Yvonne Nelson

Yvonne Nelson
Yvonne Nelson
Born (1985-11-12) 12 November 1985
Accra, Ghana
Alma materZenith University College and Central University
OccupationsActress, model, film producer and entrepreneur
Years active2000–present
Children1

Yvonne Nelson (born 12 November 1985)[1][2] is a Ghanaian actress, model, film producer, author, entrepreneur and former Miss Ghana contestant.[3][4] She has starred in several movies, including House of Gold (2013), Any Other Monday, In April, and Swings, Princess Tyra, and Playboy.[5][6][7][8]

Early life

Nelson was born in Accra, Ghana, and traces her roots back to Cape Coast. She is a descent of the Fante people. She remains the youngest of three siblings. Her mother is from Cape Coast in the Central Region while her father is from the Greater Accra Region. Her father abandoned the family when she was young. Nelson therefore grew up under the care of a single parent.[9]

She started her education at St. Martin De Porres School in Accra,[10] and then went to Aggrey Memorial Senior High School. She had her tertiary education at Zenith University College and Central University, where she did a degree course in human resource management.[11][12] She graduated from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) with a master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy in 2020.[13]

Career

Nelson, a former Miss Ghana contestant, accidentally began her career when she went to her favorite place to watch an audition. There, the producer asked if she would like to perform. He later acquired her number after she rejected the offer. She had her first big-screen roles in Princess Tyra in 2007 and Playboy in 2008.[10][14]

She delved into movie production in 2011. Her first production was the movie titled The Price, which was released that same year.[10] She also produced Single and Married in 2012 and House of Gold in 2013.[15] The latter won Best Picture at the Ghana Movie Awards and Best Ghanaian Movie at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards.[16]

She started Heels and Sneakers, a television show centered on a group of young adults seeking happiness and the obstacles they face in pursuing education, employment, and marriage.[17] The show started in 2018 and has two seasons.

On 31 July 2024, she opened the Yvonne Nelson International School.[18][19]

Books

On 18 June 2023, Nelson unveiled her controversial memoir, I Am Not Yvonne Nelson.[20][21][22][23] The memoir was unveiled at Peduase Valley Resort, drawing support from numerous industry figures, friends, and media personnel in attendance.[24]

Within 24 hours of its release, the book ranked among the best-selling titles on Amazon, being among the top twenty arts and entertainment biographies.[24]

Nelson's memoir delves into her determination to uncover the identity of her biological father, examines her relationship with her mother, and describes her experiences in acting, dating, and beyond.[24][23]

Nelson received numerous accolades for her courage and willingness to share her personal experiences, while others expressed concerns about the book's cost, citing the high equivalent prices in euros and pounds as a barrier to affordability for some, especially some Ghanaians.[23]

The memoir details her secret involvement with rapper Sarkodie, including their sexual relationship, unplanned pregnancy, and its termination.[22][24] She also made known in her book that Nigerian musician Iyanya cheated on her with actress Tonto Dikeh.[25]

Personal life

On 29 October 2017, Nelson gave birth to a daughter, Ryn Roberts, with her ex-boyfriend, Jamie Roberts, a former British photographer.[26][27][28] Nelson had remained silent about rumors of her pregnancy until she announced the birth of her daughter through a WOW magazine cover.[29]

Philanthropy

Nelson founded the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation in 2010[30][31] to help create awareness about the disease. With support from other Ghanaian celebrities, she recorded an all-star charity single and shot a video to help educate people about glaucoma.[16] As a result of her philanthropic activities particularly in glaucoma, she was honored by GoWoman Magazine and Printex.[32]

Campaign

On 17 May 2015, Nelson took it upon herself, together with other celebrities, to add more voices to the masses in protests against the energy crisis in her country.[33] She led a peaceful vigil called DumsorMustStop on 16 May 2015. The hashtag #dumsormuststop is currently used on social media to amplify the concerns of Ghanaians with regard to the energy crisis.[34] Nelson lamented the lack of development in Ghana since the country attained independence in 1957.[35] She told the BBC in an interview that she ight consider running for political office in the future.[36] She tweeted that she was looking forward to the day Ghanaians refuse to vote in presidential elections to send a message to politicians.[37]

On 30 April 2024, Nelson asked the Ghanaian public to join her in a demonstration against the sitting government on the consistent dumsor (light outs) across the country.[38][39]

On 8 June 2024, Nelson led the second vigil for the #dumsormuststop campaign against the government for the continuous lights out situation that the country continued to face[1][2] despite the police effort to thwart the vigil.[4]

Recognition

In 2013, Nelson was honored by GoWoman Magazine and Printex for her efforts in setting up the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation to fight the disease.[40]

In 2018, Nelson was awarded a special award at the "MTN Heroes of Change" in recognition of her charity work in fighting glaucoma.[5][41]

Filmography

Nelson has featured in over 100 movies, including:

  • 4Play Reloaded (2010) as Chloe
  • Any Other Monday[42]
  • The Black Taliban
  • Blood is Thick
  • Classic Love
  • Crime Suspect (2013)
  • Crime to Christ (2007)
  • Deadly Passion
  • Deadly Plot (2012)
  • Desperate to Survive (2010) as Tyra
  • Diary of a Player
  • Doctor May
  • Fantasia
  • Festival of Love
  • Fifty Fifty[43]
  • Fix Us[44] (2019) as Naadei Mills
  • Folly
  • Forbidden Fruit
  • The Game (2010) as Shennel Johnson
  • Girls Connection (2008) as Imelda
  • Gold Diggin (2014) as Zara
  • Golden Adventure
  • Heart of Men (2009) as Tracy
  • House of Gold (2013)[15] as Timara Dan Ansah
  • I Love Your Husband 3 (2009)
  • If Tomorrow Never Comes (2016)
  • In April[45] (2016) as Arabah
  • Keep My Love
  • Kotoka
  • Local Sense
  • Losing You
  • Love and Crises
  • Love War
  • Material Girl
  • The Mistresses
  • My Cash Adventure
  • My London Diary
  • My Loving Heart
  • Obsession
  • One Night In Vegas
  • Passion of the Soul (2008) as Eve
  • Plan B
  • The Playboy (2008) as Wendy
  • Pool Party (2011) as Audrey
  • The Price (2013) as Rabbi
  • The Prince's Bride
  • Princess Tyra (2007) as Princess
  • The Queen's Pride (2010)
  • Refugees (2016) as Afua
  • The Return of Beyonce (2006) as Yvonne
  • Save the Last Kiss
  • Save My Love (2010)
  • Sin City[46] (2019) as Julia
  • Single and Married (2012) as Kimora
  • Single, Married and Complicated (2014) as Kimora
  • Strength of a Man
  • Swings[8] (2017)
  • Tears of Womanhood (2009) as Khadija
  • Threesome
  • To Love and Cherish
  • Trapped in the Game (2012) as chloe
  • Who Am I
  • Yvonne's Tears

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result
2008 4th Africa Movie Academy Awards Best Upcoming Actress Princess Tyra Nominated
2009 Joy Nite Fm Awards Stars Best Actress Won[47]
2010 2010 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress - Supporting Role The Game Nominated
Favorite Actress Herself Won
6th Africa Movie Academy Awards Best Supporting Actress Heart of Men Nominated
2011 2011 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress - Supporting Role 4Play Reloaded Nominated
City People Awards Best Ghanaian Actress Won[47]
2012 2012 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress Single & Married Nominated
Best Picture-Africa Collaboration Nominated
Best Picture Won
2013 2013 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress The Price Nominated
Glitz Magazine Fans Favorite Actress Herself Won
City People Entertainment Awards Hottest Ghanaian Actress in Nollywood Herself Won
2014 2014 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress - Leading Role Bachelors Nominated
2015 2015 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress - Leading Role If Tomorrow Never Comes Won
Best Picture Nominated
Favorite Actress Nominated
Glitz Style Awards Most Stylish Movie Star Herself Won[48]
2016 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress In April Nominated[49]
2018 Ghana Movie Awards Best Actress Jungle Justice Won[50]

References

  1. 1 2 Gracia, Zindzy (21 August 2018). "Profile: Yvonne Nelson husband, pregnancy and career". Yen.com.gh. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  2. 1 2 Stets, Regina (13 November 2020). "Interesting facts from Yvonne Nelson's biography every fan should know". Legit.ng. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  3. ↑ Yvonne Nelson facts, BuzzGhana, Retrieved 22 September 2016
  4. 1 2 "Yvonne Nelson, Biography". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  5. 1 2 Maclean, George Awiadem (25 June 2022). "Yvonne Nelson Biography: Age, Husband, Daughter, Parents, School". Biegya Nation. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  6. ↑ David Mawuli (26 January 2016). "Watch Yvonne Nelson, Kafui Danku, Jose Tolbert in new movie trailer". Pulse. Archived from the original on 27 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  7. ↑ "What Yvonne Nelson wore to 'In April' movie premiere got everyone talking". GhanaWeb. 4 September 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  8. 1 2 David Mawuli (22 November 2017). "Movie starring Yvonne Nelson, Chris Attoh, Henry Adofo premieres November 25". Pulse. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 17 December 2018.
  9. ↑ Ndetei, Chris (19 November 2019). "Yvonne Nelson age, daughter, husband, and biography - YEN.COM.GH". yen.com.gh.
  10. 1 2 3 "Yvonne Nelson". PeaceFM. Archived from the original on 13 April 2019. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  11. ↑ "All about Yvonne Nelson", Africa Magic.
  12. ↑ Yvonne Nelson profile Archived 23 July 2019 at the Wayback Machine, Ibaka TV.
  13. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson reveals why she went back to school". MyJoyOnline.com. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  14. ↑ Stets, Regina (13 November 2020). "Interesting facts from Yvonne Nelson's biography every fan should know". Legit.ng. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  15. 1 2 Aiki, Damilare (5 February 2013). "BN Exclusive: Coming Soon to the Big Screen! Ice Prince, Omawumi, Majid Michel, Mercy Chinwo & Eddie Watson star in Yvonne Nelson's Movie "House of Gold" - Your Behind-the-Scenes Look & Scoop". Bella Naija. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  16. 1 2 "Yvonne Nelson: Biography, Career & Other Details". Nigerian Finder. 28 March 2018. Retrieved 24 May 2018.
  17. ↑ "Heels and Sneakers – Rok". Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  18. ↑ "Ghanaweb; Yvonne Nelson". GhanaWeb. 31 July 2024.
  19. ↑ GhanaWeb (31 July 2024). "Yvonne Nelson celebrates grand opening of YNIS". GhanaWeb.
  20. ↑ Nelson, Yvonne (20 May 2023). I am Not Yvonne Nelson. Independently published. ISBN 979-8-3952-9233-9.
  21. ↑ "I am not Yvonne Nelson: Five tins Ghana actress tok for her new book". BBC News Pidgin. 21 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  22. 1 2 "Yvonne Nelson's Love Life as Depicted in Her Book". GhanaWeb. 1 January 1970. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  23. 1 2 3 Ferdinand, Ellis (20 June 2023). "Initial Analysis of the Book 'I am Not Yvonne Nelson' - Ellis Ferdinand". EducationGhana. Archived from the original on 16 May 2025. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  24. 1 2 3 4 Amoah, Geraldine (20 June 2023). ""Wo gye wo din": Yvonne Nelson's book becomes bestselling book on Amazon". Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
  25. ↑ "The Diary of Controversies by Yvonne Nelson". GhanaWeb. 1 January 1970. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
  26. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson's Daughter" : Yvonne Nelson reveals why she decided to have a baby with Jamie Roberts. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  27. ↑ Online, Peace FM. "Yvonne Nelson On Why She Decided To Have A Baby With Jamie Roberts". Peacefmonline.com - Ghana news. Archived from the original on 25 August 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  28. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson, Biography". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  29. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson pregnancy photos out after 'childbirth'". Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always. 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  30. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson's daughter's name is 'Ruler'". GhanaWeb. 2 January 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2019.
  31. ↑ BellaNaija.com (30 November 2010). "Ghanaian Actress Yvonne Nelson launches Glaucoma Foundation & releases star-studded charity music video". BellaNaija. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  32. ↑ BellaNaija.com (15 April 2013). "Ghollywood Star Yvonne Nelson honoured by GoWoman Magazine & Printex | For Film Career & Glaucoma Awareness". BellaNaija. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  33. ↑ Accra, Associated Press in (17 May 2015). "Ghana's celebrities lead protest marches against ongoing energy crisis". the Guardian. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  34. ↑ K. Effah (2015). "Yvonnne Nelson Commends President Mahama For Improvement In Dumsor". Yen.com.gh. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  35. ↑ Jones, BB (18 April 2019). "'I'm Waiting For The Day No One Goes Out To Vote'- Yvonne Nelson". GhBase. Archived from the original on 19 April 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  36. ↑ "I May Go Into Politics - Yvonne Nelson Tells BBC". DailyGuide Network. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
  37. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson urges Ghanaians to boycott elections". MyJoy. Retrieved 19 April 2019.
  38. ↑ ""Join me in another Dumsor Must Stop vigil" – Yvonne Nelson begs Ghanaians". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 30 April 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  39. ↑ Agambila, Dorcas (30 April 2024). "Join me in another 'dumsor' vigil, I can't do it alone – Yvonne Nelson cries to Ghanaians". Pulse Ghana. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  40. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson, Biography". www.ghanaweb.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2025. Retrieved 27 June 2026.
  41. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Okoro Others Pick MTN Special Awards". DailyGuide Network. 21 May 2018. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  42. ↑ Chidumga Izuzu (2 February 2016). "Watch Yvonne Nelson, Kunle Rhemmy, Kafui Danku in trailer". Pulse.ng. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  43. ↑ Nti, Daniel (23 May 2022). "Yvonne Nelson choked cinema with 'Fifty Fifty' movie premiere". www.pulse.com.gh. Archived from the original on 28 July 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
  44. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson's Fix Us streams on Netflix". MyJoy.
  45. ↑ David Mawuli (15 August 2016). "Watch the official trailer for new movie starring Yvonne Nelson, Bismark The Joke, others". Pulse.com.gh. Archived from the original on 25 October 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  46. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson premieres Sin City on Val's Day". GhanaWeb. 14 January 2019.
  47. 1 2 "Yvonne Nelson Wins Ghana's Best Actress Award". www.peacefmonline.com. 10 August 2011. Archived from the original on 22 June 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  48. ↑ "Yvonne Nelson, Joselyn Dumas win Glitz Style Awards!". irokotv blog. 5 October 2015. Archived from the original on 15 November 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  49. ↑ "Full list of nominees for 2016 Ghana Movie Awards". www.ghanaweb.com. 22 November 2016.
  50. ↑ "Ghana Movie Awards » Winners- 2018". Archived from the original on 5 January 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
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