Van Vicker

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Van Vicker

Born Joseph van Vicker
August 1, 1977 (1977-08-01) (age 30)
Occupation Film, television actor
Official website

Joseph van Vicker (born August 1, 1977) is an actor in Ghanaian films who is usually cast as the male romantic lead, often alongside actresses Jackie Aygemang and Nadia Buari. Also, he is often compared to fellow Ghanaian Actor Majid Michel and Nigerian Actor Ramsey Nouah. He is of Liberian-Ghanaian and Dutch descent. Vicker has two daughters with wife Adjoa, J-dyl and J-ian. [1] Van is a member of the "Navankie" trio, which consists of Nadia Buari, Jackie Aygemang and Van Vicker. So named due to the fact that the trio are often cast in the same movies.

Contents

[edit] Early Life

Van was born to a Ghanaian/Liberian Mother and a Dutch father. His father died when he was six years old. Has often cited in interviews that he considers himself and Global citizen as he was raised all over the world by his mother. Due to the early death of his father, and has stated he is very close with is mother and considers her his hero.

Van attended the elite Mfantsipim Boys’ Secondary School, along with fellow actor Majid Michel. Mfantsipim Boys’ Secondary School is the alma mater of Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan.

[edit] Career

Van Vicker is one of the most recognized faces to come out of the African movie industry.

[edit] Television

He started out in the entertainment world in radio and as a television personality.

In 2003, Vicker appeared in the Ghanaian television series, Suncity, which portrayed university life. He played the character of LeRoy King, Jr., a fine arts student born in the U.S. who arrives at Suncity to complete his education. The series ran for a total of 10 episodes.[2]

[edit] Mainstream Success

Soon, Van was cast in his first film Divine Love as a supporting character. This film coincidentally was also the debut roles for fellow actors Jackie Aygemang and Majid Michel who were cast in the female and male lead respectively. The producer had insisted that Van be given a supporting role in Divine Love.

That chance paid off, exposing Van to the movie industry. Even though Van's role in Divine Love was in a supporting capacity, based on the strength of his performance, Van has been consistently cast in leading romantic roles thereafter. A role he has since perfected to a science. As Africa's undisputed romantic leading man, Van has helped turn the Ghanaian movie industry also known as Gollywood, into a fierce competitor in the world of African movies.

[edit] Personal Life

He enjoys shooting pool, Soccer, Tennis, and Basketball. He was the first runner up in a Basketball Slam Dunk competition in 1997. He played College Basketball and Pro Basketball for the Sheperds.

Van is married to Adjoa and they are the proud parents of two daughters, J'dyl and J-ian.

[edit] Awards & Nominations

[edit] Awards

  • Best Male Actor 2006 - GMA (competitive) Ghana Ghana at 50
  • Recognition in acting certificate 2007 (honoree) Best Male Actor, WA, 2007
  • 5th Annual Movie Awards, NY (honoree) Best Male Actor, WA, 2007
  • Screen Nation Film and TV Awards, UK (competitive),
  • Best Male Actor 2007, Ohio (honoree)
  • Best Male Actor,2007 1st DJ Awards, Bronx, NY (honoree).
  • Best Actor for Feature Film by the Ghana Actors Guild in 2007. [3][4]

[edit] Nominations

  • Nominated for Best Lead Actor and Best Upcoming Actor at the 2008 Africa Movie Academy Awards to be held in Nigeria.[5]

[edit] Filmography

  • Divine Love (2004)
  • Beyoncé, The President's Daughter (2006)
  • Keeping the Promise
  • Mummy's Daughter (2006)[6]
  • The Return of Beyoncé (2007)
  • Romance
  • A Woman's Honor
  • I Hate Woman
  • American Boy
  • Princess Tyra (2007)
  • Wedlock of the Gods (2007)
  • In the Eyes of My Husband
  • Corporate maid
  • My story
  • Innocent soul
  • Heavy storm
  • Odo Benni
  • Slave to Lust
  • Darkness of Sorrow (2006)
  • Royal Battle (2007)

[edit] Trivia

  • Often compared to Majid Michel and Ramsey Nouah
  • Mother is Liberian-Ghanaian and father is Dutch
  • Unable to speak Twi. Is a Ghanaian English-speaking actor
  • Owns and runs "Sky & Orange", an advertising agency and event management company.
  • Runs"Babetown", a unisex barber shop
  • Runs the Van Vicker Foundation - an outreach program for up and coming young artists.
  • Van dropped his first name Joseph in favor of "Van", his last name.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Vibe Ghana - The most entertaining site on the net: Vicker Married With Two Kids
  2. ^ Entertainment of Thursday, 27 February 2003
  3. ^ Ghana News :: Actors’ Day Of Honour ::: Breaking News | News in Ghana | entertainment
  4. ^ Van Vicker Married With Two Kids
  5. ^ Jackie,Van Vicker, Rhama Brew, Yvonne Nelson and others up for the AMAA 2008 | Ghanas Entertainment - Ghana Entertainment News
  6. ^ NAIJAGAL (African Inspired!) Fashion, Technology and Entertainment Blog: GHANA'S FILM RISING STARS WATCHOUT NOLLYWOOD

[edit] External Links