Legendary Ghanaian Actress Grace Nortey Dies at 89

Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey has sadly passed away at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), just months after celebrating her 89th birthday.

Nortey, born on February 1, 1937, died at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy spanning more than five decades in Ghana’s entertainment industry.

She celebrated her 89th birthday on February 1, 2026, marking another milestone in a career that established her as one of Ghana’s most respected and recognisable actresses.

Grace Nortey became particularly known for portraying strong, outspoken and feisty matriarchs. Her characters often challenged patriarchal traditions, confronted social injustices and gave a powerful voice to women in Ghanaian storytelling.

Beyond local television and drama productions, Nortey also featured in internationally acclaimed films. Her notable credits include Sinking Sands (2011), a Ghanaian drama that received international recognition, and Beasts of No Nation (2015), the acclaimed Netflix war drama directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.

Through her performances, Nortey helped shape Ghana’s film and television landscape while inspiring generations of actors and actresses.

Her legacy also continues through her family. She is survived by five children, including her daughter Sheila Nortey, who followed in her mother’s footsteps and became an actress.

Her grandson is also connected to Ghana’s entertainment and media circles as the husband of celebrated broadcaster Berla Mundi.

Grace Nortey’s death marks the loss of one of Ghana’s foundational figures in acting. Her decades-long contribution to the arts, memorable performances and portrayal of strong female characters will remain part of Ghana’s entertainment history.

She will be remembered for her immense contribution to Ghanaian cinema and television.

May her soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant strength and comfort to her children, grandchildren, extended family, colleagues and loved ones.