Biography

Bayo Akinfemi is an assistant professor of theatre practice at the USC School of Dramatic Arts.

A two-time Best Actor GEMINI nominee for Human Cargo and The Border, Bayo is currently a series regular on Bob Hearts Abishola, a Chuck Lorre third season sitcom on CBS. His other acting credits include Marvel’s Agents of Shield, Criminal Minds, NCIS LA and Survivor’s Remorse. He is also a director. His credits include the short film Rump and Nollywood feature films Busted Life and Paparazzi: Eye in the Dark. Bayo is confirmed for a directing spot on Bob Hearts Abishola this upcoming season. He’s also the dialect coach and culture consultant for the show.

Bayo was born and raised in Ilesa, Nigeria. He obtained a B.A. in Performing Arts from the University of Ilorin before moving to Toronto where he studied Film & Television Production and worked for several years as an actor and a director before moving to California. He holds a Master’s degree in Cinema and Media Studies from the University of Southern California – USC, Los Angeles, where he currently works as an Assistant Professor of Theatre Practice in Acting in the School of Dramatic Arts. He also teaches film directing in the School of Cinematic Arts.

Bayo is also an avid theater director with extensive credits. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the African Theatre Artistes Society (ATARS), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a platform of artistic expression to artists of African descent in Los Angeles. Bayo recently produced and directed Zulu Sofola’s Wedlock of the Gods for the company.