Yvonne Nelson
{{Short description|Ghanaian actress and entrepreneur}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Yvonne Nelson
| image = Yvonne-Nelson.jpg
| caption = Ghanaian Actress Yvonne Nelson
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1985|11|12}}
| birth_place = Accra, Ghana
| alma mater = Zenith University College and Central University
| children = 1
| occupation = Actress, model, film producer and entrepreneur
| yearsactive = 2000-present
}}
Yvonne Nelson (born 12 November 1985){{Cite web|url=https://yen.com.gh/114649-profile-yvonne-nelson-husband-pregnancy-career.html|title=Profile: Yvonne Nelson husband, pregnancy and career|last=Gracia|first=Zindzy|date=2018-08-21|website=Yen.com.gh|access-date=2019-04-13}}{{Cite web |last=Stets |first=Regina |date=2020-11-13 |title=Interesting facts from Yvonne Nelson's biography every fan should know |url=https://www.legit.ng/1201569-yvonne-nelsons-biography-interesting-facts-know.html |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news. |language=en}} is a Ghanaian actress, model, film producer, author, entrepreneur and a former Miss Ghana Contestant.[http://buzzghana.com/yvonne-nelson-profile-biography-facts/ Yvonne Nelson facts], BuzzGhana, Retrieved 22 September 2016{{Cite web |title=Yvonne Nelson, Biography |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/person/Yvonne-Nelson-3193 |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=www.ghanaweb.com}} She has starred in several movies, including House of Gold (2013), Any Other Monday, In April, and Swings, and appeared in the limelight of the movie industry with a role she played in the "Princess Tyra" and "Playboy" movies.{{Cite web |last=Maclean |first=George Awiadem |date=2022-06-25 |title=Yvonne Nelson Biography: Age, Husband, Daughter, Parents, School |url=https://www.biegyanation.com/celebrities/yvonne-nelson/ |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Biegya Nation |language=en-US}}{{cite web|title=Watch Yvonne Nelson, Kafui Danku, Jose Tolbert in new movie trailer|url=http://pulse.com.gh/movies/any-other-monday-watch-yvonne-nelson-kafui-danku-jose-tolbert-in-new-movie-trailer-id4610204.html|website=Pulse|author=David Mawuli|date=26 January 2016|access-date=28 January 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/What-Yvonne-Nelson-wore-to-In-April-movie-premiere-got-everyone-talking-467357|title=What Yvonne Nelson wore to 'In April' movie premiere got everyone talking|date=2016-09-04|website=GhanaWeb|access-date=2018-12-17}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.pulse.com.gh/swings-movie-starring-yvonne-nelson-chris-attoh-henry-adofo-premieres-november-25/kd7hxln|title=Movie starring Yvonne Nelson, Chris Attoh, Henry Adofo premieres November 25|author=David Mawuli|date=2017-11-22|website=Pulse|access-date=2018-12-17}} She has over 7.5 million followers on Instagram currently. With her surname as "Nelson", she is most likely to have a Tabom (Afro Brazilian) lineage. {{Cite web |title=History of the Taboms |url=https://face2faceafrica.com/article/how-afro-brazilian-slaves-of-yoruba-descent-settled-in-ghana-following-the-1835-great-revolt-in-bahia}}
Early life
Nelson was born in Accra, Ghana, even though she traces her roots back in Cape Coast. She is a descent of the Fante people. She remains the youngest of three siblings of her parents. Her mother is from Cape Coast in the Central Region and her dad comes from Ga from the Greater Accra Region, both in Ghana. She started her education at St. Martin De Porres School in Accra{{Cite web|url=http://www.peacefmonline.com/ghana/people/moviestars/yvonne_nelson/biography/|title=Yvonne Nelson|website=PeaceFM|access-date=2019-04-13}} and later went to Aggrey Memorial Senior High School. She had her tertiary education at Zenith University College and Central University, where she did a degree course in human resource management.[http://africamagic.dstv.com/2015/11/12/all-about-yvonne-nelson/ "All about Yvonne Nelson"], Africa Magic.[https://ibakatv.com/yvonne-nelson Yvonne Nelson profile], Ibaka TV. She graduated from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) with a master's degree in International Relations and Diplomacy in 2020.{{Cite web|title=Yvonne Nelson reveals why she went back to school|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/music/yvonne-nelson-reveals-why-she-went-back-to-school/|access-date=2020-11-13|website=MyJoyOnline.com}} Growing up, Yvonne Nelson hand an inseparable relationship with her mother. The relationship was bound by the fact that her father abandoned his family when she was young. She, therefore, grew up under the care of a single parent. This is why she always celebrate her mother on farhers' day.https://yen.com.gh/137419-yvonne-nelson-age-daughter-husband-biography.html Nelson founded the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation in 2010 to help create awareness about the disease. As a result of her philanthropic activities particularly in glaucoma, she was honored by GoWoman Magazine and Printex for her foundation and film career. With support from other Ghanaian celebrities, she recorded an all-star charity single and shot a video to help educate people. She also shot a video to help educate people about glaucoma.{{Cite web |title=Yvonne Nelson, Biography |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/person/Yvonne-Nelson-3193 |access-date=2023-08-09 |website=www.ghanaweb.com}}
Career
Nelson, a former Miss Ghana contestant, accidentally began her career when she went to her favorite place to watch an audition and the producer asked if she would like to perform. He later acquired her number after she rejected the offer. She featured in her first movie scene with big-screen roles in Princess Tyra in 2007 and Playboy in 2008.{{Cite web|last=Stets|first=Regina|date=2020-11-13|title=Interesting facts from Yvonne Nelson's biography every fan should know|url=https://www.legit.ng/1201569-yvonne-nelsons-biography-interesting-facts-know.html|access-date=2022-01-12|website=Legit.ng - Nigeria news.|language=en}} She delved into movie production in 2011. Her first production was the movie titled “The Price”, which was released that same year. She also produced “Single and Married” in 2012 and “House of Gold” in 2013.{{cite web | url=http://www.bellanaija.com/2013/02/05/bn-exclusive-coming-soon-to-the-big-screen-ice-prince-omawumi-majid-michel-mercy-chinwo-eddie-watson-star-in-yvonne-nelsons-movie-house-of-gold-your-behind-the-scenes-look-scoop/ | title=BN Exclusive: Coming Soon to the Big Screen! Ice Prince, Omawumi, Majid Michel, Mercy Chinwo & Eddie Watson star in Yvonne Nelson's Movie "House of Gold" - Your Behind-the-Scenes Look & Scoop | work=Bella Naija | date=5 February 2013 | access-date=30 September 2016 | author=Aiki, Damilare}} The latter won Best Picture at the Ghana Movie Awards and Best Ghanaian Movie at the 2013 City People Entertainment Awards.{{Cite web|url=https://nigerianfinder.com/yvonne-nelson-biography-career-other-details/|title=Yvonne Nelson: Biography, Career & Other Details|website=Nigerian Finder|access-date=2018-05-24}} Nelson is regarded as one of the best Ghanaian actresses to ever grace the screens with her acting talent.
She started Heels and Sneakers, a television show centered on a group of young adults seeking happiness and the obstacles they face in pursuing good education, successful employment, and marriage.{{Cite web |title=Heels and Sneakers – Rok |url=http://www.rokchannels.tv/rok3/heels-and-sneakers/ |access-date=2023-09-02 |language=en-US}} The show started in 2018 and has two seasons.
On 31 July 2024, Yvonne Nelson Opened a new School by name Yvonne Nelson International School.{{Cite web |title=Ghanaweb; Yvonne Nelson |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Yvonne-Nelson-celebrates-grand-opening-of-YNIS-1943298}}{{Cite web |last=GhanaWeb |date=2024-07-31 |title=Yvonne Nelson celebrates grand opening of YNIS |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Yvonne-Nelson-celebrates-grand-opening-of-YNIS-1943298}}
Book published by her
= ''I Am Not Yvonne Nelson'' <ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Nelson |first=Yvonne |url=https://www.amazon.com/I-am-Not-Yvonne-Nelson/dp/B0C5PCX4PP |title=I am Not Yvonne Nelson |date=2023-05-20 |publisher=Independently published |isbn=979-8-3952-9233-9 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=I am not Yvonne Nelson: Five tins Ghana actress tok for her new book |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cy977w0489lo |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=BBC News Pidgin}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=1970-01-01 |title=Yvonne Nelson's Love Life as Depicted in Her Book. |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/region/saharawriters/Yvonne-Nelson-s-Love-Life-as-Depicted-in-Her-Book-113090 |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> =
== Launch ==
On 18 June 2023, Nelson unveiled her controversial memoir titled "I Am Not Yvonne Nelson".{{Cite web |last=Ferdinand |first=Ellis |date=2023-06-20 |title=Initial Analysis of the Book 'I am Not Yvonne Nelson' - Ellis Ferdinand |url=https://educationghana.org/initial-analysis-of-the-book-i-am-not-yvonne-nelson-ellis-ferdinand/ |access-date=2023-06-22 |language=en-GB}} The memoir was unveiled at Peduase Valley Resort, drawing support from numerous industry figures, friends, and media personnel in attendance.
Within a mere 24 hours of its release, the book swiftly climbed the ranks and secured its position among the best-selling titles on Amazon Books, being among the top twenty Arts and Entertainment Biographies.{{Cite web |last=Amoah |first=Geraldine |date=2023-06-20 |title="Wo gye wo din": Yvonne Nelson's book becomes bestselling book on Amazon |url=https://yen.com.gh/entertainment/movies/235750-yvonne-nelsons-book-i-yvonne-nelson-number-3-seller-amazon-books/ |access-date=2023-06-22 |website=Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. |language=en}}
Nelson's memoir delves into her unwavering determination to uncover the identity of her biological father, examines the intricacies of her relationship with her mother, and candidly explores her trials and tribulations in the realms of acting, dating, and beyond.
== Controversies ==
Nelson received numerous accolades for her courage and willingness to share her personal experiences, while others expressed concerns about the book's cost, citing the high equivalent prices in euros and pounds as a barrier to affordability for some, especially some Ghanaians.
Nelson in her book shares a gripping account in her memoir that sheds light on her secret involvement with rapper Sarkodie. Detailing their sexual relationship, unplanned pregnancy, and its termination. She also made known in her book that Iyanya, the Nigerian musician cheated on her with the actress, Tonto Dikeh.{{Cite web |date=1970-01-01 |title=The Diary of Controversies by Yvonne Nelson |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/region/ghananewsupdate/The-Diary-of-Controversies-by-Yvonne-Nelson-113177 |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=GhanaWeb |language=en}}
Personal life
On 29 October 2017, Nelson gave birth to a daughter Ryn Roberts with her ex-boyfriend, Jamie Roberts; who was the former British photographer.[https://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2018/january-10th/yvonne-nelson-reveals-why-she-decided-to-have-a-baby-with-jamie-roberts.php "Yvonne Nelson's Daughter"] : Yvonne Nelson reveals why she decided to have a baby with Jamie Roberts. Retrieved 23 March 2018.{{Cite web |last=Online |first=Peace FM |title=Yvonne Nelson On Why She Decided To Have A Baby With Jamie Roberts |url=https://www.peacefmonline.com/pages/showbiz/news/201801/340598.php |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=Peacefmonline.com - Ghana news}}{{Cite web |title=Yvonne Nelson, Biography |url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/person/Yvonne-Nelson-3193 |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=www.ghanaweb.com}} The actress remained silent about rumors of her pregnancy until she announced the birth of her daughter through a WOW Magazine Cover, this is because she rarely posts about the things that are dear to her.{{Cite web|url=http://citifmonline.com/2017/11/yvonne-nelson-pregnancy-photos-out-after-childbirth/|title=Yvonne Nelson pregnancy photos out after 'childbirth'|date=2017-11-13|website=Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-02}}
Philanthropy
Nelson founded the Yvonne Nelson Glaucoma Foundation in 2010{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Yvonne-Nelson-s-daughter-s-name-is-Ruler-614138|title=Yvonne Nelson's daughter's name is 'Ruler'|website=GhanaWeb|access-date=2019-04-13}}{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=2010-11-30 |title=Ghanaian Actress Yvonne Nelson launches Glaucoma Foundation & releases star-studded charity music video |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2010/11/ghanaian-actress-yvonne-nelson-launches-glaucoma-foundation-releases-star-studded-charity-music-video/ |access-date=2023-08-25 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}} to help create awareness about the disease. With support from other Ghanaian celebrities, she recorded an all-star charity single and shot a video to help educate people. She also shot a video to help educate people about glaucoma. As a result of her philanthropic activities particularly in glaucoma, she was honored by GoWoman Magazine and Printex for her foundation and film career.[https://www.bellanaija.com/2013/04/ghollywood-star-yvonne-nelson-honoured-by-gowoman-magazine-printex-for-film-career-glaucoma-awareness/ "Ghollywood Star Yvonne Nelson honoured by GoWoman Magazine"], Bella Naija, 15 April 2015.
Campaign
On 17 May 2015, Nelson took it upon herself, together with other celebrities, to add more voices to the masses in protests against the energy crisis in her country.{{Cite web|last=Accra|first=Associated Press in|date=2015-05-17|title=Ghana's celebrities lead protest marches against ongoing energy crisis|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/17/ghanas-celebrities-lead-protest-marches-against-ongoing-energy-crisis|access-date=2022-01-12|website=the Guardian|language=en}} She led a peaceful vigil called DumsorMustStop on 16 May 2015. The hashtag #dumsormuststop is currently used on social media to amplify the concerns of Ghanaians with regard to the energy crisis.{{cite web|author=K. Effah|date=2015|url=http://yen.com.gh/17405-yvonne-nelson-commends-president-mahama-improvement-dumsor.html|title=Yvonnne Nelson Commends President Mahama For Improvement In Dumsor|website=Yen.com.gh|access-date=30 September 2016}} Yvonne, known to be very vocal lately about political issues in the country lamented the lack of development in Ghana since the country attained her independence in 1957.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghbase.com/yvonne-nelson-on-ghanas-development/|title='I'm Waiting For The Day No One Goes Out To Vote'- Yvonne Nelson|date=2019-04-18|website=GhBase|access-date=2019-04-19}} She told the BBC in an interview that she may consider running for political office in the future.{{Cite web|url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/may-go-politics-yvonne-nelson-tells-bbc/|title=I May Go Into Politics - Yvonne Nelson Tells BBC|date=2017-02-13|website=DailyGuide Network|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-02}} Actress Yvonne Nelson tweeted that she is looking forward to the day Ghanaians would refuse to vote in presidential elections to send a message to politicians.{{Cite web|url=http://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/2019/April-19th/yvonne-nelson-urges-ghanaians-to-boycott-elections.php|title=Yvonne Nelson urges Ghanaians to boycott elections|website=MyJoy|access-date=2019-04-19}}
On 30 April 2024, Yvonne made a call to the Ghanaian public to join her in a demonstration against the sitting government on the consistent dumsor (light outs) across the country.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-30 |title=“Join me in another Dumsor Must Stop vigil” – Yvonne Nelson begs Ghanaians |url=https://citinewsroom.com/2024/04/join-me-in-another-dumsor-must-stop-vigil-yvonne-nelson-begs-ghanaians/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Agambila |first=Dorcas |date=2024-04-30 |title=Join me in another ‘dumsor’ vigil, I can’t do it alone – Yvonne Nelson cries to Ghanaians |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/yvonne-nelson-calls-for-new-dumsormuststop-vigil/2zmbn93 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Pulse Ghana |language=en}}
On 8 June 2024, Nelson led the second vigil for the #dumsormuststop campaign against the government for the continuous lights out situation that the country continued to face despite the police effort to thwart the vigil
Recognition
In 2013, Nelson was honored by GoWoman Magazine and Printex for her efforts in setting up the Glaucoma Foundation to fight the disease and her film career.
In 2018, Nelson was awarded a special award at the "MTN Heroes of Change" in recognition of her charity work in fighting glaucoma.{{Cite web|url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/yvonne-nelson-yvonne-okoro-others-pick-mtn-special-awards/|title=Yvonne Nelson, Yvonne Okoro Others Pick MTN Special Awards|date=2018-05-21|website=DailyGuide Network|access-date=2020-03-12}}
Filmography
Nelson has featured in over 100 movies, including:
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
- 4Play Reloaded (2010) as Chloe
- Any Other Monday{{cite web|title=Watch Yvonne Nelson, Kunle Rhemmy, Kafui Danku in trailer|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/any-other-monday-watch-yvonne-nelson-kunle-rhemmy-kafui-danku-in-trailer-id4635262.html|website=Pulse.ng|author=Chidumga Izuzu|date=2 February 2016|access-date=2 February 2016}}
- The Black Taliban
- Blood is Thick
- Classic Love
- Fifty fifty {{Cite web |url-status=live |archive-date=Jul 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728200833/https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/yvonne-nelson-choked-cinema-with-fifty-fifty-movie-premiere/90m0djl |last=Nti |first=Daniel |date=May 23, 2022 |website=www.pulse.com.gh |language=en |access-date=9 August 2023 |title=Yvonne Nelson choked cinema with 'Fifty Fifty' movie premiere |url=https://www.pulse.com.gh/entertainment/celebrities/yvonne-nelson-choked-cinema-with-fifty-fifty-movie-premiere/90m0djl}}
- Crime Suspect (2013)
- Crime to Christ (2007)
- Deadly Passion
- Deadly Plot (2012)
- Desperate to Survive (2010) as Tyra
- Diary of a Player
- Doctor May
- Fantasia
- Festival of Love
- Folly
- Forbidden Fruit
- The Game (2010) as Shennel Johnson
- Girls Connection (2008) as Imelda
- Gold Diggin (2014) as Zara
- Golden Adventure
- Heart of Men (2009) as Tracy
- My London Diary
- House of Gold (2013) as Timara Dan Ansah
- If Tomorrow Never Comes (2016)
- In April{{cite web|author=David Mawuli|url=http://pulse.com.gh/movies/in-april-watch-the-official-trailer-for-new-movie-starring-yvonne-nelson-bismark-the-joke-others-id5382446.html|title=Watch the official trailer for new movie starring Yvonne Nelson, Bismark The Joke, others|website=Pulse.com.gh|date=15 August 2016}} (2016) as Arabah
- Keep My Love
- Local Sense
- Losing You
- Love and Crises
- Love War
- Material Girl
- The Mistresses
- My Cash Adventure
- My Loving Heart
- Obsession
- One Night In Vegas
- Passion of the Soul (2008) as Eve
- Plan B
- The Playboy (2008) as Wendy
- ''I love your husband 3" (2009)
- Pool Party (2011) as Audrey
- The Price (2013) as Rabbi
- The Prince's Bride
- Princess Tyra (2007) as Princess
- The Queen's Pride (2010)
- The Return of Beyonce (2006) as Yvonne
- Refugees (2016) as Afua
- Save The Last Kiss
- Save My Love (2010)
- Single and Married (2012) as Kimora
- Single, Married and Complicated (2014) as Kimora
- Strength of a Man
- Swings (2017)
- Tears of Womanhood (2009) as Khadija
- Threesome
- To Love and Cherish
- Trapped in the Game (2012) as chloe
- Who Am I
- Yvonne's Tears
- Kotoka
- Sin City {{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Yvonne-Nelson-premieres-Sin-City-on-Val-s-Day-715025|title=Yvonne Nelson premieres Sin City on Val's Day|website=GhanaWeb}} (2019) as Julia
- Fix Us {{Cite web|url=https://www.myjoyonline.com/entertainment/movies/yvonne-nelsons-fix-us-streams-on-netflix|title=Yvonne Nelson's Fix Us streams on Netflix|website=MyJoy}} (2019) as Naadei Mills
{{div col end}}
Awards and nominations
{{Incomplete list|date=May 2016}}
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
!Event !Prize !Recipient !Result |
|---|
| 2008
|4th Africa Movie Academy Awards |Best Upcoming Actress |Princess Tyra |{{nominated}} |
| 2009
|Joy Nite Fm Awards |Stars Best Actress | |
| rowspan=3|2010
|rowspan=2|2010 Ghana Movie Awards |Best Actress - Supporting Role |{{nominated}} |
| Favorite Actress
|Herself |{{won}} |
| 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards
|Best Supporting Actress |{{nominated}} |
| rowspan=2|2011
|Best Actress - Supporting Role |4Play Reloaded |{{nominated}} |
| City People Awards
|Best Ghanaian Actress | |
| rowspan=3|2012
|rowspan=3|2012 Ghana Movie Awards |Best Actress |rowspan=3|Single & Married |{{nominated}} |
| Best Picture-Africa Collaboration
|{{nominated}} |
| Best Picture
|{{won}} |
| rowspan=3|2013
|rowspan=2|2013 Ghana Movie Awards |Best Actress |The Price |{{nominated}} |
| Glitz Magazine Fans Favorite Actress
|Herself |{{won}} |
| City People Entertainment Awards
|Hottest Ghanaian Actress in Nollywood |Herself |{{won}}{{citation needed|date=August 2019}} |
| 2014
|Best Actress - Leading Role |Bachelors |{{nom}} |
| rowspan=4|2015
|rowspan=3|2015 Ghana Movie Awards |Best Actress - Leading Role |rowspan=3|If Tomorrow Never Comes |{{won}} |
| Best Picture
|{{nominated}} |
| Favorite Actress
|{{nominated}} |
| Glitz Style Awards
|Most Stylish Movie Star |Herself |
| 2016
|Ghana Movie Awards |Best Actress |In April |
| 2018
|Ghana Movie Awards |Best Actress |Jungle Justice |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{IMDb name|2925168}}
- [https://instagram.com/yvonnenelsongh?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https:/]
- [https://instagram.com/yvonnenelsongh?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== /instagram.com/yvonnenelsongh?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Yvonne}}
Category:Ghanaian film actresses
Category:Ghanaian film producers
Category:Ghanaian women film producers
Category:Ghanaian female models
Category:Central University (Ghana) alumni
Category:Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration alumni