Joseph van Vicker popularly called Van Vicker is one of the best acting talnts to have come out from Ghana.
In this post, we take a look at the life of this famous Ghanaian actor which includes his early life, education, family and acting career.
Early life & Education
Van Vicker was born on the 1st of August 1977. He was born to a Ghanaian/Liberian mother and a Dutch father. Vicker’s father died when he was 6 years old.
He attended Mfantsipim School. Majid Michel was his classmate at Mfantisipim. The actor revealed that he is very close to his mother because his father died early.
Career
Van Vicker began his career as a radio presenter at Groove 106.3 fm. He worked there between 1999 and 2000. He later moved to Vibe 91.9fm where he worked between 2001 and 2004.
Vicker also worked as a television personality for TV3 Ghana between 1997 and 1999 and Metro TV between 2000 and 2004.
The actor featured in the Ghanaian Television series, Suncity. In this series, he played the character of LeRoy King, Jr, a fine arts student born in the U.S. who arrives at Suncity to complete his education.
The series ran for a total of 10 episodes but that was enough for Vicker to show his acting potential to the world.
His recognition from Suncity led to him landing his first major role in the movie, Divine Love where he debuted alongside Jackie Aygemang and Majid Michel.
Vicker is known for his romantic roles and he has often been compared with movie stars like Majid Michel and Ramsey Nouah. Vicker made the transition to Nollywood when he starred in movies like My Soul Mate, Heart of Fire, Popular King, Gambling with Marriage, Harvest of Love, Stolen Will, The Joy of a Prince, Discovered, The Kingdom and Against the law.
The actor has featured alongside the likes of Tonto Dikeh, Mercy Johnson, Omotola Jalade, Stephanie Okereke, Chika Ike and Jim Iyke. Omotola Jalade revealed that her best ever kiss on set happened when she was on set with Van Vicker. Vicker earned international acclaim when he featured in the Australian movie, Cop’s Enemy alongside Prema Smith and John K-ay.
Apart from acting, Vicker has also been involved in production and direction and the actor owns a film production house, Sky + Orange Productions where he serves as the CEO.
Awards and Nominations
Van Vicker received two nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Upcoming Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2008.
Vicker is also a producer and 2012 was his biggest year as a movie producer. That year, he received the NAFCA Best Actor and Director Awards for his comedy movie, Joni Waka.
Also, the actor has been nominated for and won other awards. Some of Vicker’s national and international awards include:
- Ghana Movie Awards, ACRAG awards and the Nollywood Academy Films Critics’ Awards.
- 2009 Best African Caribbean Actor
- 2009 Afro-Hollywood Award as the Best Actor (African film category)
- Best Actor African American
- 2011 Pan African Creative Actor
- Best Comedy Movie during the 2012 Nafca for his role in the movie, Joni Waka
- 2013 Best International Actor award at the Papyrus Magazine Screen Actors Awards (PAMSAA) 2013, which was held in Abuja, Nigeria.
- Best Actor (Local Film) at the 2013 Ghana Movie Awards for his role in the movie, Joni Waka
- Africa Channel’s Creative Achievement Award during the 2011 Pan African Film Festival
- Best Collaboration during the KumaWood Awards for his role in the movie, Broni W’awu
Van Vicker Foundation
Vicker has a foundation called The Van Vicker Foundation which organizes outreaches for youth. Also, the actor has a training facility where students are trained in acting by professionals and veteran in the industry.
Personal life
Vicker is happily married to Adjoa Vicker. Adjoa was born on the 24th of January 1977. According to Vicker, he met Adjoa over 22 years ago when she was just a teenager. They’ve been married for over 15 years and they have three children together, two daughters and a son. Their names are Jeto Van Vicker, Julian Van Vicker, and Junior Joseph Van Vicker.
Movies
Vicker ventured into showbiz in 1997 when he worked as a presenter. He was approached to star in the TV series, Sun City.
He continued his work as a presenter when the series ended and three years after starring in the TV series, he was approached to feature in the movie, Divine Love. Vicker eventually became popular when he starred in the movie, Beyonce that shot him to limelight.
The actor debuted in Nollywood in 2007 and his career has enjoyed an upward swing since then.
Some of the movies he has featured in include:
- Divine Love (2004)
- Beyonce: The President’s Daughter (2006)
- Darkness of Sorrow
- Mummy’s Daughter
- The Return of Beyonce
- American Boy (2007)
- I Hate Women
- Innocent Soul
- In the Eyes of My Husband
- Princess Tyra
- Royal Battle
- Slave to Lust
- Wedlock of the Gods
- Broken Tears (2008)
- Corporate Maid
- Friday Night
- Jealous Princess
- River of Tears
- Total Love
- Twilight Sisters (2009)
- Royal War
- Beyond Conspiracy (2009)
- Discovered (2010)
- Loyal Enemies (2010)
- Kingdom in Flames (2010)
- Paparazzi Eye In The Dark (2011)
- One Night In Vegas (2013)
- Skinned (2016)
- Cop’s Enemy (2017)
Also, Vicker has produced and directed 5 movies. He’s also a scriptwriter
Nollywood
Vicker made his Nollywood breakthrough in late 2007 and his time in the industry has come with some observations which he recently disclosed. According to Vicker, Nollywood has come a long way and the industry has been growing quite well. But the actor sounded a note of caution as he believes there’s still a lot more to be done.
Vicker highlighted areas like movie quality, equipment and director training as the aspects that need improvements.
Also, the actor disclosed that using sophisticated gadgets which could create great pictures as well producing movies with great effect will mean improvements in the industry.