Between the period when the Nigerian movie industry (aka Nollywood) truly began to blossom between the late 1980s and now, some notable figures have emerged. They used their stellar acting skills to draw the attention of investors and big brands to the blossoming Nollywood industry. And today, Nollywood has become an industry full of glamour and big money. One of such stellar actors/actresses that made Nollywood become an attractive place to invest is Rita Dominic.
Sultry and talented veteran actress, Rita Dominic, has become a master of many skills. She is also a model, producer, TV personality, philanthropist, and media executive. Her charm, smile, and carriage are as impossible to ignore as her very realistic and relatable moves while acting. She knows how to bring emotions to life. She was included among the class of the Big 5 Girls of Nollywood. These were actresses with outstanding acting skills that have made them to command millions in earnings (whether in Naira or Dollars).
Who is Rita Dominic: Her Background
Her full name is Rita Uchenna Nkem Dominic Nwaturuocha, born in July 1975. She is a member of the royal Nwaturuocha family of Aboh-Mbaise Local Government of Imo state (southeast Nigeria). Her parents (who are now both late) were medical practitioners. Her father was a medical doctor; while her mother was a nurse. Rita herself was the youngest of four children.
Rita Dominic completed her secondary education at Federal Government College, Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State (southeast Nigeria). From there, she proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts in 1999.
Rita actually began as a child actor. She was said to have participated in school plays, as well as television shows in Imo state while growing up.
Rita Dominic’s Journey into Nollywood
A year before she graduated from the university, Rita Dominic featured in first Nollywood movie – A Time to Kill (1998). She starred in several other Nigerian films, with her performances thrilling Nigerian movie fans more and more. The actress has featured in well over 100 movies to date. Additionally, she is one of the highest-paid Nollywood actresses of all time. She has featured in the following notable Nigerian films:
- A Time To Kill
- Children of Terror
- Prisoner of Love
- My Guy
- Face of a Liar
- Aba Riot
- Unforgettable
- To Love a Thief
- Throwing Stones
- The Intruder
- Street Life
- Working Class Lady
- Accidental Discharge
- Back To America
- Singles & Married
- Love Temple
- Lost Paradise
- Blood Diamonds
- Queen of My Heart
- Desperate Billionaire
- 2 Face
- Million Dollar Sisters
- Married For Money
- Girls Cot
- Yahoo Millionaire
- Yankee Girls
- True Lies
- Run Away Prince
- The Therapist
- The Women
- Light In The Dark
Over time, the actress started producing her own movies – which include Light in the Dark, The Therapist, Desecration, Bound, and The Blindspot. She is also a co-founder of a film company, Audrey Silva Company; and the CEO of Rita Dominic Productions. To cap it all, Rita Dominic is currently a brand ambassador of renowned global brand LG; and Nigerian telecom giant Globacom.
Rita is also amongst the class of Nollywood actresses who command the highest fees per acting role. We are speaking of over 3 million Naira per role, during the peak of her career. And one would not expect anything less than that anymore in her case – especially now that she produces her own movies. In fact, at a time in the early 2000s, a collective of Nollywood filmmakers in Lagos and Onitsha imposed a ban on recruiting any of the Nollywood Big 5 Girls. That included Rita Dominic, Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Stephanie Okereke, and Stella Damasus.
Rita Dominic: Industry Awards
Rita Dominic has earned a good number of film industry awards. They include the following (and there are others):
- 2004 City People Awards: Most Outstanding Actress.
- 2012 Africa Movie Academy Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role
- 2013 Best of Nollywood Awards: Best Actress in Supporting Role (English film)
- 2014 Best of Nollywood Awards: Best Supporting Actress (English Film)
- 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards: Best Actress in a Comedy; Best Movie Comedy
Rita Dominic: Net Worth (2024)
The beautiful actress is estimated to have a net worth of about 50 million US Dollars (as of 2024). There is no doubt she is one of the richest female celebrities in Nollywood today.
Rita Dominic’s Personal Life
Rita Dominic is now married to entrepreneur, Fidelis Anosike. Anosike is the founder of Folio Media Group, the parent company of renowned Daily Times Nigeria newspaper. They got married in 2022 in a star-studded two-fold traditional and white wedding. The former was held in Nigeria; while the latter one took place in London, England.
The wedding witnessed the attendance of very best of Nollywood elite, top Nigerian executives, and notable celebrities.
Rita is also known to be quite guarded about her personal life in general. She is a fairly private person.
