Jimi Bani facts for kids

Jimi Bani is an Indigenous Australian actor. He is famous for playing Eddie Mabo, a land rights activist, in the 2012 TV movie Mabo. He has also starred in many TV shows and theatre plays.

Early Life and Learning

Jimi Bani is a Torres Strait Islander from Mabuiag Island. His family belongs to the Wadagadum people, and his father was a tribal chief. Jimi went to a special school called the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) to learn acting.

Jimi Bani's Acting Career

Jimi Bani started his acting journey in 2006. His first role was in a TV mini-series called RAN: Remote Area Nurse. This show was on SBS One.

TV Shows and Movies

In 2012, Jimi appeared in two big projects. He was in the ABC1 series The Straits. He also played the main role in the TV movie Mabo. Both of these shows were nominated for awards. Later in 2012, Jimi also acted in Redfern Now, a six-part TV series on ABC1.

In 2015, he was in the TV series Ready for This. He also appeared in the comedy show Black Comedy in 2016.

Theatre Performances

From 2013 to 2014, Jimi performed in a play called The Shadow King. He was nominated for a Helpmann Awards for his role. This play was shown at many big festivals across Australia.

In 2017, Jimi co-created and starred in a play called My Name is Jimi. He worked with Jason Klarwein on this show. What made it special was that members of Jimi's own family performed with him! The play took the audience on a trip to his island. It included music, dance, and storytelling. Four generations of his family shared stories about their traditions and childhood. This show was also performed at the Sydney Festival in 2018.

In 2022, Jimi played George in a play called Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Critics really liked his performance. Later that year, Jimi and Jason Klarwein put on a special version of William Shakespeare's play Othello. This play was set in the Torres Strait Islands. Jimi played Othello as a soldier from the Torres Strait Light Infantry Battalion during World War II. The play used three languages: Kala Lagaw Ya, Yumplatok (Torres Strait Creole), and English. Jimi's three brothers also performed cultural songs and dances in the play.

Jimi Bani's Family Life

Jimi Bani lives in Cairns, Queensland, with his partner Idelia. They have five children together. Jimi also has three brothers named Richard, Gabriel, and Conwell. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the Torres Strait Light Infantry.

Awards and Recognitions

Jimi Bani has won and been nominated for several awards for his acting.

Film and Television Roles

Movies

Television Shows

Theatre Performances

See also

In Spanish: Jimi Bani para niños