Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey, one of the pioneers of Ghana’s theatre, television and film industry, has died at the age of 89.
Nortey reportedly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), according to reports.
Her death marks the end of a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, during which she became one of the most recognisable faces in Ghanaian entertainment.
Grace Nortey’s remarkable acting career
Grace Nortey was born on February 1, 1937, and celebrated her 89th birthday earlier this year.
She rose to prominence during the golden era of Ghanaian television and theatre, becoming known for her commanding performances, particularly as strong-willed, outspoken maternal figures.
Her career included appearances in some of Ghana’s most popular television and theatre productions, including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Key Soap Concert Party, Cantata, Taxi Driver and Thursday Theatre.
Before becoming widely recognised on television, Nortey was also active in radio. In the 1970s, she hosted Nyeawokoshie, a talk show aimed at Ga women on Radio One of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.
Her transition into film further cemented her place among Ghana’s most respected veteran performers.
Grace Nortey featured in international productions
Nortey’s acting career extended beyond Ghanaian television and local theatre productions.
She appeared in the 2011 Ghanaian drama Sinking Sands, a film that received international attention, and later featured in Beasts of No Nation, the 2015 Netflix war drama directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Her other notable screen credits include The Ties That Bind, Matters of the Heart, Expectations, Jewels, Escape to Love and The Other Side of the Rich.
Through these productions, Nortey remained connected to both Ghana’s traditional entertainment industry and a newer generation of filmmakers.
Known for powerful female characters
Grace Nortey became particularly popular for portraying assertive and outspoken women who challenged social conventions.
Her characters were often portrayed as strong maternal figures who confronted issues involving family, tradition, patriarchy and social injustice.
That distinctive acting style earned her a reputation as one of the memorable performers of Ghana’s golden era of television drama.
A legacy that extends to the next generation
Nortey’s contribution to Ghana’s creative industry also continued through her family.
She is survived by five children, including actress Sheila Nortey, who followed in her mother’s footsteps by pursuing a career in acting.
Her passing is therefore not only the loss of a celebrated actress but also the loss of one of the pioneers whose work helped lay the foundation for Ghana’s modern film and television industry.
Ghana’s entertainment industry mourns
News of Grace Nortey’s death has triggered tributes and renewed interest in her decades-long contribution to Ghanaian theatre, television and film.
Her career connected several generations of Ghanaian audiences, from the era of television drama and concert parties to contemporary Ghanaian cinema and international productions.
At 89, Grace Nortey leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on through her films, television appearances, theatre work and the generations of actors and audiences she influenced.
Her death represents a significant loss to Ghana’s creative arts industry.
