Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey dies at 89
Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey dies at 89
Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey has reportedly died at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026. She was 89.
Nortey, who celebrated her birthday on February 1, leaves behind a career spanning more than five decades and a lasting legacy in Ghanaian theatre and film.
She was widely known for portraying strong-willed and outspoken maternal characters, often taking on roles that confronted social norms, patriarchy and injustice.
Born on February 1, 1937, Nortey became one of the most respected figures in Ghana’s entertainment industry, earning admiration for her commanding performances on both stage and screen.
Her career also extended to internationally recognised productions. She featured in the 2011 Ghanaian drama Sinking Sands and the 2015 Netflix war film Beasts of No Nation, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Nortey’s contribution to the arts was also reflected in her family. She is survived by five children, including actress Sheila Nortey, who followed in her mother’s footsteps and pursued a career in acting.
Her reported death marks the loss of one of Ghana’s veteran performers, whose decades-long contribution helped shape the country’s theatre and film industry.
