Charles Ouda Biography
Charles Joseph Ouda is an actor, writer, director, singer, television host, and voice over artist born on January 20, 1986, in Nairobi County, Kenya. He emerged as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. Growing up surrounded by the cultural richness of Kenya, he laid the foundation for a prolific career that spanned acting, writing, directing, singing, hosting, and voice-over artistry. Charles Ouda was 38 years old before he died.
Charles Ouda Educational Journey
Charles Ouda’s educational journey included completing a 2-Year Conservatory at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. This training, coupled with his innate talent, shaped his skills as an actor, allowing him to excel in the diverse roles he undertook.
Charles Ouda Career
Charles Ouda, a well-known actor from the beloved show Makutano Junction, made a significant impact, especially among those born in the 1990s. His influence extended beyond Makutano Junction, as he showcased his acting prowess in various productions such as Boy Gets Girl, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Balm in Gilead, Andrew Lippa’s “Wild Party,” “The Iron Heel,” and Out of Africa: Journey through Magical Kenya. Notably, he didn’t limit himself to television, making appearances in several other films.
In his role in Makutano Junction, Charles stood out for more than 12 episodes, leaving an enduring mark on the popular series. Beyond his acting contributions, he played a role in shaping the narrative by contributing to parts of the script. His dedication to the show was acknowledged in 2010 when one of the Makutano Junction episodes he was a part of won the World Media Award for Education, recognizing its educational impact.
Charles Ouda didn’t confine his talents to acting alone; he also ventured into directing with notable success. Serving as the director for the movie “Who Are You?,” he not only secured the Best Director prize but also earned the 72-Hour Shoot Out Judges Choice award at the 2016 Asian American Film Lab Awards. Another cinematic venture under his directorial prowess is the film “Waiting Room.”
His multifaceted talents extend to the realm of hosting, where he excelled as a TV host. His collaborative efforts with co-host Sarah Hassan on various projects, including Makutano Junction, earned him the prestigious Kalasha International Award for Best Television Host. This recognition speaks volumes about his ability to engage and connect with audiences.
In a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth, Charles took a hiatus from his bustling career to complete a 2-Year Conservatory Program at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. This decision reflects his dedication to honing his craft and expanding his skill set, underscoring the depth of his passion for the world of theater and film.
Charles Ouda Acting and Musical Ventures
Charles Ouda’s journey in the spotlight began at the Kenya National Theatre, where he made his debut in Eric Wainaina’s “Lwanda, Man of Stone.” His passion for the stage led him to participate in six other musicals with Sterling Quality Entertainment Company Limited. Notable performances include Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat,” Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Onesmus in “Malaika,” and Oke in “The Sunbirds.”
Charles Ouda Television and Film
Charles’s television career included significant roles in “Better Days” and “Makutano Junction,” showcasing his versatility as Gitau “Tash” Maina and Philip “P.P.” Baraka, respectively. His involvement with “Makutano Junction” extended beyond acting, providing opportunities to train as a screenwriter, director, and composer. He also contributed to other shows like “Kona” and “Discovery +254.”
Charles Ouda Writing and Directing
Charles Ouda’s creative genius extended to writing, with credits including co-writing songs for the Coca Cola PopStars group SEMA and saxophonist Jackson Munala Anduuru. He ventured into radio dramas, co-writing “Chakruok” and contributing to shows like “Changing Times,” “Higher Learning,” “Changes,” and “Mali.”
Charles Ouda International Exposure
His talent reached international audiences through the musical revue show “Out of Africa: Journey Through Magical Kenya,” where he toured in Europe, performing in Holland, Belgium, and Denmark. Charles’s filmmaking endeavors included directing films like “Aphrodite,” “Who Are You?,” “Count It Out,” “Waiting Room,” and “Bench.”
Charles Ouda Personal Life
Engagement and Family: In 2023, Charles Ouda got engaged to former BBC journalist Ciru Muriuki. The couple had plans for their wedding, a testament to the personal milestones Charles was achieving alongside his professional success. Also, there are rumor that Charles Ouda and Ciru Muriuki has daughter, Erica Njeri Gachoka, a 26 years old girl who went missing, but was later rescued
Jackie Matubia expressed deep sadness over the loss of her on-screen partner, Charles Ouda. She shared that they both attended the Salem show party on February 3, along with other cast members, and at that time, Ouda seemed fine. However, just a few hours after the event, Ouda tragically passed away. His family, along with his fiancée Ciru Muriuki, issued a joint statement to announce his demise.
Victor Otengo, a journalist who spent time with Ouda shortly before his passing, shared with TrendsHQ that Ouda was lively and the life of the party during their interaction. The sudden turn of events and Ouda’s unexpected death left Matubia and others who knew him heartbroken. The circumstances surrounding his passing added to the shock and sorrow experienced by his family, friends, and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
Charles Ouda Net Worth
Accumulated Wealth: Charles Ouda, with a career spanning over 13 years, amassed a net worth of $1.5 million. His contributions to the entertainment industry, from acting to writing and directing, positioned him as a prominent figure with financial success.
Charles Ouda Death
Unexpected Demise: Charles Ouda’s sudden demise occurred on the night of February 3, 2024. The family, in a joint statement with his fiancee Ciru Muriuki, announced his passing, urging privacy as they mourned this unfathomable loss. The cause of his death was not disclosed at the time of the statement.
Ouda’s family has released a heartfelt statement confirming the unfortunate passing of Charles ‘Charles J. Ouda. The family expressed their deep sorrow and grief, sharing that Charles, a beloved son, brother, and friend, passed away on the night of February 3, 2024. At the time of his departure, Charles Ouda was 38 years old.
The statement further appealed to everyone to provide space for Charles’s fiancée, Ciru, and the entire Ouda family to cope with the profound loss. The family requested understanding during this challenging time and assured that more details about Charles’s passing would be shared in the coming days.
The family emphasized the importance of respecting the privacy of those affected by this tragedy. The statement concluded with a plea for understanding and support during this difficult period, signifying the immense impact of Charles’s departure on his loved ones and the community.
10 Unknown Facts About Charles Ouda
- Full Name: Charles Joseph Ouda
- Career Beginnings: Started his career immediately after completing high school, accumulating over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry.
- Professional Training: Successfully completed a comprehensive two-year conservatory program at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.
- Theatrical Achievements: Showcased his acting prowess by taking on lead roles in eight plays, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the theatrical realm.
- Diverse Roles: Displayed versatility by portraying lead characters in various productions, including “Better Days,” “Makutano Junction,” “Groove Theory,” “Quantico,” and “Crime and Justice.”
- Directorial Accolades: Received acclaim as a director, securing the Best Director title at the Film Lab Awards and earning the Judges Choice award at the 2016 Asian American Film Lab’s 72 Hour Shoot Out.
- Award-Winning Host: Garnered recognition for his hosting skills, notably winning the Kalasha International Award alongside Sarah Hassan for their exceptional work.
- Directorial Portfolio: Directed two shows and two cabarets, showcasing his multifaceted talents in both performance and behind-the-scenes roles.
- Personal Milestone: Marked a significant personal achievement by getting engaged to former BBC journalist, Ciru Muriuki, in the year 2023.
- Educational Pursuits: Completed a rigorous 2-Year Conservatory program at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York, further honing his skills and knowledge in the performing arts.
Other Facts About Charles Ouda
Charles Joseph Ouda, born on January 20, 1986, in Nairobi County, Kenya, was a remarkable individual known for his diverse talents as an actor, writer, director, singer, television host, and voice-over artist. At 38 years old, Charles Ouda had spent over 11 years in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his skills and versatility.
His journey in the limelight commenced with his first performance at the Kenya National Theatre in Eric Wainaina’s “Lwanda, Man of Stone.” Charles’s theatrical ventures expanded as he participated in six other musicals with Sterling Quality Entertainment Company Limited. Notable roles included Joseph in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat,” Perchik in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Onesmus in “Malaika,” and Oke in “The Sunbirds.” His on-screen presence extended to “THE FIRST GRADER,” where he shared the screen with Oliver Litondo and Naomi Harris.
Beyond the stage, Charles showcased his songwriting prowess by co-writing songs for the Coca Cola PopStars group SEMA. His contributions included “Fire in your Kiss” on their album “Mwewe” and crafting the song “Unconditional” for saxophonist Jackson Munala Anduuru’s debut album “Simply Put.” Additionally, Charles released his own single, “SUPERSTAR,” recorded in collaboration with Dan Aceda.
A significant portion of Charles’s career unfolded with The Phoenix Players, where he participated in 10 plays, took lead roles in 8, directed 2, and hosted two cabaret shows. His involvement ranged from Ray Cooney’s “Tom, Dick and Harry” to Derek Benfield’s “First Things First” and Lorraine Forrest–Turner’s “Seven Stages of An Affair.” Notably, he co-wrote “Phoenix Rising” and directed the comedy “No Dinner for Sinners.”
In the realm of television, Charles left an indelible mark by playing key roles in two of Kenya’s highly successful series – “BETTER DAYS” and “MAKUTANO JUNCTION.” As Gitau “Tash” Maina and Philip “P.P.” Baraka, respectively, he not only showcased his acting prowess but also delved into screenwriting, directing, and composing.
Charles’s writing ventures expanded to radio dramas, collaborating with Well Told Story on “CHAKRUOK,” set to air in Nyanza Province. His writing credits also include “CHANGING TIMES,” “HIGHER LEARNING,” “CHANGES,” and “MALI.” Film and television engagements, such as “KONA” and “DISCOVERY +254,” further demonstrated his dedication as both an actor and writer.
Taking a hiatus from his career, Charles pursued advanced training, completing a 2-Year Conservatory at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. Currently residing in New York, he continued his endeavors as an actor, writer, and director.
Charles’s engagement to former BBC journalist Ciru Muriuki in 2023 hinted at a promising future. Tragically, on February 3, 2024, at the age of 38, Charles passed away. The family, along with Ciru Muriuki, requested privacy as they mourned their loss. Charles Ouda’s impact on Kenyan entertainment, spanning stage, screen, and beyond, remains a testament to his extraordinary talents and unwavering dedication to the craft. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who cherished his work and the memories he created throughout his prolific career.
Sage is a financial/consumer journalist and senior editor, personal finance, of TrendsHQ. EXPERTISE: Personal Finance, Careers, Jobs, Scholarships, and Entertainment.