Nana Mensah
Capricorn
37 years old
Who is Nana Mensah?
Nana Mensah is a Ghanaian-American actress, writer, and director known for her standout performances in The King of Staten Island, An African City, and 13 Reasons Why. She gained widespread recognition for her work in the critically acclaimed indie film Queen of Glory, which she also wrote and directed. With a background in both performing arts and screenwriting, Mensah is celebrated for her ability to portray complex, culturally rooted characters and for contributing authentic, underrepresented narratives to film and television.
Early Life and Background
Nana Mensah is an American actress, writer, and director, widely admired for her compelling performances and sharp storytelling. She was born on January 10, 1988, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Ghanaian immigrant parents. Although her family has remained private, her cultural roots have strongly influenced her work both on and off-screen.
Growing up in a household that valued education and discipline, Nana embraced both American and Ghanaian traditions. Her early exposure to diverse cultures helped shape the authentic and multidimensional characters she would later portray.
Education
Mensah attended The Loomis Chaffee School, a prestigious preparatory school known for its academic rigor. She later enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a degree in French and Sociology. Although she initially considered law school, her passion for storytelling eventually led her to pursue a career in film and television.
Career Breakthrough
Nana Mensah’s journey into acting began with theater and gradually transitioned to television and film. She first gained attention in the critically acclaimed Ghanaian web series An African City (2014), where she played the stylish and outspoken Sade. The role introduced her to a global audience and highlighted her talent for portraying intelligent, confident women.
In 2020, she starred in The King of Staten Island, playing a teacher alongside Pete Davidson. The same year, she appeared in the sci-fi drama After Yang, where she portrayed a café owner—a subtle but memorable role that showcased her range.
Mensah’s performances in popular TV series like 13 Reasons Why (as Amara), New Amsterdam (as Dr. Camila), and Madam Secretary (as Sally) further cemented her as a versatile actress capable of taking on both emotionally intense and nuanced characters.
Writing and Directing
Beyond acting, Nana Mensah has made her mark as a talented writer and director. Her debut film, Queen of Glory, which she wrote, directed, and starred in, premiered to critical acclaim. The film tells the story of a Ghanaian-American academic who inherits her mother’s Christian bookstore in the Bronx—a semi-autobiographical tale exploring identity, grief, and cultural duality.
She also contributed as a writer on Netflix’s Bonding (2021), penning two episodes that combined wit, humor, and emotional complexity.
Personal Life
Nana Mensah keeps her personal life largely out of the public eye. While she occasionally shares insights into her heritage and creative process, she does not frequently discuss her relationships or private affairs in interviews or on social media.
She is deeply connected to her Ghanaian roots and often highlights the importance of African representation in Western media. In interviews, she has spoken candidly about the challenges faced by Black women in the entertainment industry and the importance of telling stories from underrepresented communities.
FAQ About Nana Mensah
1. What is Nana Mensah known for?
She is best known for her roles in Queen of Glory, An African City, The King of Staten Island, and 13 Reasons Why. She’s also recognized for her work as a writer and director.
2. Where was Nana Mensah born?
She was born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, on January 10, 1988.
3. What is Nana Mensah’s ethnicity?
Nana Mensah is of Ghanaian-American descent.
4. Did Nana Mensah go to college?
Yes, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania.
5. Is Nana Mensah married?
She has not publicly shared any information about being married or in a relationship.
6. What is Queen of Glory about?
Queen of Glory is a dramedy about a Ghanaian-American woman who inherits her late mother’s Christian bookstore. The film explores themes of identity, family, and belonging.
