Afemo Omilami facts for kids

Afemo Omilami is an American actor born on December 13, 1950. He has appeared in many popular movies and TV shows. He is known for playing different kinds of characters.

About Afemo Omilami

Early Life and Background

Afemo Omilami was born in Petersburg, Virginia, in the United States. This was on December 13, 1950. His name, Afemo, has connections to the Yoruba people in Nigeria.

Acting Career Highlights

Afemo Omilami started his acting career in 1979. He has been in many well-known films. Some of these include Trading Places (1983) and Glory (1989). He also appeared in The Firm (1993) and Gordy (1995).

He is especially famous for his role as the Drill Sergeant in the movie Forrest Gump (1994). He also played Charles Campbell in Remember the Titans (2000). Later, he was in Ray (2004) and The Blind Side (2009). One of his more recent films was Terminator Genisys (2015).

On television, Afemo Omilami had a regular role as Jimmy Dawes. This was in the TV series In the Heat of the Night from 1989 to 1993. He also made guest appearances in shows like Miami Vice and The Shield. In 2013, he was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. This was for his acting in the TV movie Steel Magnolias. He played the character Drum Eatenton in that film.

He has continued to act in various TV series. These include Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders and Raising Dion. His career shows his wide range as an actor.

Personal Life and Family

Afemo Omilami married Elisabeth Williams on September 11, 1985. Elisabeth is also an actress. She is also a minister and a leader in civil rights. They have two children together. Their son is named Awodele, and their daughter is named Juanita.

Afemo Omilami was good friends with actor Thomas Jefferson Byrd. After Byrd passed away, Omilami spoke about him. He said Byrd was a "devoted father and husband" and a "master of his craft."