Gbenga Akinnagbe

Gbenga Akinnagbe, born as Olugbenga Enitan Temitope Akinnagbe on December 12, 1978, is a well-renowned Nigerian-American actor and writer. This acclaimed actor is recognized for his memorable performances as Chris Partlow on the HBO series The Wire and as Larry Brown on the HBO series The Deuce. Akinnagbe was born in Washington, D.C., to Yoruba Nigerian parents and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. As the second oldest of six children and the first in his family born in the United States, Akinnagbe's story is truly one of accomplishment. He attended Bucknell University on a wrestling scholarship and graduated in 2000 with degrees in Political Science and English. His successful auditions in 2003 led him to play the role of Chris Partlow on The Wire, starting from 2004.

In 2007, Akinnagbe made a remarkable appearance in the film The Savages and, later in 2009, took part in the remake of The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. A versatile actor and skillful performer, Akinnagbe has starred in numerous independent films and hit series, including the third season of showtime series Nurse Jackie, among others. Beyond acting, Akinnagbe also runs Enitan, a vintage furniture business in Brooklyn that reflects his savvy entrepreneurship. He has published two articles in The New York Times, chronicling his trip to Nepal and his medical procedures for correcting severely flat feet.