British-Canadian-Nigerian actor, Ayo Solanke, known for his lead role as Ryan Adebayo in the BET television series currently streaming on Netflix, while speaking during a media appearance on Wednesday provided a comprehensive account of his professional background, career progression, and international film experience.

Solanke, who was born in Nigeria, relocated to the United Kingdom at the age of two. He spent the next ten years in England, where he engaged in community theatre activities. At the time, these activities were not intended to serve as a pathway to professional acting but were instead pursued recreationally with his sibling.

In 2015, Solanke migrated to Winnipeg, Canada, where he became involved in the regional film and television production industry. He cited the presence of a strong local film environment as a catalyst for increased involvement in professional acting. Following his relocation, Solanke began securing roles in small-scale productions before advancing to more prominent appearances in feature films.

His professional acting debut which occurred in 2020 with a role in the horror anthology Tales from the Hood 3. Subsequent credits include appearances in Sniper: Rogue Mission and Clown in a Cornfield, both of which expanded his international profile and exposure to different film genres.

Solanke’s most notable role to date is his portrayal of Ryan Adebayo in BET’s original series, which premiered on Netflix in May 2025 and attained significant viewership metrics globally. While speaking about his role in the series, Solanke explained that elements of the character’s background and emotional state aligned with his personal experiences, allowing him to bring an additional level of depth to the performance.

When asked about the possibility of participating in the Nigerian film industry, Solanke confirmed interest in collaborating on Nigerian-based film projects. While he did not announce any active negotiations or upcoming titles, he stated that involvement in the Nigerian creative industry aligns with his broader professional goals.

Solanke’s work in both North American and international markets has positioned him as a cross-cultural figure in film and television, with a growing presence in both mainstream streaming platforms and genre-specific productions. His current involvement in the BET/Netflix collaboration has further elevated his profile and introduced his work to new audiences across multiple regions.