William Benson Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Movies & Career

William Benson biography reveals a three-decade journey from theatre to Netflix stardom, known for ‘Ajoche’ and ‘To Kill a Monkey’.

Who is William Benson?

William Benson is a Nigerian actor, playwright, director, and filmmaker whose illustrious career spans over three decades across theatre, television, and film.

The William Benson biography showcases a remarkable journey that began with stage performances and radio dramas in the early 1990s. Born on 25 March in the 1970s in Lagos State, Nigeria, William has become one of Nollywood’s most respected character actors, renowned for his commanding presence and ability to portray layered, complex characters with emotional intensity and authenticity.

William gained widespread recognition for his riveting portrayal of General Apeh in the hit television series “Ajoche” (2018), a role that showcased his ability to embody morally complex characters. His career reached new heights in 2025 when he delivered a career-defining performance as Efemini in Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix crime-thriller “To Kill a Monkey”, earning critical acclaim for his chilling and emotionally driven portrayal.

Beyond his memorable screen performances, William is celebrated for his portrayal of historical figures, most notably Herbert Macaulay in “The Herbert Macaulay Affair” (2019). His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as “93 Days” (2016), “Obara’M” (2022), “Love Is War” (2019), “Cordelia”, and “A Green Fever”.

Standing at approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, William brings not just physical presence but decades of theatrical training to every role. He studied English Language and Literature at the University of Lagos and remains deeply rooted in theatre arts, having performed and directed numerous stage productions throughout his career.

William Benson Profile Summary

Personal Information	Details
Full Name	William C. Benson
Date of Birth	25 March (1970s)
Age	50+ years old (as of 2024)
Place of Birth	Lagos State, Nigeria
State of Origin	Lagos State
Nationality	Nigerian
Tribe/Ethnicity	Yoruba
Religion	Christianity (Catholic)
Height	Approximately 6 feet 3 inches
Occupation	Actor, Playwright, Director, Filmmaker, Chef
Years Active	1990–present (34+ years)
Education	B.A. English Language and Literature, University of Lagos (2010)
Parents	Ehinze Willy-Benson Ordia (father, deceased 2020), Comfort Oriseyomobo Benson (mother, deceased 2020)
Siblings	Johnson Benson, Thomas Benson, Funmi Benson
Marital Status	Unmarried
Children	Unconfirmed (possibly has children)
Net Worth	Estimated $500,000 (₦350 million)
Breakthrough Role	General Apeh in “Ajoche” (2018)
Career-Defining Role	Efemini in “To Kill a Monkey” (2025)
Notable Historical Role	Herbert Macaulay in “The Herbert Macaulay Affair” (2019)
Instagram	@webenson
Known For	Theatre work, historical dramas, morally complex characters

Early Life and Family Background

William C. Benson was born on 25 March during the 1970s in Lagos State, Nigeria, into the family of Mr. Ehinze Willy-Benson Ordia and Mrs. Comfort Oriseyomobo Benson.

Family Heritage

William comes from a Yoruba family deeply rooted in Lagos. His father, Ehinze Willy-Benson Ordia, lived to the remarkable age of 103 before passing away in March 2020. His mother, Comfort Oriseyomobo Benson, was 83 when she passed away, just 16 days before her husband.

The couple had been happily married for decades, and their discipline and hard work profoundly influenced William’s early ambition to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Siblings

William has three known siblings:

Johnson Benson (brother)
Thomas Benson (brother)
Funmi Benson (sister)

Tragic Loss

In March 2020, William experienced a devastating loss when both his parents passed away within 16 days of each other. His father died first at 103 years old, followed by his mother at 83.

In a heartfelt tribute a year after their passing, William wrote on Instagram: “What mother can be compared to you but those that carry hearts of gold like you, sweet mother… your selflessness to us, your children and all who encounter you is unrivaled… Enjoy your anniversary with your new abode, greet Dad for us. Funny you know, you became older than him with 16 days over there, because you left before him.”

This loss deeply affected William, who has spoken about how his parents’ values shaped his character and work ethic.

Cultural Roots

As a Yoruba man from Lagos, William is fluent in both Yoruba and English. His cultural heritage and Lagos upbringing have influenced his artistic expression and the authenticity he brings to his performances.

Education Background and Theatre Training

Early Education

William began his journey in the performing arts during secondary school in the 1990s. His first foray into theatre came whilst he was still a student, participating in his very first play during this period.

Theatrical Training

William is a trained theatre practitioner who honed his craft through extensive practical experience rather than formal theatre school training. In an interview with ShockNG in August 2025, he clarified:

“No, no, I didn’t study theatre. Rather, I trained as a theatre person. I was in secondary school when I did my first play.”

His training came through immersion in the theatre world:

Jaff Productions: His first theatre company in the early 1990s
Yowdrack Playhouse: Where he trained under Isaac Asanya
Duke of Shomolu Productions: A leading Nigerian theatre company where he performed and directed numerous plays

University Education

Before formally enrolling as a university student, William had already established himself as a theatre practitioner. Remarkably, he independently directed the practical aspects of the University of Lagos English Theatre Workshop course (ENG 154) for 12 years before gaining admission to the institution.

In 2005, William enrolled at the University of Lagos as a part-time student to study English Language and Literature. He graduated in September 2010.

His decision to pursue formal education after years of practical experience demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and improving his craft.

Influence of Tunde Kelani

Whilst at the University of Lagos, William encountered renowned Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani, with whom he worked on “Campus Queen”. This experience provided valuable exposure to film production and storytelling techniques.

Theatre Career: The Foundation

Early Stage Work (1990s)

William Benson’s career began on the stage in the 1990s. After starting with Jaff Productions, he moved to Yowdrack Playhouse, where he received rigorous training under Isaac Asanya’s mentorship.

By the mid-1990s, he was collaborating with Duke of Shomolu Productions, performing and directing numerous plays. His work encompassed various theatrical genres and themes.

Notable Stage Productions

William has written, directed, and performed in several significant stage productions:

Historical and Cultural Plays:

Isale Eko: A play exploring Lagos heritage
Emotan: Historical drama
Oba Eshugbayi: Historical narrative

Musical Theatre:

SARO The Musical: Notable musical production
ADESEWA The Musical: Another significant musical theatre work

Directed Works:

Jungle Justice: Stage play he directed

Performances at National Theatre

William’s theatrical work took him to prestigious venues, including the Nigerian National Theatre, where he directed several productions. His work at this iconic venue cemented his reputation as a skilled theatre director.

Radio Drama Experience

Parallel to his stage career, William worked extensively in radio drama during the 1990s and 2000s. He was featured as an actor in the BBC World Service Trust Radio Drama “Story Story: Voices for the Market” in Nigeria.

This experience in radio drama honed his vocal performance skills and ability to convey emotion through voice alone—skills that would later enhance his screen work.

Television Career: NTA and Early Screen Work

Early Television Appearances

Before transitioning to Nollywood films, William gained experience on television through several Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programmes:

Tales by Moonlight: Featured in this iconic NTA children’s programme that showcased African folklore and storytelling.

Tightrope by Jimi Odumosu: Appeared in this NTA production, gaining valuable screen acting experience.

Early 2000s Television

In the early 2000s, William appeared in “Edge of Paradise” on Africa Magic, further building his television credentials.

Film Debut

By the mid-1990s, William made his Nollywood film debut in “My Hands”, written by Theophilus Akatugba. This marked the beginning of his transition from primarily theatre work to screen acting.

Campus Queen with Tunde Kelani

His work on “Campus Queen” with acclaimed director Tunde Kelani provided valuable mentorship and insight into professional filmmaking standards.

Breakthrough: “Ajoche” and Rise to Fame

General Apeh: A Career-Defining Role

William’s career reached a significant turning point in 2018 when he was cast as General Apeh in the television series “Ajoche”, produced by Africa Magic.

This telenovela showcased William’s ability to portray morally complex, intense characters. General Apeh was a powerful, often ruthless military figure whose actions drove much of the series’ drama. William’s commanding performance made General Apeh one of the most memorable characters in Nigerian television.

Critical and Popular Acclaim

The role of General Apeh brought William widespread recognition. Viewers were captivated by his:

Commanding screen presence
Ability to convey menace and authority
Nuanced portrayal of a morally grey character
Intense emotional delivery

Many viewers first encountered William through “Ajoche”, and the character became synonymous with his name.

Limited Geographical Reach

As William later noted in interviews, whilst “Ajoche” was immensely popular in Nigeria and some African countries, its reach was limited to the continent. This would contrast sharply with his later work on Netflix, which brought him global visibility.

Post-Ajoche Projects

Following “Ajoche’s” success, William appeared in “Broken”, another Africa Magic project, further cementing his reputation as a reliable dramatic actor.

Film Career: Notable Performances

“93 Days” (2016)

William appeared in “93 Days”, a critically acclaimed film directed by Steve Gukas about healthcare workers in Lagos battling the 2014 Ebola outbreak.

The film starred Bimbo Akintola, Danny Glover, and Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, amongst others. William’s participation in this important, socially conscious film demonstrated his commitment to meaningful storytelling.

“The Herbert Macaulay Affair” (2019)

One of William’s most significant roles came when he portrayed Herbert Macaulay, the Nigerian nationalist and political leader often regarded as the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism”, in “The Herbert Macaulay Affair” (2019).

This biographical role required William to embody an iconic historical figure, demonstrating his range and ability to handle multifaceted, demanding characters. The role significantly increased his recognition and established him as an actor capable of tackling historical narratives with authenticity and respect.

“Love Is War” (2019)

William appeared in this 2019 production, showcasing his versatility across different genres and narrative styles.

“Obara’M” (2022)

In 2022, William starred in “Obara’M”, further expanding his filmography and demonstrating his continued relevance in Nollywood.

Other Notable Films

William’s extensive filmography includes:

Cordelia: Drama production
A Green Fever: Film appearance
The Fire and the Moth: Notable role
Dead Tide: Film production
IYI – The Hearse Driver: Character work

Upcoming Projects (2024-2025)

William has been involved in several projects slated for release:

House of Ga’a (2024)
Red Circle (2025)
Breastmilk (2025) – Short film

Career Peak: “To Kill a Monkey” (2025)

Career-Defining Performance as Efemini

In 2025, William Benson achieved a new career peak with his portrayal of Efemini in “To Kill a Monkey”, a Netflix crime-thriller directed by renowned filmmaker Kemi Adetiba.

This role represents the culmination of William’s decades of experience and training. His performance as Efemini, a chilling antagonist, has been described by critics as:

Exceptionally intense
Emotionally driven
Realistic and layered
One of the standout performances in Nigerian cinema

Global Reach Through Netflix

The decision to work on “To Kill a Monkey” was strategic. William was offered a 130-episode Africa Magic series at the same time but chose the Netflix project, recognising its potential for global reach.

In an interview, he explained: “Around the same time, I had the chance to take on a 130-episode Africa Magic series, but ‘To Kill a Monkey’ came calling. I made the bold decision to choose the latter, knowing it would be on Netflix and reach audiences worldwide. I didn’t know it would be this big, but I trusted the potential, and it’s paying off today.”

Working with Kemi Adetiba

William describes Kemi Adetiba as “an actor’s director—a very creative one at that and a great storyteller.”

The collaboration between William and Kemi was built on trust and mutual respect. Kemi had seen his work in “The Herbert Macaulay Affair” and requested a one-minute monologue audition, but William expressed his preference for auditioning in the actual environment with scene partners, describing himself as “a collaborative actor”.

Interestingly, Kemi revealed that whilst walking with her husband and brother, William’s name suddenly came to mind, leading to his casting.

Performance Philosophy

Reflecting on his approach to the role, William shared his prayer as a Catholic: “Lord, I am Yours I want to be, do with me what You will.”

He told Kemi Adetiba: “I came in empty, just releasing myself onto her… I come in empty and I present myself as a tool in the hands of the painter, who is the director to tell whatever story they want to tell.”

This humility and willingness to be shaped by the director’s vision, combined with his extensive experience, resulted in a performance that has garnered widespread acclaim.

Impact and Recognition

“To Kill a Monkey” showcased William’s:

Skill and discipline developed over decades
Commitment to his craft
Ability to inhabit complex, morally ambiguous characters
Capacity to hold audiences’ attention in a leading role

The project has brought William international recognition, with audiences worldwide discovering his talent through Netflix’s global platform.

William Benson Biography: Acting Philosophy and Approach

Love for the Craft

In interviews, William frequently expresses his passion for his work: “I would start by saying I love what I do. I love my work, and it’s been a long time coming.”

Continuous Learning

Despite three decades of experience, William maintains a student’s mindset: “I am never satisfied, and I learn every day.”

This commitment to continuous improvement keeps his performances fresh and authentic.

Collaborative Approach

William describes himself as a collaborative actor who prefers working with directors and fellow actors in the actual environment rather than isolated auditions. He believes the best work emerges from genuine collaboration.

Versatility Across Mediums

William’s experience spans:

Theatre and stage performance
Radio drama
Television series
Feature films
Short films
Musical theatre
Directing and playwriting

This diverse experience makes him adaptable to different storytelling mediums and production styles.

Preparation Meets Opportunity

William credits his success to preparation: “For me, ‘Ajoche’ in 2018 set the stage… When preparation meets opportunity, there’s a spark.”

Career Milestones and Achievements

Year	Milestone/Achievement	Details
1970s	Birth	Born on 25 March in Lagos State, Nigeria
1990s	Acting Debut	Performed his first play in secondary school
Early 1990s	Theatre Training	Joined Jaff Productions, then Yowdrack Playhouse under Isaac Asanya
Mid-1990s	Film Debut	Appeared in “My Hands” written by Theophilus Akatugba
1990s-2000s	Stage Director	Directed numerous plays at Nigerian National Theatre
1990s-2000s	Radio Drama	Featured in BBC World Service Trust “Story Story”
1993-2005	Theatre Workshop Director	Directed University of Lagos ENG 154 course for 12 years
2005	University Enrolment	Enrolled at University of Lagos to study English
2010	University Graduation	Graduated with B.A. in English Language and Literature
2016	“93 Days”	Featured in acclaimed Ebola outbreak film
2018	Breakthrough	Starred as General Apeh in “Ajoche” television series
2019	Historical Role	Portrayed Herbert Macaulay in “The Herbert Macaulay Affair”
2019	“Love Is War”	Featured in film production
2020	Family Loss	Lost both parents 16 days apart in March 2020
2022	“Obara’M”	Starred in notable film
2025	Career Peak	Delivered career-defining performance as Efemini in “To Kill a Monkey”
2025	Global Recognition	Netflix release brought international acclaim

Personal Life and Relationships

Marital Status

As of 2025, William Benson is reportedly unmarried. He maintains a highly private personal life, rarely discussing his romantic relationships publicly.

Alleged Past Relationship

There have been unconfirmed reports suggesting William once dated a woman identified as Simi. However, details about this alleged relationship remain unclear and have not been officially confirmed.

Some sources suggest he may have been married with children, but these claims are contradicted by more recent reports indicating he is currently single.

Children

Information about whether William has children remains unclear. Some sources suggest he has kids, whilst others state this has not been confirmed. A 2019 Instagram post by William hinted at possible children, but no definitive information is publicly available.

Privacy

William’s commitment to privacy extends to all aspects of his personal life. He focuses public discussions on his work rather than his personal affairs.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Outside of acting, William enjoys several activities:

Cooking: William is an accomplished chef and has a passion for culinary arts. This creative outlet provides balance to his acting career.

Swimming: Enjoys swimming as both exercise and relaxation.

Reading: An avid reader who continues to expand his knowledge through literature.

Table Tennis: His favourite sport, which he plays regularly.

Faith

William is a practising Catholic. His faith influences his approach to life and work, as evidenced by his prayer: “Lord, I am Yours I want to be, do with me what You will.”

Net Worth and Financial Status

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2022, William Benson’s net worth is estimated at approximately $500,000 (roughly ₦350 million in Nigerian currency).

Income Sources

William’s wealth is derived from multiple sources:

Film and Television Acting: Fees from his numerous film and TV appearances
Theatre Productions: Income from stage performances and directing
Playwriting: Earnings from written works
Directing: Payment for directing films and plays
Teaching/Workshops: Potential income from his years directing the University of Lagos theatre workshop

Career Longevity

William’s three-decade career has provided financial stability through consistent work across multiple entertainment mediums. His strategic career choices, including the decision to take “To Kill a Monkey” for its global reach potential, demonstrate financial acumen alongside artistic considerations.

Physical Appearance and Public Image

Physical Attributes

William Benson stands at approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, giving him a commanding physical presence that suits many of his authoritative or powerful character roles.

Other physical characteristics:

Build: Athletic and fit for his age
Complexion: Dark-skinned
Demeanour: Carries himself with quiet confidence and professionalism

Public Persona

William projects an image of:

Professionalism: Known for his work ethic and dedication
Humility: Despite his accomplishments, remains grounded
Intellectual depth: His English literature background and love of reading inform his thoughtful approach
Privacy: Maintains boundaries between public and personal life

On-Screen Presence

William is known for:

Intensity: Ability to convey powerful emotions
Authority: Naturally commands attention in authoritative roles
Versatility: Transitions seamlessly between historical and contemporary characters
Authenticity: Brings genuine emotion and depth to every performance

Impact on Nigerian Theatre and Film

Theatre Legacy

William Benson’s contributions to Nigerian theatre are significant:

Training the Next Generation: His 12 years directing the University of Lagos theatre workshop exposed countless students to practical theatre training.

Historical and Cultural Storytelling: His plays like “Isale Eko”, “Emotan”, and “Oba Eshugbayi” preserved and celebrated Nigerian history and culture through theatrical storytelling.

Musical Theatre: Contributed to the development of Nigerian musical theatre through productions like “SARO The Musical” and “ADESEWA The Musical”.

Film Industry Contributions

In Nollywood, William represents:

Character Actor Excellence: Demonstrates that character actors with depth and range can achieve recognition and success.

Historical Drama Expertise: His portrayal of Herbert Macaulay set a standard for biographical and historical performances in Nollywood.

Theatre-to-Screen Transition: Shows how theatrical training enhances screen performance through his nuanced, emotionally rich acting.

Longevity and Consistency: Proves that sustained careers built on craft rather than celebrity can thrive in Nollywood.

Mentorship and Influence

Whilst not formally running an acting school, William’s work has influenced:

University students who participated in his theatre workshops
Younger actors who study his performances
Theatre practitioners who have worked with him on various productions

Critical Reception and Industry Standing

Critical Acclaim

William’s performances have consistently earned critical praise:

“To Kill a Monkey”: Critics described his performance as “exceptionally intense”, “emotionally driven”, and “realistic”.

“The Herbert Macaulay Affair”: His portrayal of the historical figure was widely praised for its authenticity and depth.

“Ajoche”: His General Apeh became an iconic television character, with viewers praising his commanding presence.

Industry Respect

Within Nollywood, William is regarded as:

A skilled craftsman who elevates every production
A professional who brings discipline and preparation to sets
A versatile actor capable of handling diverse roles
A bridge between theatre and screen acting traditions

Audience Reception

Audiences appreciate William for:

His ability to make complex characters compelling
The intensity he brings to dramatic scenes
His convincing portrayal of authority figures
His authentic embodiment of historical characters

Conclusion

William Benson’s biography is a testament to the power of dedication, continuous learning, and love for one’s craft. From his first play in secondary school during the 1990s to his career-defining performance in “To Kill a Monkey” in 2025, William’s journey spans over three decades of consistent excellence.

His path from stage performances at Yowdrack Playhouse to Netflix’s global platform demonstrates that authentic talent, combined with proper preparation and strategic choices, can transcend geographical and platform limitations. The William Benson biography reveals an actor who has never stopped learning, never stopped growing, and never stopped loving his work.

At 50+ years old, William stands as a respected figure in Nigerian entertainment, having contributed significantly to theatre, radio, television, and film. His portrayal of complex characters—from General Apeh to Herbert Macaulay to Efemini—showcases extraordinary range and depth.

His personal tragedies, including the loss of both parents within 16 days in 2020, have only deepened the emotional authenticity he brings to his performances. His Catholic faith, love of cooking, and enjoyment of simple pleasures like table tennis reveal a well-rounded individual who finds balance despite the demands of his career.

With an estimated net worth of $500,000, William has achieved financial stability through his craft. More importantly, he has achieved something money cannot buy: respect from peers, admiration from audiences, and a legacy of performances that will endure.

As he continues taking on new projects and reaching new audiences through platforms like Netflix, William Benson proves that it’s never too late for recognition, that preparation always meets opportunity, and that true talent, nurtured over decades, will eventually find its spotlight.

The William Benson biography is far from complete. With his commitment to continuous learning and his collaborative spirit, the next chapter promises to be just as compelling as those that came before.

FAQs About William Benson Biography

Q1: How old is William Benson?
William Benson was born on 25 March during the 1970s, making him 50+ years old as of 2024. His exact birth year has not been publicly confirmed.

Q2: What is William Benson’s net worth?
William Benson’s net worth is estimated at approximately $500,000 (roughly ₦350 million) as of 2022, earned through his extensive career in acting, directing, and playwriting.

Q3: Is William Benson married?
As of 2025, William Benson is reportedly unmarried. He maintains strict privacy about his personal life and romantic relationships.

Q4: What is William Benson’s most famous role?
William is best known for his role as General Apeh in the television series “Ajoche” (2018) and his career-defining performance as Efemini in Netflix’s “To Kill a Monkey” (2025).

Q5: Did William Benson study theatre arts?
No, William studied English Language and Literature at the University of Lagos, graduating in 2010. However, he trained as a theatre practitioner through extensive hands-on experience with various theatre companies.

Q6: Where is William Benson from?
William Benson is from Lagos State, Nigeria. He is of Yoruba ethnicity and speaks both Yoruba and English fluently.

Q7: Who were William Benson’s parents?
William’s parents were Ehinze Willy-Benson Ordia (father) and Comfort Oriseyomobo Benson (mother). Both passed away in March 2020, just 16 days apart—his father at 103 years old and his mother at 83.

Q8: What historical figure did William Benson portray?
William portrayed Herbert Macaulay, the Nigerian nationalist known as the “Father of Nigerian Nationalism”, in “The Herbert Macaulay Affair” (2019).

Q9: How tall is William Benson?
William Benson stands at approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, contributing to his commanding on-screen presence.

Q10: What is William Benson’s connection to the University of Lagos?
William independently directed the practical aspects of the University of Lagos English Theatre Workshop course (ENG 154) for 12 years before enrolling as a part-time student in 2005. He graduated with a degree in English Language and Literature in 2010.