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Joseph van Vicker (born 1 August 1977),better known as Van Vicker, is a Ghanaian actor, movie director and humanitarian. He is the chief executive officer of Sky + Orange production, a film production house. Van Vicker received two nominations for “Best Actor in a Leading Role” and “Best Upcoming Actor” at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008.
Early life
Vicker was born in Accra, Ghana on to a Ghanaian- Liberian mother and a Dutch father. His father died when he was six years old.
Vicker attended Mfantsipim School, along with fellow actor Majid Michel. He graduated from African University College of Communications in 2021.
Career
Television
Vicker started out in the entertainment world in radio as a presenter at Groove 106.3 fm (1999–2000) and Vibe 91.9fm (2001–2004) and as a television personality for TV3 Ghana (1997–1999) & Metro TV (2000–2004), Vicker appeared in the Ghanaian television series Sun city, which depicted university life. He played the character of LeRoy King Jr., a Fine Arts student born in the U.S. who arrives at Sun city to complete his education. The series ran for a total of 10 episodes.
Film
Soon, Vicker was cast in his first film Divine Love as a supporting character. This film coincidentally, was also the debut roles for fellow actors Jackie Appiah and Majid Michel who were cast in the female and male lead respectively.
Vicker is usually cast as the male romantic lead, often alongside actresses Jackie Appiah and Nadia Buari. He is often compared to fellow Ghanaian actor Majid Michel and Nigerian Ramsey Nouah.
Nollywood breakthrough
Vicker has appeared in numerous Nollywood films alongside prominent Nollywood actors, including Tonto Dikeh, Mercy Johnson, Stephanie Okereke, Chika Ike and Jim Iyke. His Nollywood movies include; My Soul Mate, Heart of Fire, Popular King, Gambling with Marriage, Harvest of Love, Stolen Will, The Joy of a Prince, Discovered, The Kingdom and Against the law.
International success
Vicker has directed, starred in, and produced five films under his Sky + Orange Productions since 2008. 2012 was the biggest year for his production house, earning him the NAFCA Best Actor and Director Awards for his comedy movie, Joni Waka.
Vicker has been nominated for and won numerous awards from Africa to the Caribbean. Awards include Ghana Movie Awards, ACRAG awards and the Nollywood Academy Films Critics’ Awards. In 2009, he won the Best African Caribbean Actor and Best Actor African American and in 2011, he won the Pan African creative actor. In 2013, he won the Best International Actor award at the Papyrus Magazine Screen Actors Awards (PAMSAA) 2013, which was held in Abuja, Nigeria.
Awards and Honors
1. African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA):
– Van Vicker has received nominations for AMAA awards in various categories, including Best Actor in a Leading Role.
2. Ghana Movie Awards:
– He has been recognized at the Ghana Movie Awards with nominations and wins in categories such as Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
3. Nollywood and African Film Critics Awards (NAFCA):
– Van Vicker received the NAFCA award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2012.
4. City People Entertainment Awards (Nigeria):
– He has won the City People Entertainment Award for Best Actor (African Films) multiple times.
5. African Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA):
– Van Vicker has been nominated for AMVCA awards in the Best Actor in a Leading Role category.
6. Honorary Award – Nollywood Africa Diamond Awards (Nafca):
– In 2017, he was honored with a Nafca award for his contributions to African cinema.
7. African Global DJ Awards:
– Van Vicker received an award for Outstanding Personality in the Entertainment Industry at the African Global DJ Awards.
8. Best Actor Award – Ghana Movie Awards UK:
– He received the Best Actor award at the Ghana Movie Awards UK.
9. Ghana’s Most Influential Awards:
– Van Vicker has been recognized as one of Ghana’s most influential personalities.
10. Recognition for Philanthropic Work:
– In addition to his acting career, Van Vicker has been involved in various philanthropic activities, and he has received recognition for his charitable efforts.
