Olarotimi Michael Fakunle stands as a prominent Nigerian actor, theatre director, and producer with more than 25 years in the industry. Known initially as a stage performer, he gained widespread recognition through his powerful role in Gangs of Lagos (2023). His path from early struggles to stardom highlights dedication and skill in character portrayal.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Olarotimi Michael Fakunle |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Place of Birth | Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Ogun State |
| Partner | Married |
| Children | Jasmine Olarotimi (daughter); Multiple sons |
| Occupations | Actor, Theatre Director, Producer, Acting Coach, Voice-over Artist, Choreographer |
| Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million USD |
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Olarotimi Fakunle spent key childhood years at Lafenwa Barracks due to his father’s military posting. This setting instilled discipline that later defined his professional ethic. Surrounded by animals through his mother’s influence, he first dreamed of veterinary work, a interest that endured.
His arts path emerged in secondary school after his mother steered him from sciences. At Lafenwa High School, he excelled in poetry recitals, earning consistent awards. Training started in 1996-1997 at Lagos’ National Centre for Arts and Culture, where he learned dance, percussion, and choreography from experts like Victor Thompson and Shuaib Oseni. His debut professional show occurred in 1999 at the National Stadium.
Through odd jobs, he funded a Diploma in Theatre and Television Production at Lagos State University (2003-2006), later earning a degree. Mentorship from Wole Oguntokun shaped his theatre foundation.
Career
Fakunle’s theatre work built his reputation as a skilled performer before films. He took key roles in classics like Elesin Oba in Wole Soyinka’s Death and The King’s Horseman, Brother Jero in Soyinka plays, Lakunle in The Lion and The Jewel, and Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s The Gods Are Not to Blame.
In 2007, he co-founded the Theatre Art Terra Project with Wole Oguntokun, directing multiple shows until 2009. International milestones included Shakespeare’s Globe in London (2012-2013) and Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2013-2014), where he won the Spirit of the Fringe Award.
He entered Nollywood with roles in Omoye (2017, Baba Super), Ajoche (2018, Agaba), Last Days (2018, Pastor Fred), Paper Boat (2019, Osaro), Run (2019, Sura), and Riona (2020, Aso). Despite credits, he faced rejections and depression, crediting his dogs for support during tough times.
Gangs of Lagos (2023, Kazeem) marked his breakthrough; he prepared by training as a butcher. The Amazon Prime hit boosted his profile. Recent roles feature Recall (2024, Goke), Slum King (2023, Imole), Madam Koi-Koi (2023), Our Father (2024), and Lisabi: A Legend Is Born (2025, Ogunlana) on Netflix.
Personal Life
Olarotimi Fakunle married in 2019 after knowing his wife for over two decades. They have three children, including daughter Jasmine Olarotimi who acted with him in Riona. He owns over 13 dogs, enjoys football, films, whiskey, and music from Ebenezer Obey to Burna Boy.
Filmography
Feature Films and Television
- Omoye (2017) – Baba Super
- Ajoche (2018) – Agaba
- Last Days (2018) – Pastor Fred
- Paper Boat (2019) – Osaro
- Run (2019) – Sura
- Riona (2020) – Aso
- Gangs of Lagos (2023) – Kazeem
- Slum King (2023) – Imole, Baale of Oro Lede
- Madam Koi-Koi (2023) – The Oba
- The Origin (2024)
- Recall (2024) – Goke
- Our Father (2024)
- Lisabi: A Legend Is Born (2025) – Ogunlana
- Labake Olododo (2025)
Awards and Nominations
Major Awards
- Spirit of the Fringe Award (2013-2014) – Edinburgh Fringe Festival
Notable Nominations
- Septimius Awards (2025) – Best African Actor (Recall)
- Festival Award (2019) – Best Supporting Actor (Last Days)
Net Worth
Olarotimi Fakunle’s net worth falls between $500,000 and $1.2 million USD. This range reflects earnings from high-profile Nollywood films on Netflix and Amazon Prime, plus income from acting coaching, directing, and voice-over work following his breakthrough roles.
Fakunle excels beyond acting as a theatre director, producer, acting coach at places like KAP Film Academy, voice-over artist, and creative consultant.
