Ger Duany was born in Akobo, South Sudan, to a family of ten children. He was the fifth child, born to his mother Nyathak Muon Weng and father Thabac Duany Wunbiel. As a child, Duany was forced to flee his home due to the Second Sudanese Civil War, a brutal conflict that ravaged his country and displaced millions of people.
At the tender age of 14, Duany successfully escaped to Ethiopia, but he was not safe for long. He continued his journey, making his way to Kenya and eventually seeking refuge in the United States when he was just 16 years old. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as he became one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, a term used to describe the thousands of boys who were forced to flee their homes during the war.
Duany's early life was marked by hardship and struggle, but he eventually found a new sense of purpose in the world of acting. He made his film debut in the 2004 comedy-drama "I Heart Huckabees," playing the role of a refugee named Stephen Nimieri. The film's director, David O. Russell, chose Duany for the role because of his own personal experience as a refugee.
Duany continued to work in the film industry, appearing in a number of films and documentaries over the years. In 2010, he produced and starred in the documentary "Ger: To Be Separate," which chronicled his search for his family after 18 years apart. The film also explored his journey from a child soldier to a refugee and eventually to a Hollywood actor and international model.
In 2011, Duany returned to South Sudan, where he celebrated the country's newly acquired independence on July 9th. He also voted for the first time, marking a significant milestone in his life. Duany's story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and he continues to inspire people around the world with his journey from war to peace.
