Richard Mofe-Damijo

Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) is a highly celebrated Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer, and politician, recognized as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. His career, spanning over four decades, is marked by versatility, elegance, and a significant contribution to Nigerian cinema and public service. Early Life and Education Richard Mofe-Damijo was born on July 6, 1961, in Aladja community of Udu Kingdom, near Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. He is a member of the Urhobo ethnic group. For his secondary education, he attended Midwest College, Warri, and later Anglican Grammar School, where he was an active member of the Drama Club. Mofe-Damijo pursued higher education at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he studied Theatre Arts, graduating with a degree in 1983. In 1997, Mofe-Damijo returned to academia, enrolling at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Law, where he fulfilled a long-time ambition by earning a Law degree in 2004 and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar. Career Progression and Filmography Mofe-Damijo began his professional career in the early 1980s, first as a writer and newspaper reporter before transitioning into acting on television. He gained national recognition for his role in the popular soap opera "Ripples" in the late 1980s. With the emergence of Nollywood in the 1990s, he became one of the industry’s most sought-after actors. His early prominent film roles include "Violated" (1996), "Out of Bounds" (1997), which he also wrote and produced, and "Hostages" (1999). Over his career, he has successfully transitioned from the screen-lover roles of the 90s to playing dignified, often older, authoritative figures in modern cinema. Major Achievements and Notable Works Mofe-Damijo’s dedication to the arts has earned him numerous accolades. In 2005, he won the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He is also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016. His notable works span various eras of Nollywood, demonstrating his staying power. Key modern films include "30 Days in Atlanta" (2014), "The Wedding Party" (2016), "Oloibiri" (2016), "Fine Wine" (2021), and "Blood Sisters" (2022). Political Career and Public Service Beyond acting, RMD is known for his involvement in public service and politics. In 2007, he was appointed Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Governor of Delta State. From 2009 to 2015, he served as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, contributing to the development of the state's cultural sector before returning fully to private practice and filmmaking. Current Status Richard Mofe-Damijo remains an active and influential figure in the Nigerian entertainment landscape. He continues to act in major film and television projects, often lending his experience to mentor new generations of artists. He is also known for his distinct fashion sense, which has positioned him as a style icon and a major social media personality.