Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey, one of the prominent figures who helped shape the country’s theatre, television and film industry, has died at the age of 89.
Nortey passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, after more than five decades of contributions to Ghana’s creative arts.
Born on February 1, 1937, she became widely recognised for her commanding performances and portrayal of strong, outspoken female characters, earning her the affectionate nickname “Maame Gyata”, which translates to “Lion Woman” or “Lion Lady”.
Her career flourished particularly from the 1980s into the early 2000s, when she featured in several popular Ghanaian television and theatre productions, including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Key Soap Concert Party, Cantata, Taxi Driver and Thursday Theatre.
Nortey made her major screen appearance in the 1986 comic film Juju, produced by King Ampaw and Peter Wohlgemuth-Reinery. In the film, she played the wife of veteran actor Joe Eyison.
She went on to build an extensive filmography, appearing in productions such as Nana Akoto, The Other Side of the Rich, Escape to Love, Matters of the Heart, Expectations, Jewels, The Ties That Bind, Sinking Sands and Beasts of No Nation.
Throughout her career, Nortey became particularly noted for playing authoritative and fearless women. Her characters often engaged in intense exchanges with male counterparts, with her performances sometimes combining confrontation with humour.
Beyond acting
Away from the screen and stage, Nortey worked as a Senior Administrative Assistant with the Ghana Education Service.
She was also a vocal advocate for the welfare of veteran actors, drawing attention to the difficulties confronting ageing performers, including financial hardship, loneliness and limited retirement support.
Nortey was married to Daniel Nortey, who predeceased her. They had five children, among them actress Sheila Nortey.
Awards and recognition
Her contribution to Ghanaian entertainment earned her several awards and honours over the years.
In 2011, she won the Best Cameo Actress award at the Ghana Movie Awards for her role in Adams Apple.
She was subsequently presented with the Excellence in Arts award at the Glitz Women of the Year Honours in 2016 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival in 2018.
In 2020, Nortey received a Legendary Award for Outstanding Contributions at the Ghana Actors Entertainment Award.
A year later, she was recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Excellence in the Performing Arts at the 3Music Awards Women’s Brunch.
She was also honoured at the Ashanti Festival in April 2025 for her contribution to Ghanaian entertainment.
In her later years, Nortey took on fewer demanding roles due to mobility and eyesight difficulties. She had previously disclosed that reading lengthy scripts had become challenging, although she remained open to smaller roles that allowed her to work from scenarios and improvise.
Grace Nortey leaves behind a career spanning radio, theatre, television and film, and a legacy that stretches across generations of Ghana’s performing arts.
