Grace Nortey

Grace Nortey (1 February 1937 – 26 August 2026) was a Ghanaian actress who played several lead roles on Ghanaian television. She was active in the film, theatre, and drama industries for over five decades and was considered to have been one of the veterans of Ghanaian theatre and drama.

Early life Grace Nortey was born on 1 February 1937.

Career Nortey played different roles and starred in several movie productions released by the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI).

She was particularly active between the 1980s and the turn of the millennium—the period often described as the golden age of Ghanaian theatre and drama when primetime evening entertainment TV programmes such as "Obra," "Osofo Dadzie," "Key Soap Concert Party," "Cantata," "Taxi Driver," and "Thursday Theatre" were at the height of their popularity. She had starred in numerous stage productions before appearing in film and television. Before gaining fame on television, she hosted a radio talk show for Ga women that sought to empower women ("Nyeawokoshie") on Radio One in the 1970s. Her first major appearance on the screen was in the 1986 King Ampaw/Peter Wohlgemuth-Reinery co-produced Afro Movies comic film "Juju," where she played the wife of fellow veteran actor Joe Eyison, alongside the likes of Emmanuel Agbenowu, Grace Ofoe, Osei Kwabena, and Evans Oma Hunter, among others. Some of her most notable movies include Lost Hope, Dza Gbele, Matters of the Heart, Sekina, Expectations, Jewels, Beasts of No Nation (2015) which starred Abraham Atta as Aku, Ties That Bind (2011), Sinking Sands (2011), Nana Akoto (1985), Escape to Love (1996), and The Other Side of The Rich (1992), among others.

Problems with her physical health that became chronic and acute eyesight issues in later years meant that she no longer took on highly scripted or physically demanding acting roles due to restrictions on her mobility and the challenges of reading long scripts. Nonetheless, she still performed minor roles in movies and drama, which required less physical movement and also provided greater scope for on-set improvisation.

Advocacy Nortey was a member of the Ghana Actors Guild, which seeks to promote the welfare of members past and present.

She furthermore stressed the need for actors to obtain formal education and academic training in acting before pursuing a full-time career in the industry.

Death In her later years, Grace Nortey encountered the typical challenges associated with aging, such as health issues and a reduced role in the entertainment industry. She died on 26 August 2026, at the age of 89.

Filmography Film

Awards Nortey received several awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival, along with honors at the Ghana Movie Awards and the Glitz Women of the Year Honours. Best Cameo Actress (Movie: "Adams Apple") - Ghana Movie Awards (2011). Excellence in Arts – Glitz Women of the Year Honours (2016). Lifetime Achievement Award - Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) Awards (2018). Legendary Award for Outstanding Contributions: Ghana Actors Entertainment Award (GAEA) – (2020). Outstanding Contribution to Women's Excellence in The Performing Arts - 3Music Awards Women's Brunch (2021).