Abraham Ntonya

Greetings fellow Earthlings! As the great Austin Powers once said, “Allow myself to introduce…. myself.”  I am a Malawian actor based in Los Angeles, California. I am the youngest of five children and the son of the late LT.Gen Ernest C Ntonya and Anastasia Ntonya. After graduating with my A-level certificate from the International School of South Africa (ISSA), South Africa, I decided to follow my adolescent dream of moving to the United States of America to pursue a career as a professional actor. I was accepted into Arizona State University (ASU), and graduated with a BA in Theater and a Communication minor. In 2018, I successfully completed my MFA in Theater from the University of Houston (UH). This means I am a master at something…. oh boy!

With well over two decades of theater experience, appearing in plays such as Charles Mee’s “Big Love” (2010) and Luis Valdez’s “Zoot Suit” (2011), I quickly became associated with the film department during my four years at ASU, appearing in over 15 student films and short independent projects. Possessing the ability to successfully submerge into the content of my work (pat on the back), I proved to myself and many others to be more than capable of portraying a wide range of characters both on stage and in front of the camera; from the hero, professional or love interest, to the villain, antagonist or criminal. Towards the end of my time at ASU, I was deemed the most “prolific actor” in the School of Theater and Film (SoTF) during an interview with the director of the SoTF, Jacob Pinholster, in 2011. It was quite an honor coming from the top man himself. Not only that, the SoTF presented me with two awards during the 2011-2012 school year: a Director’s Special Recognition Award and Outstanding Contributions from a Senior Student.

In 2012, I went on my first professional tour with the acting group “(Dis)Orientation” under the direction of Jeremiah Clay Neal and in association with Collegiate EmPowerment. We traveled to three different states on the east coast with the show “(Dis)Orietnation.”

I went on to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in 2018 where I played the Dephant in “Henry V” directed by Karen Kessler. I worked with Directors such as Mari Lyons in her production of “Shakespeare in Love.” Later that year I was cast as Puck, Egeus, and Philostrate in “A Midsummer Nights Dream” produced by the wonderful folks of the Nebraska Shakespeare Company.

Since moving to L.A in 2020, I’ve been the host of “NED’s Kindness Adventure” a online and live interactive children’s show teaching kids the importance of Kindness, Cultural Diversity and Acceptance. When I’m not hosting that, I’m on the road traveling with “NED’s Resiliency Ride.”

In my down time, I enjoy music! My eldest brother inspired me to become a drummer because of his passion for the instrument. I have been playing the drum set on-and-off since 2001 and I find there are few ways to release energy that are as satisfying. I now mostly play the Djembe, and was part of ASU’s African Drum Ensemble for a brief spell under the leadership of the late Dr. Mark Sunkett. I also enjoy training in the Afro-Brazilian martial art of Capoeira. I have been a member of Grupo Axé Capoeira since 2010 and enjoy getting a great full-body work out. Through it, I get to play musical instruments, learn a new language (Portuguese), practice self defense, and interact with amazing people that I can safely call my family. Speaking of languages, as of August 1st 2025, I’m on a 1950 day streak on Doulingo Spanish! But who’s counting.

In May of 2022, a good friend of mine had the wildest suggestion that we pick up tennis. At first I never thought much of playing the sport despite enjoying watching tournaments in tv. I was, and still am, very invested in soccer (GGMU), however my competitive nature forced me to take on the challenge. I have to tell you….. I never thought I would love a new sport as much as I do tennis. I try to play at least twice a week. I would play much more if I could, but you see the way my knees are set up… well, that’s a story for another time. Three years in and I love every part of it. I’m always ready to play so if you need a new hitting partner, hit me up!