Oliver Litondo was born in Kakamega, Kenya, and later pursued higher education in the United States.
He began his career in broadcast journalism, serving as a correspondent for BBC and Deutsche Welle, as well as anchorman for Voice of Kenya (now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation - KBC) and Kenya Television Network (KTN).
In addition to his work in journalism, Oliver developed a passion for film acting and theater. He appeared in several notable films, including the 1974 movie "The Wilby Conspiracy," starring Oscar winners Sydney Poitier and Michael Caine. Prior to that, he acted in the 1971 British film "The Search for the Nile."
Oliver also co-produced the National Theater stage production "The Muntu" in 1976, alongside Alakie Mboya, starring himself and Beldina Auma. In 1978, he starred in the film "The Bush Trackers," produced and directed by the late Gordon Parks Jr. and Gary Strieker, which was completed after Gordon's death in a plane crash.
Throughout his career, Oliver has appeared in a range of films, including "Sheena: Queen of the Jungle" (1984),starring Tanya Roberts; "The Lion Of Africa" (1988),starring Bryan Danahy; and "Ivory Hunters" (1990),starring James Earl Jones and John Lithgow.
Oliver's most recent film, "The First Grader," was released in 2010 and was directed by Justin Chadwick. The film stars Oliver Litondo and Naomie Harris, and tells the true story of Maruge, a Kenyan man who began attending first grade at the age of 84. Oliver has said that the film has inspired many adults in Kenya to return to school, and that acting alongside so many children was a joy for him.
Oliver is married to his long-time friend and confidant, Beldina Auma, a communications practitioner, former journalist, former actress, and model. They have four children together, including their daughter Grace, who is an up-and-coming singer with a growing following on YouTube.
