Ade Laoye is a vibrant Nigerian-American actress and teacher known for her captivating performances in Nollywood films and television shows.
With a background in musical theatre and a passion for storytelling, she has captivated viewers in films such as Hush, Finding Hubby, and Knocking on Heaven’s Door.
Ade, a co-founder of The Real Deal performers’ Workshop, is committed to developing young performers, making her a respected figure in both the Nigerian and international entertainment industry.
Ade Laoye Biography
| Real Name | Adejoke Laoye |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Education | Pennsylvania State University |
| Parents | Mr. and Mrs. Laoye |
| Siblings | Four sisters |
| Relationship | Single |
Early Life and Education
Adejoke Laoye (born on April 5, 1984, 41 years old) is from Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. But was raised in Dayton, Ohio, by Mr. and Mrs. Laoye, members of a close-knit artistic family with Yoruba roots.
She was raised mainly in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria, with her four sisters. Oba John Adetoyose Laoye, also known as the Timi Agbale of Ede and nicknamed “The Drummer King,” influenced her creative interests.
Ade obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts at the Pennsylvania State University, where she continued to pursue her passion for the arts. Before returning to Nigeria to establish herself in Nollywood, her professional foundation was built during her stay in the United States, namely in Philadelphia and New York.
Career
Ade Laoye began her acting career in the United States, where she appeared with Off-Broadway TheatreWorksUSA in New York City and prominent theatre groups such as The Arden Theatre Company and Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.
Her performance in Caroline, or Change at The Arden Theatre Company earned her a nomination for a Barrymore Award for Best Ensemble in a Musical.
Laoye Ade furthered her understanding of the theatre business by working with Playbill Magazine, the official publication of the American theatre industry.
Ade Laoye quickly made a name for herself in Nollywood after returning to Nigeria in 2012. Her first role was as a choir member in Emem Isong and Desmond Elliot’s Knocking on Heaven’s Door (2014), which starred Majid Michel and Ini Edo. Her role as Oye Agunbiade in the Africa Magic series Hush (2016) made her famous.
She played a complicated, independent woman who was trying to fit in with Lagos’ high society. At the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), she was nominated for Best Actress in a Drama for her role in Hush.
She has also appeared in Lunchtime Heroes (2015), Gidi Up, and the movie adaptation of Tunde Leye’s blog series Finding Hubby (2020), alongside Kehinde Bankole and Munachi Abii.
Before focusing on her acting career, Ade Laoye worked as a presenter and producer on the show EL Now for EbonyLife TV. She co-founded The Real Deal Actors’ Workshop, an intensive training program for aspiring actors, as a teaching artist. This demonstrates her genuine concern for helping the next generation.
Filmography (Selected):
- Knocking on Heaven’s Door (2014) – Choir Member (Film)
- Lunchtime Heroes (2015) – Actress (Film)
- Hush (2016) – Oye Agunbiade (TV Series)
- Gidi Up – Actress (TV Series)
- Finding Hubby (2020) – Actress (Film)
- Knockout Blessing – Actress (Film)
- Collision – Actress (Film)
- Inspector K – Actress (TV Series)
- Tribunal (Upcoming) – Actress (Film, directed by Kunle Afolayan)
Awards and Nominations
Barrymore Award (Year Unknown): Best Ensemble in a Musical for Caroline, or Change at The Arden Theatre Company – Nominated
Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) (2017): Best Actress in a Drama for Hush – Nominated
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @adelaoye
- Facebook Handle: Ade Laoye
- Twitter Handle: @Ade_Laoye
Personal Life
Ade Laoye is single, unmarried, and has no husband or romantic relationships. She jokingly referred to musician Chike as her “boyfriend” during a 2016 interview on The Voice Nigeria, but clarified that it was probably a joke. She acknowledges that she doesn’t enjoy cooking, but she does enjoy dancing, eating ice cream, and listening to live music.
Net Worth
Ade Laoye is a talented actress and teacher with a net worth of $300,000.