Chiwetel Ejiofor (born 10 July 1974 in London) is an award-winning British actor. Born in London's Forest Gate to Nigerian parents, Ejiofor started acting in school plays at the age of 13 at Dulwich College. He debuted in Steven Spielberg's 1997 film Amistad. He has recently portrayed Ellis, a pianist in Woody Allen's 2004 film Melinda and Melinda, as well as The Operative in Joss Whedon's Serenity. He took the lead in the 2005 film Kinky Boots.