10 Things To Know About Hanks Anuku

Veteran actor Hanks Anuku remains one of the most recognisable figures in Nigerian cinema. For decades, his fierce screen presence and distinctive voice made him Nollywood’s favourite bad boy.

However, recent interviews have revealed a deeply personal side to the actor that goes far beyond his famous movie roles.

Hereunder are 10 key things to know about the iconic actor:

1. Famous for Playing On-Screen Villains

Anuku built his fame during Nollywood’s home-video boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He became famous for playing tough guys, gangsters, and corrupt politicians. His intense performance in movies like Desperadoes made him a household name across Nigeria.

2. Born in Ibadan with Delta Roots

Although his family is from Delta State, Anuku was born in Ibadan, Oyo State. He attended Loyola College in Ibadan before proceeding to Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State, where he graduated in 1981.

3. Early Rise During the Home-Video Boom

His journey to stardom began in the 1990s. Early appearances in films like The Skeleton (1994) introduced him to audiences, while hit movies such as The Senator, Broad Daylight, and Bitter Honey solidified his position as an action star.

4. Sister Was a Former Miss Nigeria

Talent and fame run in the family. His late sister, Rita Anuku, was a well-known public figure who won the prestigious Miss Nigeria beauty pageant in 1986. She passed away in 2015.

5. International Career Across West Africa

Anuku spent several years living in the United Kingdom, Italy, and the United States before joining Nollywood. Later in his career, he expanded his work into the Ghanaian film industry (Gollywood), starring in several regional productions.

6. Addressed Viral Health Rumours

In recent years, viral videos on social media have sparked widespread concern among fans about his health. Anuku later clarified that the footage was taken while he was preparing for a movie role, explaining that the resulting rumours negatively affected his career opportunities.

7. Overcame Deep Personal Loss

Anuku opened up about the tragic loss of the mother of his children, whom he had planned to marry. He shared how the grief temporarily led him to isolate himself and pause his acting career before finding healing through his faith.

8. Faith Journey and Pastoral Studies

During an appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, which aired on Monday, October 5, 2026, Anuku revealed that he attended Bible school at Redemption Camp in Lagos. He shared that he was ordained as a pastor by Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) during his younger years.

9. Shared Views on National Politics

Anuku recently weighed in on national issues, urging Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He stated that the nation’s economic challenges existed long before the current government took office.

10. A Story of Resilience and Second Chances

Beyond his tough movie roles, Anuku’s journey highlights the human side of stardom. Today, he continues to share his story of faith, personal growth, and his passion for returning to the screen.