Meet actor Gbenga Akinnagbe

Some of you may recognize Gbenga Akinnagbe from his supporting roles in TV series, "The Wire" and "Barbershop." Did you know Gbenga use to wrestle before he went into acting?! A complete shocker, isn't it?

Gbenga in his "Barbershop" promo pic...

Gbenga with his co-stars of "The Wire"...

I watched the short-lived TV spinoff to the movie franchise "Barbershop" only to be annoyed at the portrayal of the African barber {Gbenga played the role.} I was annoyed because I loved the way the movie played the character smoothly out. So I was expecting the same thing nothing more and nothing less for the TV verison only to be disappointed. I can't blame it on Gbenga but I can blame it on poor writing. This is of course my own opinion--hate it or love it. I hope to see more of Gbenga in TV and movie roles. He can be like Djimon Hounsou and better if he's looking in the right direction. {One thing Gbenga shouldn't do is take on another zany African barber role ever again! LOL!}

Interested in learning more about Gbenga, aren't you? Read on for Gbenga's official bio from HBO.COM.

"Gbenga Akinnagbe, legal name Olugbenga Enitan Temitope
Akinnagbe, is a first generation American, born in Washington, DC. His parents
and older sister were born in Nigeria. Gbenga is the second oldest of six
children, one older sister and four younger brothers. His older sister is
pursuing a career in the medical field, one younger brother graduated with a
teaching degree, another works in a bio research facility. The youngest are
still in school. Gbenga graduated from Bucknell University. He attended on a
Wrestling scholarship, and had a dual major in Political Science and English.
Wrestling became a passion for Gbenga late in high school. He joined the team
his junior year and was recruited division 1 the following year. He went on to
become a champion all state and all conference competitor. Wrestling remains a
positive force in his life today and he is a volunteer coach at his high school
alma mater in Montgomery County in Maryland. This year the Mid-Eastern
Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel recognized him with the
Trio Achiever Award. This regional award is given to TRIO program alum that
embodies the spirit of the program's goal to produce successful individuals.
Gbenga is a very spiritual individual, with a strong faith base. He believes in
giving back to the community, and that "one person can change the world." Gbenga
graduated from Bucknell and started working in the congressional affairs
department at the Corporation for National Service the federal agency that
administers the nations Americorp and other volunteer programs. After becoming
interested in acting, Gbenga left his position with the government after earning
a role at The Shakespeare theatre in Washington, DC. He went on from there to do
theatre projects in the Baltimore and Washington DC area, including such
prestigious theatres as the Kennedy Center, and Studio Theatre. He had the
opportunity to work with renowned directors Michael Kahn and Reggie Life. Then
while taking acting classes in New Jersey he was invited to audition for a
reoccurring role in the HBO series "The Wire." After completing filming with
"The Wire," Gbenga moved to New York City, was signed by a manager and began his
career in earnest. He's worked at New York's famous Public Theatre, done
Shakespeare in the Park, was a series regular on Showtime's "Barbershop," and
became a lead character on "The Wire." Gbenga has a deep interest in the world
around him. He enjoys traveling and wishes to see the world as well as learn
other languages. He is already fluent in Spanish and proficient in most sports.
He constantly works on his own self-improvement and does whatever he can to
encourage the preservation of our planet natural resources. "{Source}

Check out Gbenga at a recent event...

pic c/o YBF

Talib Kweli hosted DJ Chaps' b-day party at Stereo in the NYC:

Melyssa Ford, Talib Kweli, porn star Heather Hunter and Gbenga Akinnagbe