Benjamin Onyango Biography
Benjamin Onyango is a Kenyan born actor who has made a mark in Hollywood. His full name is Benjamin Alfred Onyango Ochieng. Onyango grew up in a simple neighborhood and later moved to the United States to chase his dreams. He is known for playing strong roles in movies that touch on faith and human struggles. His most famous part is Reverend Jude in the Gods Not Dead series, where he says the line God is good all the time. This phrase has touched many people around the world.
Onyango’s story shows how hard work and belief can lead to success. He started in Kenya with basic jobs and education. Then he went to America for more studies and found his love for acting. Over the years, he has appeared in action films, dramas, and voice work for games. His journey from East Africa to California highlights the mix of cultures in his life. As a Luo from Siaya County, he brings real African experiences to his roles.
Benjamin Onyango Early Life
Benjamin Onyango spent his childhood in Nairobi, Kenya. He was born into a family of seven brothers on May 18, 1960. His birthplace was Ofafa Jericho Estate, a busy area in Eastlands. This neighborhood shaped his young years with its lively East African culture. Streets filled with games and stories taught him about community and strength.
His parents were Christopher Ochieng and Eudiah Achieng Ochieng. They raised him with Luo values from Ugenya in Siaya County. Luo traditions include music and proverbs, which helped him learn languages like Swahili. These skills later aided his acting career. Growing up, Onyango faced common challenges in Kenya, such as limited money and tough school tests. He once failed a primary exam, but this setback built his resolve.
As a boy, he played in the streets and learned from family tales. His home life focused on unity and hard work. Being the second oldest brother meant helping with chores and supporting siblings. Nairobi’s Eastlands offered a mix of joy and hardship, with markets and friends nearby. Onyango often recalls how these experiences made him value simple things.
Benjamin Onyango Education
Onyango’s school journey began in Kenya and led to the United States. He started at Ofafa Jericho Primary School in Nairobi. Later, he went to Ofafa Jericho Secondary School. These places gave him basic knowledge and life lessons.
At 18 years old, in 1978, he joined British American Tobacco Kenya Ltd, or BAT. He worked there for seven years. First, he did general tasks, then became a clerk in the wages department for four years. After that, he moved to the computer department for two years. This job sparked his interest in technology.
He studied Management Information Systems at United States International University in Nairobi. To advance, he transferred to the same university in San Diego, California. Finally, he attended California State University, Stanislaus in Turlock. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in 1992.
Benjamin Onyango Career
After graduating in 1992, Onyango moved to Hollywood, California. He studied music and acting there. He joined a funk rock band called P.F.O. for a few years. Then, he focused on acting full time.
His career started in 1999 with TV roles. He appeared in General Hospital, The Shield, and The X Files. These parts built his experience. In 2003, he got a big break in Tears of the Sun as Colonel Emanuel Okeze, acting with Bruce Willis. This action film showed his skill in serious roles.
Onyango became famous for faith based movies. In 2014, he played Reverend Jude in Gods Not Dead. He repeated the role in Gods Not Dead 2 in 2016, Gods Not Dead: A Light in Darkness in 2018, and Gods Not Dead: We the People in 2021. His line God is good all the time became popular. People ask about his famous line. It comes from these films and reflects his own beliefs.
Other key films include Beautifully Broken in 2018 as William Mwizerwa, a story about Rwanda. He also starred in Heavenly Deposit in 2019 as Nigel, Freshman Year in 2019 as Chukwumah, and Where The River Divides in 2023 as Baba Dennis. A upcoming project is My Friend as James Ellis, date to be set.
Here is a list of some of his works:
- 1999: The X Files (TV series) as Second African Man
- 2003: Tears of the Sun (Film) as Colonel Emanuel Okeze
- 2004: The Terminal (Film) as African Man with Wife and Child
- 2005: The Shield (TV series) as Store Clerk
- 2006: General Hospital (TV series) as Father
- 2007: The Anatolian (Film) as Security Officer
- 2008: The Disciple (Film) as Doctor
- 2008: American Crude (Film) as Toomy
- 2008: Kwame (Short film) as Kwame Opoku
- 2009: Chains (Short film) as Buhle
- 2009: Resident Evil 5 (Video game) as Majini (voice)
- 2010: Thunder Chance (Short film) as General
- 2010: Mind Tricks (Short film) as Joe Manning
- 2011: Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (Film) as Majini
- 2011: Curse of Devils Mountain (Short film) as Mr. Dean
- 2011: Boscos Guitar (Short film) as Radio Announcer and Male Attackers (voice)
- 2012: Chapter One (Short film) as Mao Aka Bendrix
- 2013: MISSInformed (Short film) as Father
- 2013: Trusts and Estates (Documentary short) as Waiter
- 2014: Gods Not Dead (Film) as Reverend Jude
- 2014: Default (Film) as Edward
- 2014: Hollywood Street (Film) as Salem
- 2015: The Boy (Short film) as The Healer
- 2015: The Other Tribes (Film) as Onyango
- 2015: The Black Pot (TV series) as Guest
- 2016: Madame Esmeralda and the Audition (Film) as Benvolio
- 2016: Gods Not Dead 2 (Film) as Reverend Jude
- 2016: Dysfunctionally Organized (TV series) as Street Preacher
- 2016: Road to Redemption (Film) as Tribal Councilman 2
- 2017: Oscar (Film) as Samuel Braxton
- 2017: Father Africa (Film) as Dr. Haki
- 2018: Gods Not Dead: A Light in Darkness (Film) as Reverend Jude
- 2018: Beautifully Broken (Film) as William Mwizerwa
- 2018: A Minor Variation (Short film) as Figs
- 2019: Godforsaken (Film) as Ezekiel
- 2019: Freshman Year (Film) as Chukwumah
- 2019: Heavenly Deposit (Film) as Nigel
- 2019: The Wives (TV series) as Otieno
- 2021: Gods Not Dead: We the People (Film) as Reverend Jude
- 2023: Where The River Divides (Film) as Baba Dennis
- TBD: My Friend (Film) as James Ellis
As a voice actor, he worked on Inception in 2010, Furious 7 in 2015, and others. He also writes scripts. Credits include The Wives TV series, Dysfunctionally Organized web series, and films like Cheza.
Beyond acting, Onyango narrates audiobooks for Tantor Media. He speaks on motivation and taught children with autism for 15 years. In 2025, he shares Christian messages on social media, like Sons Manifest 2025. A new project, Mae KAKICHALO, is coming soon.
Benjamin Onyango Personal Life
Onyango keeps much of his personal life private. He holds strong Christian faith, which shows in his roles and talks. He often visits Kenya to connect with family and roots in Siaya County.
He spent 15 years teaching kids with autism. This work stems from his passion for helping others. It adds to his role as an inspirational figure.
Onyango blends Kenyan and American ways in daily life. His Luo heritage influences his views on community and resilience. He shares messages of hope online.
Conclusion
Benjamin Onyango’s biography tells a story of growth from Kenya to Hollywood. Born in 1960, he overcame early challenges through education and determination. His career spans TV, films, and voice work, with standout roles in faith films.
His life shows how culture and belief drive success. Onyango inspires by sharing his journey. In 2025, he remains a voice for positivity.
FAQs
What is Benjamin Onyangos famous line?
It is God is good all the time from the Gods Not Dead series.
Who is Benjamin Onyango?
He is a Kenyan born actor in Hollywood, known for Tears of the Sun and faith films.
Where is Benjamin Onyango from?
He is from Nairobi, Kenya, with Luo roots in Siaya County.
What movies has Benjamin Onyango been in?
See the career list, including Gods Not Dead and Beautifully Broken.
How did Benjamin Onyango become an actor?
After studying in the US, he moved to Hollywood in 1992 to pursue acting.
What is Benjamin Onyango doing now?
In 2025, he works on new films and shares inspirational content online.