Photo Credit: Martin Imhangbe/Instagram
While the ballrooms of Mayfair are buzzing with the latest scandals, there is one face in the ton that always brings a bit of home to our screens. Martins Isoken Imhangbe, the British-Nigerian actor who plays Will Mondrich, has become a staple in the “Bridgerton” universe.
We first met Will in Season 1 as a professional boxer and the right-hand man to the Duke of Hastings. However, the storyline took a massive turn in Season 3 when his son, Nicholas, inherited a title and a 27-room estate, making the Mondriches part of the nobility. In Season 4, Will is no longer just a club owner; he is a man navigating a world of strict rules and high society while trying to keep his family grounded.
Beyond the Regency costumes, Martins is a proud Edo boy. Born in Edo State, Nigeria, he spent his early years in Greece—where he became fluent in Greek—before moving to London. Growing up in a Nigerian household, he was surrounded by a culture that prioritised family and a solid sense of identity. Even with his global success, he stays connected to his roots, often heading to Nigerian spots in London for a fix of Egusi and pounded yam.
His path to Bridgerton was built on persistence. Martins initially faced rejection from drama schools, but he eventually graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and spent years on the London stage. It was his performance in Death of a Salesman at the Young Vic that caught the attention of Netflix’s casting directors.
He brings a grit and authenticity to the role of Will Mondrich that makes him impossible to ignore. Whether he’s in a boxing ring or a ballroom, he is proof that Nigerian talent has no boundaries.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Martins Imhangbe
- He is Multi-Lingual: Before moving to London, Martins lived in Greece from the age of two to seven. He became completely fluent in Greek, and to this day, he still carries that unique linguistic flair with him.
- His First Role Was… a Tree: Every superstar starts somewhere. Martins’ very first taste of the stage was at age six in a primary school play of Little Red Riding Hood, where he played a tree. He later joked that in his head, he wasn’t just a tree, he was the star of the show.
- He’s a Real-Life Boxing Fan: To play the formidable Will Mondrich, Martins didn’t just pretend to fight. He has actually trained in boxing for years, starting back in 2016 for a stage play. He loves the discipline and endurance the sport requires.
- He Bakes His Own Playlists: When he isn’t on set, Martins is likely listening to heavy hitters from the Nigerian music scene. He’s a massive fan of Wizkid (especially the Made in Lagos era), Burna Boy, and Rema, and loves how they’ve taken the Naija sound global.
- A “Technical“ Start: After his first attempt at drama school resulted in a rejection, he didn’t give up. He actually studied Technical Theatre first to learn the behind-the-scenes craft before reapplying and getting into the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
