Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2010 Africa Movie Academy Awards; and Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2007
Jackie Appiah was born on 5 December 1983 to Kwabena Appiah in Toronto, Canada. She is the last of five children. Her paternal uncle was the Ghanaian statesman Joe Appiah. She spent her early childhood in Canada, and moved to Ghana with her mother at the age of 10.[7] She is popularly known by her maiden name, Appiah. Appiah married Peter Agyemang in 2005 and has one son.[8]
Career
Ghanaian actress Jackie Appiah has enjoyed a prolific and acclaimed career in the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries over the past two decades.[9] Appiah began her acting career in the late 1990s, appearing in various Ghanaian television shows and movies.[10][11]
Her breakthrough role came in 2003 when she starred in the Ghanaian film "Princess Tyra," which brought her widespread recognition and cemented her status as a leading actress in West African cinema.[12] Following the success of "Princess Tyra," Appiah went on to appear in numerous other Ghanaian and Nigerian films, further establishing herself as one of the most prominent and influential actresses in the region[13]
Alongside her acting work, Appiah has also been involved in various philanthropic initiatives, using her celebrity to support causes such as education and healthcare in Ghana.[14] As a result, she has received numerous awards and accolades for both her contributions to the film industry and her humanitarian efforts.[15]
Appiah's appearance on screen became regular when she was invited by Edward Seddoh Junior, the writer of Things We Do For Love, where she played the role of Enyonam Blagogee. She later took part in Tentacles, Games People Play, Sun-city and many other TV series.
Appiah remembers herself as being very shy the first time she went on set: "It was a Venus Film Production titled Divine Love and I had to play the role of Kate, the protagonist. I didn’t believe did too good. I fumbled but, many people did not notice it."[This quote needs a citation] Despite her nervousness, the first-timer said she succeeded in impressing everyone.
Appiah says her best part was in Mummy’s Daughter by Venus Films. The film tells the story of the Bartels Family where she played the role of Princess, the daughter. "I loved how I acted, and I was happy with the role I played".[This quote needs a citation] Appiah now sees the local film industry as having changed for the better. She thinks that others will see its ultimate success.
Jackie Appiah is widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential actresses to emerge from the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries, with a career spanning over two decades.[16]
Nollywood breakthrough and success
Appiah was already known to Nollywood through her many successful Ghanaian films including Beyoncé - The President Daughter, Princess Tyra, Passion of the Soul, Pretty Queen, The Prince's Bride, The King is Mine and The Perfect Picture.[17] Her notable Nollywood films include Black Soul and Bitter Blessing, alongside Nollywood actor Ramsey Nouah[18][19] and My Last Wedding, alongside Nollywood actor Emeka Ike.[20]
In 2013, she won the Best International Actress award at the Papyrus Magazine Screen Actors Awards (PAMSAA) 2013. which was held in Abuja, Nigeria.[21]
Promotional work
Appiah's face can be seen on many billboards and TV commercials in Ghana including a GSMF advert on protection against HIVAIDSa. She won the face of U.B in a promotion she did for them on TV commercials and she is currently[when?] the face of IPMC for commercials and billboards. "GSMF " was her first TV commercial.[22]
Personal life
Jackie married Peter Agyemang in 2005 with whom she had one son, Damien Agyemang.[23] They divorced after three years of marriage.[24]
It was rumored in 2020 that Jackie Appiah got pregnant for the Liberian president, George Weah. However, she dismissed the rumor by taking to her Instagram page saying: "Laughter that dispels lies and fabricated stories."[25][26]
^Frimpong-Manso, Shirley (4 July 2020), The Perfect Picture - Ten Years Later (Comedy, Romance), Jackie Appiah, Naa Ashorkor Mensa-Doku, Lydia Forson, Adjetey Anang, Sparrow Pictures, retrieved 3 February 2021
