Awards and Best Ghanaian Movie at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards.[12]
On October 29, 2017, Nelson gave birth to a daughter with her ex-boyfriend, Jamie Roberts.[13] The actress remained silent about rumors of her pregnancy until she announced the birth of her daughter through a WOW Magazine Cover. [14]
Nelson founded the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation in 2010[15] to help create awareness about the disease. With support from other Ghanaian celebrities, she recorded an all-star charity single and shot a video to help educate people. She also shot a video to help educate people about glaucoma.[12] As a result of her philanthropic activities particularly in glaucoma, she was honored by GoWoman Magazine and Printex for her foundation and film career.[16]
On May 17, 2015, Nelson took it upon herself, together with other celebrities, to add more voices to the masses in protests against the energy crisis in her country.[17] She led a peaceful vigil called DumsorMustStop on May 16, 2015. The hashtag #dumsormuststop is currently used on social media to amplify the concerns of Ghanaians with regards to the energy crisis.[18] Yvonne, known to be very vocal lately about political issues in the country lamented the lack of development in Ghana since the country attained her independence in 1957.[19] She told the BBC in an interview that she may consider running for political office in the future.[20] Actress Yvonne Nelson tweeted that she is looking forward to the day Ghanaians would refuse to vote in presidential elections to send a message to politicians.[21]
Yvonne Nelson was awarded a special award at the "MTN Heroes of Change" in recognition of her charity work in fighting glaucoma.[22]
Nelson has featured in over 100 movies, including:
![]() | This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (May 2016) |
Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards | Best Upcoming Actress | Princess Tyra | Nominated |
2009 | Joy Nite Fm Awards | Stars Best Actress | Won[27] | |
2010 | 2010 Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress - Supporting Role | The Game | Nominated |
Favorite Actress | Herself | Won | ||
6th Africa Movie Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Heart of Men | Nominated | |
2011 | 2011 Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress - Supporting Role | 4Play Reloaded | Nominated |
City People Awards | Best Ghanaian Actress | Won[27] | ||
2012 | 2012 Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress | Single & Married | Nominated |
Best Picture-Africa Collaboration | Nominated | |||
Best Picture | Won | |||
2013 | 2013 Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress | The Price | Nominated |
Glitz Magazine Fans Favorite Actress | Herself | Won | ||
City People Entertainment Awards | Hottest Ghanaian Actress in Nollywood | Herself | Won[citation needed] | |
2014 | 2014 Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress - Leading Role | Bachelors | Nominated |
2015 | 2015 Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress - Leading Role | If Tomorrow Never Comes | Won |
Best Picture | Nominated | |||
Favorite Actress | Nominated | |||
Glitz Style Awards | Most Stylish Movie Star | Herself | Won[28] | |
2016 | Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress | In April | Nominated[29] |
2018 | Ghana Movie Awards | Best Actress | Jungle Justice | Won[30] |