Richard Mofe-Damijo

EARLY LIFE

Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo was born on July 6, 1961, in Aladja, Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, to Chief Francis and Mrs. Victoria Mofe-Damijo . He hails from the Urhobo ethnic group. His academic journey is distinguished by excellence in both the arts and law. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Benin before traveling to the United States, where he obtained a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre/Film from the University of Pittsburgh . Upon returning to Nigeria, he further diversified his qualifications by studying Law at the University of Lagos and was subsequently called to the Nigerian Bar . This unique combination of advanced artistic training and legal education has informed his multifaceted career spanning entertainment, public service, and business.

CAREER

Before fully establishing himself as an actor, RMD worked as a journalist and writer for The Concord newspaper and the magazines Metro and Quality. He first gained attention on television as a police inspector in the soap opera Ripples, then rose to greater prominence as the villain Segun Kadiri in the rival soap Checkmate. His first film credit as writer and producer was Out of Bounds (1997). Over the decades he has become one of Nollywood’s most respected and enduring leading men, appearing in dozens of films and television series. Notable works include The Wedding Party and The Wedding Party 2 (as Felix Onwuka), 30 Days in Atlanta, 10 Days in Sun City, Love Is War, The Black Book (as Paul Edima), Fine Wine, Castle & Castle (as Tega Castle), King of Boys: The Return of the King, Shanty Town, Far From Home, and many others from the late 1990s onward. He has also worked as a producer and continues to take on both dramatic and supporting roles into the 2020s (including projects such as Radio Voice and Makemation). Public service: In 2008 he was appointed Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. He later served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 to 2015. Awards and recognition include: Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (2005) Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards (2016) Industry Merit Award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2024, shared with Iya Rainbow) Special Recognition Award (Best of Nollywood Awards, 2012) Multiple other nominations and honours, including a Black Star Honor and an honorary chieftaincy title related to contributions to Igbo cinema. He has also hosted major events (including the 2016 GLO-CAF Awards) and remains active as a public speaker, mentor, and industry figure.

PERSONAL LIFE

Richard Mofe-Damijo’s personal life has been marked by both profound loss and enduring partnership. He was first married to fellow actress and producer Rotimi Fashola, who tragically passed away in 1997 . In 2005, he married media personality and former journalist Jumobi Adegbesan, with whom he has built a family that includes children from both marriages . Despite his immense fame, RMD maintains a relatively dignified private life, sharing selective family moments and professional milestones on social media rather than sensationalized personal content. He is widely respected for his integrity, eloquence, and role as a cultural ambassador for Nigeria.

RMD is the owner/CEO of companies including RMD Productions Limited and White Water Limited, and is associated with the RMD Foundation. He is widely regarded as one of the elder statesmen of Nollywood and continues to influence younger actors and filmmakers.