Diaspora Star | Martins Imhangbe Rises from London Stages to Global Screens

Martins Isoken Imhangbe’s rise in global entertainment is a story defined by persistence, craft, and quiet excellence. Born on July 7, 1991, and originally from Edo State, Nigeria, Imhangbe has emerged as one of the most respected British-Nigerian actors of his generation, successfully bridging the worlds of elite theatre and mainstream international television.

Imhangbe’s early life reflects the layered identity common to many in the African diaspora. He spent part of his childhood in Greece, where he lived between the ages of two and seven and spoke fluent Greek, before his family eventually settled in South East London. These early cross-cultural experiences would later inform his adaptability as a performer, allowing him to move seamlessly across accents, genres, and storytelling traditions.

His journey into acting was far from smooth. After completing a BTEC diploma in Performing Arts at Lewisham College, Imhangbe faced rejection when he first auditioned for drama school. Rather than stepping away, he recalibrated—studying Technical Theatre at Southwark College while preparing to reapply. That determination paid off when he gained admission into the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, one of the UK’s most prestigious acting institutions, graduating in 2013.

Following drama school, Imhangbe immersed himself in theatre, building a reputation as a disciplined and versatile stage actor. He appeared in productions such as A Human Being Died That Night, Cinderella, and Romeo and Juliet, before joining Complicité’s international production of Lionboy, which toured across Europe, the United States, Africa, and Asia. His work with Complicité later earned him the status of associate artist, a mark of trust and artistic respect within the company.

A defining moment came in 2018 when Imhangbe performed dual roles in Richard II at the Almeida Theatre in London. His performance earned him a nomination for the Ian Charleson Award, one of British theatre’s most competitive honours for classical acting. The production was later broadcast as part of National Theatre Live, further amplifying his profile within serious theatre circles.

While theatre established his credibility, global visibility followed in 2020 when he was cast as Will Mondrich in Netflix’s Bridgerton. Initially introduced as a recurring character, Mondrich’s role expanded significantly by the second season, making Imhangbe a central figure in one of Netflix’s most-watched series. The character, inspired by real-life 19th-century boxer Bill Richmond, required intense physical training and historical grounding, both of which Imhangbe approached with notable commitment.

Beyond Bridgerton, his screen and stage credits include Death of a Salesman at the Young Vic, Barber Shop Chronicles, Absolute Hell at the National Theatre, and a touring production of Othello. In 2021, he shared a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination with the Bridgerton cast for Outstanding Ensemble Performance, underscoring his place within globally recognised storytelling.

Martins Imhangbe’s career reflects a broader narrative of diaspora excellence—one where talent is sharpened through struggle, and global relevance is earned through consistency rather than hype. From London’s theatre stages to international streaming platforms, he stands as a reminder that African heritage continues to shape global culture in disciplined, powerful ways. His journey is still unfolding, but his impact is already firmly established.