Yvonne Nelson, born on November 12, 1985, in Accra, Ghana, is a multi-talented Ghanaian actress, model, film producer, author, and entrepreneur.
She has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry with her notable performances in numerous movies, including “House of Gold” (2013), “Any Other Monday,” “In April,” and “Swing.”
Early Life
Yvonne Nelson’s journey began in Accra, where she attended St. Martin De Porres School for her basic and junior high education, followed by Aggrey Memorial Senior High School.
She pursued her tertiary education at Zenith University College and Central University, obtaining a degree in human resource management.
In 2020, she furthered her studies and earned a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).
Acting Career
Her career in the entertainment industry took off after she participated in the Miss Ghana 2005 Beauty Pageant, where she won the Best Talent award for her captivating rap performance.
This exposure led to a two-year contract as the face of Maxim Cosmetics and opened doors for her acting career.
Yvonne Nelson made her debut in Princess Tyra in 2007, followed by Playboy in 2008, which marked her entry into Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry.
Filmmaking
In 2011, Yvonne Nelson ventured into movie production, starting with her film “The Price.” She continued her successful production journey with “Single and Married” in 2012 and “House of Gold” in 2013.
The latter received critical acclaim, winning the Best Picture award at the Ghana Movie Awards and the Best Ghanaian Movie at the City People Entertainment Awards in 2013.
Philanthropy
Beyond her acting and production endeavours, Yvonne Nelson is a philanthropist and advocate for creating awareness about glaucoma.
In 2010, she founded the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation and collaborated with other Ghanaian celebrities to record an all-star charity single and produce an educational video on glaucoma.
Her efforts in this field earned her recognition from GoWoman Magazine and Printex for her foundation and contributions to the film industry.
Politics & Activism
Yvonne Nelson has also been active in using her platform to address social and political issues in Ghana.
In 2015, she organized a peaceful vigil called DumsorMustStop to protest the energy crisis in the country, joining forces with other celebrities to amplify the concerns of the Ghanaian people.
She has expressed her aspirations for political involvement and has spoken out about the need for development in Ghana since its independence in 1957.
Authoring
In addition to her achievements in the entertainment industry, Yvonne Nelson released her memoir titled “I Am Not Yvonne Nelson” in 2023. You can purchase a copy here.
The book explores her personal experiences, including her quest to discover her biological father, her relationship with her mother, and her encounters with fame and relationships.
Awards
Yvonne Nelson’s remarkable career has earned her numerous accolades, including awards for Best Actress, Favorite Actress, and recognition for her philanthropic work.
Her contributions to the Ghanaian film industry and her dedication to advocating for important causes have solidified her status as a prominent figure in Ghana and beyond.
