Celebrated Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey, a towering figure in the nation’s theatre, television and film industries for more than five decades, has died at the age of 89.

News of her passing, confirmed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, has left the entertainment community and countless fans in mourning.

Born on February 1, 1937, Nortey built a distinguished career that spanned radio, stage, television and cinema. She rose to prominence during the golden era of Ghanaian drama in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a household name through her powerful portrayals of strong-willed matriarchs, complex mothers and formidable characters who often challenged social norms, patriarchy and injustice.

Long before her screen fame, Nortey hosted the pioneering radio talk show Nyeawokoshie on Radio One in the 1970s. The programme gave Ga women a platform to discuss issues affecting their lives, establishing her early reputation as both a performer and an advocate.

She later transitioned into stage productions and television series that defined an era, including memorable appearances in classics such as Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Taxi Driver and Thursday Theatre.

Her first major film role came in the 1986 comedy Juju, produced by King Ampaw and Peter Wohlgemuth-Reinery, where she played the wife of veteran actor Joe Eyison. From there, Nortey went on to star in a long list of notable productions. These included Nana Akoto (1985/1986), The Other Side of the Rich (1992), Escape to Love (1996), Matters of the Heart, Lost Hope, Dza Gbele, Sekina, Expectations, Jewels, Sinking Sands (2010), Ties That Bind (2011), and the internationally acclaimed Beasts of No Nation (2015), in which she portrayed the Old Witch Woman alongside stars including Idris Elba. Later credits included P over D (2019).

Nortey’s screen presence was marked by versatility and authenticity. She frequently incorporated the Ga language into her performances, adding cultural depth that resonated with audiences. Colleagues and critics often praised her ability to command the screen whether in lead or supporting roles, and she shared the stage and set with many of Ghana’s most respected performers of her generation, among them Grace Omaboe (Maame Dokono), MacJordan Amartey, David Dontoh, George Williams and others.

Beyond Acting

Beyond acting, Nortey worked as a Senior Administrative Assistant with the Ghana Education Service. She remained an advocate for professional development in the industry, stressing the importance of formal training for aspiring actors and supporting the welfare of performers through the Ghana Actors Guild.

In her personal life, Nortey was the mother of five children, including actress Sheila Nortey. She was widowed after the death of her husband, Daniel Nortey, and in later years spoke openly about the loneliness that sometimes accompanied aging and the loss of her spouse.

Health challenges, including mobility issues and declining eyesight, gradually limited the roles she could accept. She continued to take on smaller parts that allowed for improvisation when scripts became difficult to manage, demonstrating her enduring love for the craft.

Her contributions were recognised with several awards. These included Best Cameo Actress for Adams Apple at the Ghana Movie Awards in 2011, Excellence in Arts at the Glitz Women of the Year Honours in 2016, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival in 2018, and a Legendary Award for Outstanding Contributions at the Ghana Actors Entertainment Awards in 2020. She also received recognition at the 3Music Awards Women’s Brunch.

In recent years Nortey had largely stepped back from public life due to health concerns. A photograph of her with veteran filmmaker Ernest Kofi Abbeyquaye, shared around her 89th birthday in February 2026, drew warm responses from fans who celebrated her longevity and continued dignity.

Tributes began pouring in almost immediately after news of her death broke. Social media users described her as a true legend of Ghanaian screens and reflected on a life well lived.

Many recalled growing up watching her performances and expressed the sense of loss felt by a generation that once believed the stars of their childhood television would always be there. Industry voices and ordinary viewers alike offered prayers for the peaceful rest of her soul.

Grace Nortey’s career helped shape the foundation of modern Ghanaian drama and film. Through her work she brought authenticity, strength and cultural specificity to storytelling that continues to influence younger performers.

Her portrayals of resilient women and complex family dynamics left an indelible mark on national television and cinema during a formative period for the industry.

As Ghana’s entertainment community absorbs the news, Nortey will be remembered not only for the characters she brought to life but for her pioneering role across radio, stage and screen, her advocacy for professional standards, and the quiet dignity with which she navigated both the heights of her career and the challenges of later life. She is survived by her five children and extended family.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. In the meantime, fans and colleagues continue to share memories of a performer whose presence helped define an era of Ghanaian storytelling. May her soul rest in perfect peace.