Every Auntie’s Crush: Van Vicker Turns 48!
- Miracle Winston Esin
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
There are few constants in life: jollof wars, late Nigerian weddings, and Van Vicker being every auntie's eternal heartthrob. As the beloved Ghanaian actor celebrates his upcoming birthday on August 1st, fans across the continent and beyond are gearing up to shower him with love—and a few marriage proposals, naturally.
Whether you first spotted him in Beyoncé: The President's Daughter or swooned over his signature smolder in countless Nollywood-Ghallywood classics, one thing’s for sure—Van Vicker had the aunties (and some of us!) in a serious chokehold. His romantic roles, charming smile, and that gentlemanly flair made him the poster boy for early 2000s West African cinema.
As our favorite star turns 48, let’s take a trip down memory lane with three of Van Vicker’s standout films that showcase his charm, acting versatility, and all-round Nollywood vibe.
1. One Night in Vegas (2013)
This film is forever iconic in Van’s filmography. Here, he plays Mildred’s soulmate in a comedic yet emotional story about chasing dreams and navigating love across continents. It’s the movie that introduced him to romantic-comedy stardom, with scenes that still pop up in ‘TV wedding’ memes today.
2. The Scorned Help (2015)
A haunting story of love, betrayal, and a devastating secret. When a long-lost son is abducted after years of waiting, his mother begins to unravel the painful truth behind his disappearance. At the center of it all is Tunde (Van Vicker) — a man with a dangerous confession that could either reunite his family or tear it apart forever. Van brings raw emotion and tension to the role, making this one of his most gripping dramatic performances to date.
3. Mind Game (2010)
In this edge-of-your-seat thriller, Van plays Richard, a newlywed husband hiding more than just secrets in his study. When his wife Betty (played by Omotola Jalade Ekeinde) returns home unexpectedly, she walks into a nightmare that shatters her world — discovering her husband in a compromising position with his friend. With only four months into their marriage and no intimacy to show for it, Betty is left reeling. Van’s portrayal of a conflicted, closeted man battling shame, love, and societal pressure makes Mind Game an unforgettable entry in his career.
Over the years, he’s evolved from heartthrob to family man, director, producer, and advocate for education and social change. But let’s not lie—he still looks like he could pull off a leading man role tomorrow and have half the continent re-downloading Boomplay just to rewatch.
As Van adds another candle to the cake, we're raising a glass (or three) to the man who made us all believe in love, long before Instagram couples and soft life aesthetics took over.
Happy birthday in advance to the forever fine Van Vicker—the crush that united aunties across Africa!
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