Owiso Odera Biography
Owiso Odera was a talented actor who made his mark in television, film, and theater. Born in Sudan but raised in Kenya, he moved to the United States to pursue his dreams. His work showed the strength of African stories in global entertainment. Odera became known for roles that brought depth and culture to screens and stages. He played Papa Tunde in The Originals, a role that fans remember well. His life story teaches about hard work and cultural pride. This biography looks at his journey from a young boy in Africa to a respected performer in Hollywood. It also covers his sudden death in 2016, which shocked many. Through his roles, Odera opened doors for other Kenyan actors like Lupita Nyong’o and Edi Gathegi. His story inspires people who dream big despite challenges.
Odera started in small parts but grew into memorable characters. He mixed his Kenyan roots with American training. This made his acting unique. People admired his skill in drama and mystery shows. His family background in philosophy shaped his thoughtful approach to roles. Odera lived in Santa Monica, California, at the time of his passing. His career lasted over a decade, with credits in popular series.
Owiso Odera Early Life
Owiso Odera was born on March 19, 1973, in Khartoum, Sudan. His parents were from Kenya. His father, Henry Odera Oruka, was a famous philosopher who started sage philosophy. His mother, Millicent Obaso, supported the family. Odera had siblings named Sheila, Sharon, and half-brothers Peter and Roney. The family faced political issues in Sudan, so they returned to Kenya when Odera was young.
In Kenya, Odera grew up in Nairobi. He went to Visa Oshwal Primary School in Westlands. Later, he attended St. Mary’s School in Nairobi. There, he finished high school around 1991. His father’s work in academia exposed him to ideas about African thought and culture. This likely sparked his interest in stories and performance. As a child, Odera showed talent in arts, though he first studied other fields. Living in Kenya taught him about resilience and community. These values stayed with him as he moved abroad. His early years built a strong base for his future in acting. Family ties remained important throughout his life. Odera’s Sudanese birth and Kenyan upbringing made him part of the African diaspora. This background added richness to his roles later on.
Growing up, Odera enjoyed music and technology. These hobbies showed his curious mind. His parents encouraged education and exploration. The move from Sudan to Kenya was a key event in his young life. It showed him the world beyond one place.
Owiso Odera Education
Odera took his studies seriously. After high school at St. Mary’s School in Nairobi, he earned a scholarship to study in the United States. He attended Earlham College from 1992 to 1996. There, he focused on computer science. This choice showed his interest in technology. He called himself a tech geek in some profiles. But his passion shifted to acting.
In 2005, Odera graduated from the University of California, San Diego. He earned a Master of Fine Arts in Acting. This program trained him in performance skills. It was a big change from computer science. The training helped him understand characters deeply. His analytical skills from earlier studies aided his acting. Odera learned to blend logic with emotion in roles.
At UC San Diego, he worked on theater projects. These built his resume. The move to acting showed his bravery. He left a stable field for a creative one. Education gave him tools to succeed in Hollywood. It also connected him to other artists. Odera’s path from Kenya to US schools highlights opportunities for international students. He overcame barriers like culture shock. His degrees proved his dedication. This section shows how learning shaped his career.
Owiso Odera Career
Odera began acting after graduate school. He started with small roles in television. In 2006, he appeared in Numbers and The Unit. These were guest spots that introduced him to viewers. He faced challenges as an African actor in Hollywood. Typecasting was common, but he pushed through.
His film work included Relative Obscurity in 2007. He starred with Larisa Oleynik. In 2008, he played in The Thirst: Blood War. His last film was The Brothers Grimsby in 2016, with Sacha Baron Cohen. These roles showed his range in action and comedy.
On television, Odera had many credits. He was in Dirt from 2007 to 2008. In 2009, he appeared in Three Rivers and FlashForward. The Good Wife featured him in 2010. He played in Unforgettable in 2011, NCIS: Los Angeles in 2012, Blue Bloods in 2013, and The Millers in 2013. His role as Papa Tunde in The Originals in 2014 was a highlight. Papa Tunde was an ancient witch in the show. Fans loved his powerful performance. In 2015, he was in Madam Secretary and Minority Report.
Odera excelled on stage too. He earned a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Our Lady of Kibeho in 2014 to 2015. He performed in Samuel J. and K. at Williamstown Theatre Festival. Unexplored Interior was another key play at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. His stage work explored African themes and identity.
His career mixed TV, film, and theater. He brought African perspectives to roles. Odera avoided stereotypes by choosing diverse parts. He collaborated with writers like Katori Hall. His work boosted visibility for Black African actors. Odera’s versatility shone in drama, procedural, and supernatural genres. He represented Kenya well in global media. This career section lists his main works:
- Television shows: Numbers (2006), The Unit (2006), Dirt (2007-2008), Three Rivers (2009), FlashForward (2009), The Good Wife (2010), Unforgettable (2011), NCIS: Los Angeles (2012), Blue Bloods (2013), The Millers (2013), The Originals (2014), Madam Secretary (2015), Minority Report (2015).
- Films: Relative Obscurity (2007), The Thirst: Blood War (2008), The Brothers Grimsby (2016).
- Stage plays: Our Lady of Kibeho (2014-2015), Samuel J. and K., Unexplored Interior.
Odera’s roles often dealt with spirituality and history. He added depth to each character. His career grew steadily until his death.
Owiso Odera Personal Life
Odera kept his personal life private. He married Nicole Comp. They met in New York. The couple had no children. At his death, they lived in Santa Monica, California.
He enjoyed music and technology. These interests balanced his acting work. Odera supported Kenyan causes, inspired by his father’s philosophy. He stayed connected to his family in Kenya. Siblings included Roney, Sheila, Sharon, Milly, and Peter. His mother, Millicent Obaso, outlived him.
Odera lived quietly away from fame. He focused on his craft and loved ones. His marriage to Nicole was a source of support. They moved to California for better opportunities. This personal side showed a man who valued balance. He avoided public scandals. His life reflected humility and dedication.
Conclusion
Owiso Odera’s life ended too soon on November 3, 2016. He collapsed during a rehearsal for Detroit ’67 at Actors Theatre of Louisville in Kentucky. Efforts to revive him failed. The cause of death was not shared by his family. He was 43 years old.
His death canceled the play. Tributes came from actors, directors, and fans. Kenyan leaders like Raila Odinga offered condolences. Memorials honored his talent. Odera’s legacy lives on. He paved the way for African actors in Hollywood. His roles inspired diversity in media. Shows like The Originals keep his memory alive. Odera showed that talent crosses borders. His story encourages young performers from Africa. Though gone, his impact remains strong.
In summary, Odera’s biography is one of achievement and loss. From Khartoum to stages worldwide, he shared his gift. His family and fans remember him fondly. This article educates on his contributions. Readers can appreciate his role in entertainment history.
FAQs
Who was Owiso Odera?
Owiso Odera was a Sudanese-born Kenyan actor known for TV roles like Papa Tunde in The Originals.
Where was Owiso Odera born?
He was born in Khartoum, Sudan, on March 19, 1973.
Who were Owiso Odera’s parents?
His father was philosopher Henry Odera Oruka, and his mother was Millicent Obaso.
When did Owiso Odera start acting?
He began after earning his MFA in 2005, with early roles in 2006.
What awards did Owiso Odera win?
He received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Our Lady of Kibeho in 2015.
What is Owiso Odera best known for?
He is best known for playing Papa Tunde in The Originals.
What are Owiso Odera’s TV shows?
His shows include The Originals, Dirt, The Good Wife, Madam Secretary, and more.
What movies did Owiso Odera appear in?
He was in The Brothers Grimsby, The Thirst: Blood War, and Relative Obscurity.
Who was Owiso Odera’s wife?
He was married to Nicole Comp.
Did Owiso Odera have children?
No children are mentioned in records.
How did Owiso Odera die?
He collapsed during a stage rehearsal on November 3, 2016, and could not be revived. The cause was not disclosed.
When did Owiso Odera die?
He died on November 3, 2016.
What is Owiso Odera’s legacy?
He inspired Kenyan actors and promoted diversity in entertainment.