Tony Okungbowa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tony Okungbowa
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Tony Okungbowa in 2013
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| Born |
Anthony Victor Okungbowa
c. 1967/1968 (age 58–59) |
| Nationality | English-American |
| Other names | Tony Okungbowa, DJ Tony O. |
| Citizenship | American |
| Alma mater | Middlesex University |
| Occupation | Actor, film producer, DJ |
| Years active | 1994–present |
Anthony Victor Okungbowa (born around 1967 or 1968) is an English-American actor, film producer, and DJ. He is well-known for being the resident DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He worked there from 2003 to 2006 and then again from 2008 to 2013. Since 2019, Okungbowa has played the character Kofo in the CBS TV show Bob Hearts Abishola.
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Early Life and Education
Tony Okungbowa was born in London, England. His family comes from Nigeria. He spent his childhood growing up in both Nigeria and London.
He studied drama at Middlesex University in London. After that, in 1992, he moved to New York City. There, he continued his acting studies at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. In 1998, he moved to Los Angeles to further his career.
Career Highlights
Tony Okungbowa became famous as the DJ for The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He started this role in 2003. He played music for the show until 2006. At that time, he decided to leave to focus more on acting.
He returned to the show in 2007 for a few guest appearances. Then, in 2008, he came back as the full-time DJ. He continued in this role until 2013. Tony also had the exciting job of being the DJ for the 2004 Grammy Awards.
Acting Roles
Besides being a DJ, Tony Okungbowa is also a talented actor. He has appeared in many popular TV shows. Some of his guest roles include The X-Files, NYPD Blue, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In 2014, he was also in NCIS Los Angeles.
Tony is also a film producer. He was an executive producer for the movie Restless City. He also acted in this film. Restless City was first shown at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011.
Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Tony Okungbowa became a citizen of the United States. This happened on or before January 7, 2013.
Film and Television Appearances
Tony Okungbowa has been in many films and TV shows. Here are some of them:
Film Roles
- 1993: The Punk
- 2002: The Wild Thornberrys Movie (voice role)
- 2003: Gate to Heaven
- 2008: Miracle of Phil
- 2009: The One Last Time
- 2011: Restless City
- 2011: CIS: Las Gidi
- 2013: Mother of George
- 2014: Echo Park
Television Roles
- 1999: The X-Files (Episode: "The Sixth Extinction")
- 2000: Arli$$ (Episode: "Where There's a Will")
- 2001: NYPD Blue (Episode: "Fools Russian")
- 2001; 2010: The Bold and the Beautiful (6 episodes)
- 2003–06; 2008–13: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (Himself/DJ, 1,672 episodes)
- 2008: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Episode: "Trials")
- 2014: NCIS Los Angeles (Episode: "Exposure")
- 2015: Kids Say the Darndest Things Nigeria (Himself/host, 2 episodes)
- 2017: Ballers (Episode: "Alley-Oops")
- 2017: Ray Donovan (Episode: "Horses")
- 2019–2024: Bob Hearts Abishola (Kofo, Main role)
Music Albums
As a DJ, Tony Okungbowa has also released music. These are called mixed compilations.
- 2005: Hollywood Sessions, Vol. 1
- 2009: Total Dance 2009
- 2012: "A Night to Remember"
