Born in New Zealand to an Australian bikini model mother and a New Zealand singer father of Māori descent, Bennett moved to Australia as an infant and later built his career across both countries and internationally.

Jonathan Manu Bennett (born October 10, 1969) is an Australian-New Zealand actor primarily known for portraying characters in epic fantasy works, such as Crixus in the TV series Spartacus, Allanon in The Shannara Chronicles, Slade Wilson / Deathstroke in Arrow, and Azog the Defiler in The Hobbit trilogy. 

His breakout role as Crixus in Spartacus brought him international recognition, with his battle cry “Shall We Begin!” first bringing Manu Bennett’s voice & acting career to international attention.

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Manu Bennett’s Major Television Roles

Spartacus Franchise (2010-2013)

Genre: History/war
No of seasons/episodes: 3 seasons, 39 episodes, and a prequel mini-series,
Where to Watch: Netflix

Bennett’s most acclaimed television work came in the Spartacus series, where he portrayed Crixus, a Gallic gladiator who becomes a key figure in the slave rebellion. His performance spanned multiple seasons and spin-offs:

• Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010) – Regular cast member

• Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011) – Prequel miniseries

• Spartacus: Vengeance (2012) – Regular cast member

• Spartacus: War of the Damned (2013) – Regular cast member

Bennett’s role was particularly crucial during the series’ transition period. When the show lost lead actor Andy Whitfield to cancer, Bennett’s pivotal role, transitioning from Spartacus’ nemesis to a slave rebel leader, was credited for maintaining the show’s momentum and quality.

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Arrow (2013-2019)

Genre: Superhero
No of Season/episodes: 8 Seasons, 170 episodes
Where to Watch: Prime Video

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Bennett joined The CW’s superhero series Arrow as Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke. 

The CW’s Green Arrow-inspired drama “Arrow” has found its Slade Wilson, casting “Spartacus” actor Manu Bennett as the man under the mask of Deathstroke the Terminator. 

His portrayal of the complex character spanned multiple seasons, featuring both as an ally and antagonist to Oliver Queen.

Bennett’s performance style in Arrow differed significantly from his Spartacus work. Everything Crixus was doing was arms out, spread giant sweeps, swipes with his sword. Spartacus was kind of like playing classical music, and Arrow is more like pop music.

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The Shannara Chronicles (2016-2017)

Genre: Action/Fantasy
No of seasons/episodes: 2 seasons, 20 episodes
Where to watch: Prime Video

Bennett starred as Allanon, a druid warrior, in MTV’s fantasy series The Shannara Chronicles, based on Terry Brooks’ novels. 

This role further cemented his reputation as a go-to actor for fantasy television.

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Other Notable TV Work

• Paradise Beach – Australian soap opera (early career)

• The Summit – CBS competition series (host/narrator role)

• Shortland Street – New Zealand medical drama (guest appearances)

Film Career

The Hobbit Trilogy (2012-2014)

Genre: Fantasy
Running time: 2h 49m
Where to watch: Prime Video

Bennett’s most high-profile film work was his motion-capture performance as Azog the Defiler in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy:

• The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)

• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

• The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies (2014)

As the primary antagonist orc, Bennett brought physicality and menace to the CGI character through motion capture technology, working closely with WETA Digital to create the imposing villain.

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She’s gone from inspiring characters in over 350 films to shaping the industry behind the scenes. Rita has emerged as a trailblazer. Let’s take a deep dive into her life, her craft, and the versatility that sets her apart.

A Glimpse into Rita’s Beginnings and Legacy

Born July 12, 1975, in Mbaise, Imo State, into a distinguished family (her father was a doctor, her mother a nurse), Rita Dominic blossomed early into performance. 

With theatre arts studied at the University of Port Harcourt (class of 1999), she dove into Nollywood full-force after her debut in 1998’s A Time to Kill.

Dubbed a “silver screen icon” by CNN, she has earned numerous accolades, from the AMVCA (in both drama and comedy) to Kenya’s Kalasha Award. 

Beyond acting, Rita co-founded The Audrey Silva Company (TASC) with Mildred Okwo, producing hits like The Meeting and working on Nigeria’s famed Miss Nigeria pageant.

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’76 (2016) 

Role: Suzie Dewa, a pregnant army wife caught in a storm of political intrigue.

Set six years after Nigeria’s civil war, ’76 traces the harrowing ordeal of Captain Joseph Dewa (Ramsey Nouah), falsely accused of involvement in the failed 1976 coup. 

Rita Dominic’s Suzie embodies emotional resilience. She’s gentle yet resolute as she fights to prove her husband’s innocence and protect their unborn child.

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Her performance earned widespread acclaim, including the AMVCA Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series). 

Critics praised her nuanced portrayal of a woman under strain, small gestures like a quivering hand or a steely glare spoke louder than words. Kemi Filani News described her turn as “refreshing… bringing the plight of a soldier’s wife to life on screen.”

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The Meeting (2012)

Role: Clara Ikemba, the formidable gatekeeper in Abuja’s bureaucracy.

In this award-winning (AMAA & Audience Choice in Paris) romantic comedy, Rita stars opposite Femi Jacobs, playing a no‑nonsense receptionist whose brash exterior conceals vulnerability. 

Damian Okwo’s script uses Clara to spotlight bureaucracy, but Rita’s performance elevates it: she’s prickly, sarcastic, and unexpectedly human.

Her demand for bribes, comic dominance, and begrudging soft spots turn Clara into one of Nollywood’s most iconic comedic characters.

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Light in the Dark (2019)

Role: Jumoke, a survivor navigating trauma and hope.

In this intense drama/thriller, Rita stars as Jumoke, a married mother of one attacked during a break-in . 

The film explores the horrifying aftermath of gender violence and its impact on family dynamics.

With little dialogue, Rita conveys suffering, stoicism, and the fragile rebuilding of trust; she anchors the film’s emotional core.

Critics applauded how her intimate, understated performance elevated the broader narrative into a moving portrait of survival.

The Trade (2023) 

Role: Doris, a sharp, determined enforcement officer.

In Jade Osiberu’s crime thriller, Rita plays Doris, a tactful but fierce character operating within Nigeria’s gritty criminal landscape. 

As a wife, mother, and law enforcer, Doris is moral and multifaceted. Rita’s measured portrayal balances empathy and authority, keeping viewers guessing about loyalties and drive.

Her presence lends gravitas, showing how seamlessly she adapts to genre shifts, from historical drama to urban crime.

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Shattered (2011)

A US-based Nigerian music critic, writer and media influencer, Olumide Akinlolu professionally known as Oyebanji Akins has officially been inducted as a member of the prestigious Recording Academy, the esteemed organization responsible for selecting Grammy winners based on merit.

The Academy extended a warm welcome to Akins in a statement via email, acknowledging his contributions to the music industry and enjoined him to actively participate in fulfilling the organization’s mission.

His induction follows his invitation to the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class.

He joins an array of music professionals and creators, engaging in celebrations, sharing experiences, and contributing to the growth of the music industry.

As a member Akins have the opportunity to celebrate peer’s achievements throughout the Grammy Awards process, spotlighting excellence across genre and community.

This milestone recognizes Akins’ dedication and expertise in the music industry, allowing him to play a vital role in shaping the future of music alongside fellow members.

This isn’t just an honour, “but a chance to amplify your voice, shape the future of our industry and make a lasting impact,” the statement further read.

He will contribute to celebrating and advocating for the diverse community of music creators, furthering the Academy’s mission to serve music and its makers.

Speaking on the recognition, Akins said “being invited to join the Academy is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s recognition of my work, my voice, my commitment to the music industry and culture at large. It’s not just an honor, it’s a responsibility to contribute, represent diverse perspectives, and help shape the future of music on a global stage.”

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“For someone like me, whose journey started from grassroots storytelling and music criticism, this recognition feels like validation that my efforts to bridge cultures and elevate African and Black voices are making an impact,” Akins, the founder of CTDA Media — Connecting The Dot Africa, added.

“It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries, amplifying artists, and ensuring that the richness of our stories is seen and respected worldwide. Above all, it’s a reminder that dreams, no matter where they start, are possible. And I’m grateful to be part of a community that values creativity, integrity, and the power of music.”

Akins induction into the Recording Academy marks a significant achievement, solidifying his position as a respected voice in the music industry.