There are actors; and there are ACTORS INDEED. Stellar actors (and actresses) that are as skilled as exceptional people in other professions; they come with a gold label, you might say. Nigeria has a number of notable sons and daughters with such bigger-than-life skills and mentality, including those occupying the movie industry. We can unapologetically say veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (also fondly called RMD) is one of them.
With a stunning smile and natural charm, Richard Mofe-Damijo can easily stand in the league of celebrity male fashion models. Truth be told, he has long been courted successfully in the fashion world. He never disappointed his prospectors. Multiple award-winning movie producer, actor, writer, ex-journalist, lawyer and politician, Richard Mofe-Damijo knows how to bring any character to life with emotion and zeal. There are few people with such a level of characterization. He acts it like he means it, every nerve of him. He is a legend.
About Richard Mofe-Damijo: His Background
Born in July 1961, Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo (a.k.a. RMD) hails from Aladja community in Udu Kingdom, Delta State of Nigeria. Both of his parents are now late. Richard’s father worked at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Warri until 1990 (when he died). His mother was a trader. According to reports, both his parents had health problems – particularly hypertension and diabetes. Neither of his parents reached the age of 60 years – a fact he mentioned while offering thanksgiving on his 60th birthday anniversary. Certain sources also hinted that he comes from a large family of 18 members.
Richard Mofe-Damijo had his secondary education in two schools: Midwest College, Warri; and Anglican Grammar School. And while in secondary school, he was a member of the Drama Club. The actor proceeded to the University of Benin, Edo State, where he bagged a degree in Theater Arts. Between 1997 and 2004, Richard Mofe-Damijo enrolled in the University of Lagos and graduated with a degree in Law.
Richard Mofe-Damijo: His Beginnings
Following his graduation from the University of Benin, Richard Mofe-Damijo was a journalist. He worked briefly as a writer with The Concord newspaper; and Metro and Quality magazines. He also served as a reporter for The Guardian and Concord newspapers, as well as Metro Magazine.
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s Nollywood Acting Career
He was not a full-time actor at the onset. Nevertheless, Richard Mofe-Damijo first featured in the Nigerian soap opera Ripples (1998 to 1993), playing the role of a police inspector. He went on to feature on the set of another popular soap opera namely Checkmate (1991 to 1994). His role as the villain, Segun Kadiri in Checkmate shot him into fame. Richard also wrote, co-produced and featured in his debut movie Out of Bounds (1997).
His well-depicted roles took him to the set of movies such as Hostages (1997), Scores to Settle (1998), The Diamond Ring (1998), The Price (1999), The Intruder (2003) and scores of other popular movies. Richard Mofe-Damijo is so versatile with his movie roles that at over 60 years, he is still a prominent actor in Nollywood. He has starred in well over 50 Nollywood movies to date. He also starred in the TV series Castle and Castle (2021).
A list of the major movies RMD was casted in, include the following:
- Out of Bounds
- Hostages
- Diamond Ring
- Scores to Settle
- Freedom
- Love
- Keeping Faith: Is That Love
- When God Says Yes
- Romantic Attraction
- Emotional Pain
- The Intruder
- I Will Die For You
- The Legend
- I want Your Wife
- The Mayors
- True Romance
- Burning Desire
- Critical Assignment
- Indecent Act
- Engagement Night
- Critical Decision
- Behind Closed Doors
- The Bridesmaid
- Darkest Night
- Welcome to Nollywood
- 30 Days in Atlanta
- Oloibiri
- Okafor’s Law
- The Grudge
- Hush
- Dinner
- The Wedding Party
- Three Wise Men
- 10 Days in Sun City
- The Wedding Party
- I Love My Wife Even After Death
- Boxing Day: A Day After Christmas
- My God Never Fail Me
- God Calling
- Chief Daddy
- Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons
- Crossroads
- The Hour
- Castle And Castle
- Blood And Oil
Richard Mofe-Damijo has had the opportunity to co-star in Nollywood movies and TV shows with talented actors and actresses. They include the likes of Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Zack Orji, Liz Benson, late Rachael Oniga, Bimbo Akintola, Sola Sobowale, Eucharia Anunobi, Stella Damasus, Pete Edochie, and several others. He is also the CEO of RMD Production Limited, and has produced his own TV drama series, Mr. X Family Show.
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s Political Career
Richard Mofe-Damijo was first appointed as the Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to former Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2008. Then from 2009 to 2015, he was appointed Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State.
Richard Mofe-Damijo: Net Worth (2024)
The illustrious actor reportedly has a combined net worth of about 7 million US dollars (as of 2024). This positions Richard Mofe-Damijo amongst the richest and most influential Nollywood actors of the 21st Century.
RMD: Industry Awards
Richard Mofe-Damijo is a recipient of many prestigious industry awards over the years. They include the following:
- 2005 Africa Movie Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role
- 2012 Best of Nollywood Awards: Special Recognition Award
- 2016 12th Africa Movie Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2021 Rhymes on Da Runway (Ghana): Black Star Honour
- 2022 Exclusive Men of the Year Africa Awards: Continental Film Icon
RMD’s Personal Life
Richard Mofe-Damijo was previously married to highly-popular TV show host, journalist, publisher and philanthropist, May Ellen Ezekiel (a.k.a. MEE). Unfortunately, MEE died in 1996.
The actor remarried in December 2000 to TV presenter, Jumobi Adegbesan. Following this, Jumobi left her broadcasting career to pursue other business ventures and cater for her family.
Altogether, Richard Mofe-Damijo has five children – three kids from previous relationships and marriage; and two from current wife Jumobi.
