Rakie Ayola is a Welsh actress of Sierra Leonean and Nigerian heritage, born in Cardiff in May 1968, who has distinguished herself across theatre, television, and film since the early 1990s. She trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, establishing her foundation through classical theatre productions including Shakespearean works. Notable achievements include BAFTA awards for “Anthony” and “The Pact,” plus acclaimed roles in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and “Holby City.” Her extensive career spans multiple entertainment mediums with increasing recognition.
Welsh actress Rakie Ayola, born in Cardiff in May 1968 to parents of Sierra Leonean and Nigerian heritage, has established herself as one of Britain’s most accomplished performers across theatre, television, and film over a career spanning more than three decades.
Raised in Ely, Cardiff, by her mother’s cousin and wife, Ayola discovered her passion for acting through youth theatre and choir participation at Windsor Clive Primary and Glan Ely High School, ultimately deciding to pursue professional acting at age sixteen after being inspired by Barbra Streisand’s performance in Hello, Dolly!
Following her training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Ayola began her professional career in classical theatre, performing in prominent Shakespearean productions including Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Macbeth. Her early theatrical work also included performances in Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Ayola launched her distinguished career through classical theatre, mastering Shakespeare’s most celebrated works including Twelfth Night and Macbeth.
Her theatrical achievements culminated in portraying the title role in Dido, Queen of Carthage at the Globe Theatre in 2003, and later playing Hermione Granger in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which earned her the Best Female in a Play award at the Black British Theatre Awards in 2020.
Ayola’s television career launched with her debut in ITV’s Soldier Soldier as Bernie Roberts in 1993, showcasing her chemistry with co-star Akim Mogaji.
She gained widespread recognition through her three-year portrayal of Kyla Tyson in the medical drama Holby City beginning in 2003, while simultaneously appearing in supporting film roles including Great Moments in Aviation, The Secret Laughter of Women, The i Inside, and the adventure film Sahara in 2005.
Recent years have brought Ayola significant acclaim through her work in The Pact, Anthony, and Kaos, with Anthony being her highest rated work according to Rotten Tomatoes at 100%.
She received the BAFTA Best Supporting Actress award for Anthony in 2021, followed by both the BAFTA Cymru Best Actress Award for The Pact Series 2 and the BAFTA Cymru Siân Phillips Award in 2023, establishing her among Britain’s most celebrated performers.
Beyond her acting achievements, Ayola serves as co-founder of Shanty Productions and actively advocates for diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry.
Married to Adam Smethurst since 2004 and mother of two children, she continues working to increase representation of actors of African descent in British media while addressing systemic challenges within the UK entertainment landscape, demonstrating her commitment to meaningful change alongside her artistic excellence.
