Jonathan Ajayi

Jonathan Ajayi is an English actor who works across theatre, television, and film. Raised in West London and of Nigerian descent, he developed an interest in performing during his youth. While attending his sixth form, he received mentorship from Royal Shakespeare Company actor Joseph Marcell, whose wife worked at the institution. Ajayi pursued formal drama training at ArtsEd before enrolling at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), from which he graduated in 2018 after departing slightly early to begin his professional career.

Ajayi made his professional stage debut at the Young Vic, starring in a production of The Brothers Size. He soon transitioned into screen acting, earning his first major television role in 2020 as Lieutenant Lekan Baako in the BBC One drama series Noughts + Crosses. That same year, he landed a role in the feature film Wonder Woman 1984 and played a lead character in the British romantic drama film The Drifters. His performance in the latter led to his inclusion on the longlist for Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards.

His industry recognition grew in subsequent years, and he was named one of Screen International's Stars of Tomorrow in 2021. Returning to the stage, Ajayi performed as Laertes in Hamlet at the Young Vic, a role that earned him a commendation at the Ian Charleson Awards in 2022.

Ajayi has continued to build his television and stage career with varied roles. He joined the cast of the British thriller series Vigil for its second season, portraying the recurring character Wes Harper. In 2024, he participated in the experimental stage production Talking People at the Bush Theatre in London. His screen work also includes playing the character Smee in the science-fiction television series Alien: Earth.