Richard Mofe-Damijo
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo |
| Birth Date | 1961-07-06 |
| Birthplace | Aladja, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Career & Achievements | |
| Active Years | 1980s–present |
Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo (born 6 July 1961), popularly known as RMD, is a legendary Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer, and former politician. Widely regarded as one of Nollywood's most iconic leading men, he has enjoyed a career spanning over four decades in television and film. He was the former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State.
Early Life & Education
RMD was born in the Aladja community of the Udu Kingdom, near Warri, Delta State. He attended Midwest College, Warri and Anglican Grammar School, where he became an active member of the Drama Club. Following his passion for the arts, he gained admission into the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated with a Bachelor's degree.
In 1997, already established as an actor, he returned to university—this time studying Law at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), graduating in 2004, and subsequently being called to the Nigerian Bar.
Career
1980s–1990s: Television Stardom
Following his graduation from UNIBEN, RMD worked briefly in journalism, serving as a reporter for Concord Newspapers and Metro Magazine. However, his breakthrough came on television in the late 1980s, when he was cast in the hit soap opera Ripples. He solidified his status as a national heartthrob as the lead actor in the rival soap opera Checkmate, playing the role of Segun Kadiri alongside the late Amaka Igwe.
Nollywood Breakthrough
As the Nigerian video-film industry (Nollywood) exploded in the 1990s, RMD seamlessly transitioned from television to film. His performance in the 1997 classic Out of Bounds, for which he received a writer and producer credit, cemented him as a premium leading man.
Throughout the 2000s, he starred in numerous defining Nollywood blockbusters, including Hostages, Scores to Settle, Diamond Ring, and The Intruder. He became renowned for his sophisticated demeanor, smooth delivery, and immense screen presence, dominating the industry as its highest-paid and most sought-after actor. In 2005, at the inaugural African Movie Academy Awards, he won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Sabbatical & Politics
In 2008, RMD took a hiatus from acting to serve in public office. He was appointed Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to the then-Governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan. He was later elevated to the position of Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, serving until 2015.
The Comeback (2015–present)
RMD returned to acting following his political tenure and effortlessly reclaimed his throne at the top of the industry. He has starred in the biggest box-office hits of the modern cinema era, often playing wealthy, charismatic patriarchs. His recent notable films include The Wedding Party (2016) and its sequel, Chief Daddy (2018), Love Is War (2019), and The Black Book (2023).
Filmography
| Film | Character | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Black Book | General Isa | 2023 | Netflix Original |
| King of Boys: The Return of the King | Reverend Ifeanyi | 2021 | |
| Fine Wine | George | 2021 | |
| Love Is War | Dimeji Phillips | 2019 | |
| Chief Daddy | Teco Appiah | 2018 | |
| The Wedding Party | Chief Felix Onwuka | 2016 | |
| Out of Bounds | Pastor Voke | 1997 | Also Writer/Producer |
| Checkmate (TV Series) | Segun Kadiri | 1991–1994 | |
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Awards & Recognition
- 2005: Africa Movie Academy Awards - Best Actor in a Leading Role
- 2012: Special Recognition Award - Best of Nollywood Awards
- 2016: Africa Movie Academy Awards - Lifetime Achievement Award