Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo | |
|---|---|
Mofe-Damijo at the premiere of Love Is War | |
| Born | Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo 6 July 1961 |
| Alma mater | University of Benin |
| Occupations | Actor, politician |
| Years active | 1980s-present |
| Spouses |
|
| Children | 5 |
| Awards | 2005 Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role |
Chief Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo (born 6 July 1961), popularly known as RMD,[1][2] is a Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer, and former journalist.[3] He served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 to 2015.[4][5][6] Mofe-Damijo won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2005.[7][8] He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.[9][10] In 2024, he was honoured with the Industry Merit Awards, alongside Iya Rainbow at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.[11]
Early life
Mofe-Damijo was born in Aladja, Udu Kingdom, in present-day Delta State. He attended Midwest College, Warri and Anglican Grammar School, where he was a member of the drama club. He studied theatre arts at the University of Benin,[3] and later studied law at the University of Lagos, graduating in 2004.[7][12]
Career
After graduating from university with a theatre arts degree, Mofe-Damijo appeared in the soap opera Ripples as a police inspector but gained more popularity as villain Segun Kadiri in a rival soap Checkmate. Before then, he had a stint as a writer with the daily newspaper The Concord,[13] and magazines Metro and Quality.[14] Out of Bounds was the first film for which he received a writer and producer credit.[3][15] In 2005, at the maiden edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards, Mofe-Damijo won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.[7] On 5 January 2017, he hosted the 2016 GLO-CAF Awards alongside Nigerian journalist Mimi Fawaz.[16][17] On 8 December 2021, he received a Black Star Honor at the Rhymes on Da Runway in Accra, Ghana.[18]
Political career
Mofe-Damijo was appointed as Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism[19] to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, in 2008. He later served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 to 2015.[8][20]
Personal life
Mofe-Damijo was married to Mary Ellen 'MEE' Ezekiel, a journalist, publisher and talk show host.[21] After her death in 1996, Mofe-Damijo married Jumobi Adegbesan, a television personality. She later left broadcasting for the corporate sector. RMD has five children.[22]
Selected filmography
Film
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Out of Bounds | Pastor Voke | with Bimbo Akintola and Racheal Oniga |
| Hostages | |||
| 1998 | Scores to Settle | with Liz Benson and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde | |
| Suicide Mission | with Regina Askia | ||
| Diamond Ring | Chief Dike | with Liz Benson and Gbadewonuola Oyelakin aka Teju Babyface | |
| 1999 | Freedom | ||
| The Price | Pastor Ken | with Eucharia-Anunobi EKWU | |
| 2003 | When God Says Yes | Harry | with Pete Edochie and Stella Damasus-Aboderin |
| The Richest Man | |||
| The Return | with Segun Arinze | ||
| The Intruder | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin and Rita Dominic | ||
| Soul Provider | with Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde | ||
| Romantic Attraction | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin, Chioma Chukwuka and Zack Orji | ||
| Private Sin | Pastor Jack | with Genevieve Nnaji, Stephanie Okereke, Olu Jacobs and Patience Ozokwor | |
| Passions | with Genevieve Nnaji and Stella Damasus-Aboderin | ||
| Love | with Genevieve Nnaji and Segun Arinze | ||
| Keeping Faith: Is That Love? | with Genevieve Nnaji and Joke Silva | ||
| I Will Die for You | with Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Segun Arinze | ||
| Emotional Pain | Greg | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin | |
| Ayomida | Police Officer Idama | ||
| 2004 | The Mayors | with Sam Dede and Segun Arinze | |
| True Romance | Jim | with Rita Dominic and Desmond Elliot | |
| The Legend | with Kate Henshaw-Nuttal | ||
| Standing Alone | Daniel | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin and Tony Umez | |
| Sisters' Enemy | |||
| Queen | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin | ||
| Little Angel | |||
| Kings Pride | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin | ||
| I Want Your Wife | Eddy | ||
| Indecent Girl | Charles | with Ini Edo | |
| Indecent Act | with Rita Dominic | ||
| I Believe in You | with Rita Dominic | ||
| Engagement Night | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin | ||
| Deadly Desire | |||
| Danger Signal | Dr. C.K. Morgan | with Desmond Elliot | |
| Critical Decision | with Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke | ||
| Burning Desire | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin and Mike Ezuruonye | ||
| Critical Assignment | The President | with Hakeem Kae-Kazim | |
| 2005 | The Bridesmaid | Steve | with Chioma Chukwuka, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal and Stella Damasus-Aboderin |
| Darkest Night | with Genevieve Nnaji, Segun Arinze and Uche Jombo | ||
| Bridge-Stone | Gabriel | with Liz Benson and Zack Orji | |
| Behind Closed Doors | with Stella Damasus-Aboderin, Desmond Elliot and Patience Ozokwor | ||
| Baby Girl | with Pete Edochie | ||
| 2006 | Angels of Destiny | with Emeka Ike, Lilian Bach | |
| 2007 | Caught in the Middle | with Dakore Akande | |
| 2014 | 30 Days in Atlanta | Kimberley's father | with Ada Ameh, Ramsey Nouah |
| 2016 | Dinner | Adetunde George Snr | with Iretiola Doyle[23] |
| The Wedding Party | Felix Onwuka | with Sola Sobowale, Ireti Doyle and Adesua Etomi | |
| The Grudge | Tayo Kindle | with Doyle and Funmi Holder[24] | |
| 2017 | 10 Days in Sun City | Otunba Ayoola Williams | with Ayo Makun and Adesua Etomi |
| The Wedding Party 2 | Felix Onwuka | with Sola Sobowale, Ireti Doyle and Adesua Etomi | |
| 2019 | God Calling[25] | Sade's father | with Zainab Balogun, Kabiri Fubara, Adedamol Adedeoyin, Onyeka Onwenu, Seun Ajayi, Eku Eduwor, Seun Faqua |
| Love Is War | Dimeji Phillips | with Omoni Oboli | |
| 2020 | The New Normal | Chairman | with Bimbo Akintola, Adunni Ade |
| 2021 | Fine Wine | Seye George | with Ego Nwosu, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Keppy Ekpenyong and Zainab Balogun |
| Christmas in Miami[26] | Dafe | with Ayo Makun | |
| 2022 | Boycott | Bui | with Yemi Blaq, Kunle Coker, Tolulope Asanu |
| 4:4:44 | Hillary | With Chiwetalu Agu, Betsy Akan, Seun Akindele | |
| Palava! | Osa Wonda | With Mercy Aigbe, Bisola Aiyeola, Neo Akpofure | |
| 2023 | The Black Book | Paul Edima | with Ade Laoye, Sam Dede, Shaffy Bello |
| Tarella: Princess of the Nile | King Ohen | With Onyinye Ezekwe, Timini Egbuson, Esosa Lawson | |
| 2025 | Radio Voice[27] | Karo | With Timini Egbuson, Nancy Isime, Damilola Adegbite |
| 2025 | Makemation | Chief Abiye Douglas | With Shaffy Bello, Tony Umez, Yvonne Jegede, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha |
| 2027 | Children of Blood and Bone | With Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Viola Davis |
TV shows
| Year | Show | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Castle & Castle | Tega Castle | with Dakore Akande, Ade Laoye and Deyemi Okanlawon |
| 2021 | King of Boys: The Return of the King | Reverend Ifeanyi | with Sola Sobowale, Toni Tones, Reminisce and Illbliss |
| 2022 | Far From Home | Feyi Wilmer Willoughby | With Funke Akindele, Adesuwa Etomi - Wellington |
| 2023 | Shanty Town | Chief Fernandez | With Chidi Mokeme, Nse Ikpe Etim, Ini Edo |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Event | Prize | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5th Africa Movie Academy Awards | Best Film In Nigeria | Nominated |
| 2012 | 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards | Special Recognition Award | Won |
| 2015 | 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |
| 2016 | 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards | Lifetime Achievement Award | Won |
| 2017 | 2017 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards | Best Actor in Leading Role | Nominated |
| Africa Movie Academy Awards | Nominated | ||
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | |
| 2018 | Nollywood Travel Film Festival Awards | Most Outstanding Individual | Won |
| 2021 | Net Honours | Most Popular Actor | Nominated |
| 2022 | Exclusive Men of the Year Africa Awards | Continental Film Icon | Won |
| 2023 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Actor in a Drama, Movie or TV Series[28][29] | Nominated |
Other honours
- In 2014, the Nollywood Igbo Film Festival conferred an honorary chieftaincy title on Mofe-Damijo as a reward for his contributions to Igbo cinema.[1]
References
- ^ a b "RMD set to get chieftaincy title at Igbo film festival". vanguardngr.com. Retrieved 2 February 2026.
- ^ Poromon, Ziga. "RMD in Calgary: A four-day cultural event". The Gauntlet. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
- ^ a b c Ogunbayo, Modupe. "Richard Mofe-Damijo: An Actor's Actor". Newswatch. Lagos, Nigeria: Newswatch. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
- ^ Zainab, Alausa-Issa (14 May 2024). "10th AMVCA: 10 facts about Industry Merit Award winner, Richard Mofe-Damijo". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
- ^ "Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD): A comprehensive biography | Pulse Nigeria". www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
- ^ Godwin, Ameh Comrade (30 November 2012). "Former Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo in N50m embezzlement scandal". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ a b c Akande, Victor (28 November 2009). "New world of A-list stars blacklisted in 2005". The Nation. Lagos, Nigeria: Vintage Press Limited. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
- ^ a b "Delta State Government swears in two new Commissioners". Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
- ^ Ekechukwu, Ferdinand (27 October 2018). "For RMD, It's Good News from Kigali". This Day. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
- ^ Ekpai, Joan (14 June 2016). "RMD receives Lifetime Achievement award from Pete Edochie (AMAA 2016)". Nollywood Community. Lagos, Nigeria. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
- ^ Reporters, Our (12 May 2024). "AMVCA 2024: Iya Rainbow, RMD bag Lifetime awards as Bankole, Ojo win best actors". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ Balogun, Sola. "Acting on stage is my greatest passion". Daily Sun. Lagos, Nigeria: The Sun Publishing Limited. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
- ^ "After Concord Newspaper died, it felt like I lost a baby –Mike Awoyinfa". 15 September 2018.
- ^ "Richard Mofe-Damijo: Profile of an iconic Nollywood actor". P.M. News. 8 May 2020.
- ^ "Richard Mofe-Damijo – Profile". New York City: African Film Festival. Archived from the original on 13 October 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2010.
- ^ "Mimi Fawaz and Richard Mofe-Damijo to emcee 2016 Glo-Caf Awards". CAFOnline.com. Confedération Africaine du Football (CAF). Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- ^ "Mimi Fawaz and Richard Mofe-Damijo to compere 2016 Glo-Caf Awards". Goal.com. 4 January 2017. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
- ^ "Richard Mofe-Damijo honoured in Ghana - P.M. News". Retrieved 12 December 2021.
- ^ "Special Adviser or not im still an actor RMD". thenigerianvoice.com. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
- ^ "Comedian mocks RMD". AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
- ^ "Remembering May Ezekiel, 21 years after". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 25 March 2017.
- ^ "RMD: Two Decades of Screen Romance". Archived from the original on 27 October 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2010.
- ^ "Dinner". IMDb.
- ^ "FUNMI HOLDER: The Nigerian Actress Who Went Back in Time". This Day. 19 January 2020.
- ^ "God Calling Movie". IMDb. Retrieved 13 June 2019.
- ^ Peters, Robert (24 December 2021), Christmas in Miami (Comedy), Manoj Chandra, Verne Alexandre, John Amos, retrieved 8 October 2023
- ^ "Radio Voice - Nollywire". 26 April 2023. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ^ "Full List: Here are all our AMVCA 9 Nominees". AMVCA - Full List: Here are all our AMVCA 9 Nominees. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ Somto, Bisina (20 May 2023). "Tobi Bakre Wins Best Actor 2023 AMVCA For 'Brotherhood' – Prime Business Africa". Prime Business Africa. Retrieved 10 June 2023.