Cyril Ikechukwu Nri, born April 25, 1961, in Nigeria, is a celebrated Nigerian-born English actor best known for his role as Superintendent Adam Okaro in the long-running ITV drama The Bill. With a career spanning over four decades, he has showcased his versatility on television, film, and stage, earning a reputation as one of the most respected Black British actors in the UK.
Beyond television fame, Cyril Nri has made a lasting mark in theater with the Royal Shakespeare Company, appearing in classics like Hamlet and Julius Caesar. In recent years, he gained global recognition for portraying Lord Danbury in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023). His ability to embody diverse characters, paired with his impact as an openly gay Black actor, highlights his legacy as both a performer and a cultural trailblazer.
Key Fact
| Key Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cyril Ikechukwu Nri |
| Birth Date | April 25, 1961 |
| Birth Place | Nigeria |
| Age (2025) | 64 years |
| Nationality | Nigerian-born British (English) |
| Family Background | Igbo (father’s side), mother from Barbados |
| Education | Holland Park School; Bristol Old Vic Theatre School |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters) |
| Weight | Approximately 74 kg (163 lbs) |
| Body Measurement | 40-16-16 inches |
Early Life of Cyril Nri
Cyril Ikechukwu Nri was born on April 25, 1961, in Nigeria to a father of Igbo descent and a mother from Barbados. His family fled Nigeria in 1968 amid the Nigerian Civil War, eventually settling in Portugal before moving to London, England. From a young age, Cyril displayed a keen interest in the performing arts, which would later shape his path toward acting and theater.
He attended Holland Park School in London, where he actively participated in school plays and drama programs, nurturing his passion for acting. Later, he honed his craft at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in television, film, and stage. These formative experiences gave Cyril the skills and confidence to pursue a lifelong career in performance arts.
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Full name/Real name:
Cyril Ikechukwu Nri
Birth date/Birth place:
Born on April 25, 1961, in Nigeria
Family background:
His family is from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. They left Nigeria in 1968 during the Nigerian Civil War. Nri moved initially to Portugal as a child and later to London.
School/University:
He attended Holland Park School and later trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Career Journey of Cyril Nri
Cyril Nri began his professional acting career after training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, quickly establishing himself as a versatile and talented performer. His breakthrough role came as Superintendent Adam Okaro in the long-running ITV police drama The Bill, earning him recognition as a leading Black actor on British television. Alongside TV, he built a strong reputation in theater, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre in classics like Hamlet and Julius Caesar.
The peak years of Cyril Nri’s career were marked by a balance of stage and screen work. He appeared in notable television series such as Law & Order: UK, This Life, and Cucumber, while also taking on high-profile film roles, including Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker. In 2023, he gained renewed global attention for portraying Lord Danbury in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. His notable works highlight his versatility and influence as a trailblazing Black and openly gay actor, inspiring future generations in UK entertainment.
Physical Appearance of Cyril Nri
Age:
64 years old (as of 2025)
Height:
6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters)
Weight:
74 kg (163 lbs)
Body measurement:
40-16-16 inches
Physical attributes:
Body type: Slim
Hair color: Black
Eye color: Black
Major Achievements of Cyril Nri
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Cyril Nri has earned acclaim as a versatile actor in television, film, and theater. He is best known for his iconic role as Superintendent Adam Okaro in The Bill, which established him as a trailblazer for Black actors in British television. His contributions to theater, particularly with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, showcase his range and dedication to classical and contemporary roles.
Among his most notable accolades, Cyril Nri was nominated for a British Academy Television Award (BAFTA), recognizing his outstanding talent and impact on screen. Beyond awards, his career has been celebrated for advancing representation of Black and LGBTQ+ actors in UK entertainment. Through his work, Cyril has inspired younger actors, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence, diversity, and cultural significance.
Personal Life of Cyril Nri
Family:
Cyril Nri’s family originates from the Igbo tribe of Nigeria. His father is from Barbados. He has two grown-up children.
Nationality:
Nigerian-born British (English)
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
Igbo (Nigerian)
Marital status/Relationship:
Cyril Nri has been married and now identifies as gay.
Net worth:
Estimated to be around $5 million USD.
Social media presence:
Cyril Nri is active on Instagram, where he shares updates about his life and career. His presence on other platforms is less confirmed, but Instagram remains his primary social media outlet for public engagement.
| Social Media Platform | Account Handle / URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| @cyrilnri (https://www.instagram.com/p/CGPGztIlFKP/) | Official Instagram presence |
Interesting Facts About Cyril Nri
- Cyril Nri was born in Nigeria and has an Igbo father and Barbadian mother.
- He gained fame as Superintendent Adam Okaro in the ITV series The Bill.
- Nri has performed with prestigious theater companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- He is openly gay and has been married, becoming a role model for LGBTQ+ representation.
- His recent notable role includes Lord Danbury in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023).
Conclusion on Cyril Nri
Cyril Nri has built an impressive career as a Nigerian-born English actor, celebrated for his versatility across television, film, and stage. From his iconic role as Superintendent Adam Okaro in The Bill to his acclaimed performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Cyril has demonstrated remarkable talent and dedication. His journey highlights how passion, resilience, and commitment can lead to lasting success in the competitive entertainment industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Cyril is recognized for his impact on representation of Black and LGBTQ+ actors in the UK. At 64 years old, his career continues to inspire audiences and aspiring performers alike. With recent roles such as Lord Danbury in Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Cyril remains a powerful figure in contemporary entertainment, leaving a legacy of talent, diversity, and trailblazing influence.
FAQs About Cyril Nri
1. What is Cyril Nri’s real name?
His full name is Cyril Ikechukwu Nri, known professionally as Cyril Nri.
2. When and where was Cyril Nri born?
He was born on April 25, 1961, in Nigeria.
3. What are Cyril Nri’s most famous roles?
He gained recognition for his roles as Superintendent Adam Okaro in The Bill and Lord Danbury in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story.
4. Is Cyril Nri married?
Yes, Cyril Nri is openly gay and has been married.
5. What is Cyril Nri’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $5 million USD as of 2025.
