“What would our Ellen do without the cute and hip Tony Okungbowa?”
-- Entertainment Weekly’s Must List (April 2004)

“ a D. J. who supplies not only the beat but a daily dose of colorful, eclectic fashion.”
-- New York Times (March 2004)

Actor, DJ, model and “It” TV maestro/sidekick on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Tony Okungbowa arrived from London and has been making waves ever since. His charisma, music savvy and infectious energy has made him a name on everyone’s lips – and indeed, on everyone’s lists.

Born and raised in London to Nigerian parents, Tony’s childhood and upbringing was marked by tremendous passion for the arts. It was, Okungbowa says, “a home where theatre, music, dance and creative expression reigned supreme.”

A classically trained actor, Tony got his undergraduate degree in Drama from England’s Middlesex University. With considerable UK stagework under his belt, Tony headed stateside to New York City for graduate study at the Strasburg. In Manhattan, his star began to rise: in addition to regular appearances on stage and TV (X-FILES, ARLI$$, NYPD BLUE, etc), the actor also caught the eye of several entertainment personalities who immediately recognized his dynamic talent, musical genius and easily engaging style. Work soon lured him to Los Angeles, and before long Okungbowa was in demand as an actor and model and DJ. His extensive work with Diesel and Paul Smith made him an arbiter of music, fashion and style -- soon coveted for his eclectic mix of funk, hip hop, and cutting edge soul. After regular appearances spinning discs on LA’s club scene, Tony partnered up with photographer Andrew McPherson. As resident DJ on all photo shoots, Okungbowa’s inimitable charm made for booming business (and an incredibly groovy atmosphere on set) working with Glamour, In Style, People, TV Guide, Buena Vista and Focus Films to shoot Beyonce, Britney Spears, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Wayne Brady, and Rod Stewart.

When Ellen DeGeneres showed up for a shoot she met Tony – and the two clicked immediately. In fact, she was so taken by his dynamic persona and eclectic music that she offered him the DJ job on the spot. "He's a snappy dresser and a handsome lad with great taste in music…I love looking at him and love listening to him. What more is there, I ask you?" says Ellen. Tony is now seen daily, providing fabulous tunes and delicious banter with his host, guests, and millions of viewers who can’t get enough him.

A natural entertainer (and the Man Who Makes Ellen Dance), Tony has the unique ability to put people at ease while they’re having a great time. In addition to his TV job, he recently DJ’d the 2004 Grammy Awards, the VH-1 Divas party, and a host of other high profile events. A new and exciting fixture on the media’s radar, he is also the subject of several upcoming magazine profiles and appears in the upcoming feature Gate To Heaven.

Actor, entertainer, DJ and TV personality Tony Okungbowa has definitely taken this country by storm. His unique blend of talents has already made him a rising star in Hollywood, with a future as broad and varied as it is bright.