There is a reason that Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry, serves as a pinnacle for filmmaking in Africa as a whole. While providing us with many hours of joy and emotion, from time to time it is important to discuss the stories behind the scenes, and the many talents that advocate and influence the industry to the point it is today.
Nonso Diobi
Nonso Diobi is one of the busiest actors in Nollywood, having an extremely impressive and profound history since his Nollywood debut in 2001 in the film “Border Line”. Until today, Nonso Diobi has already stared in over 100 films.
His breakthrough as an actor is mostly attributed to his outstanding performance in the film “Hatred”, which also released in 2001 to much acclaim. He also serves as the chairman of a production company, and his net worth is estimated at around $1 million.
Mike Ezuruonye
The talented and illustrious actor Mike Ezuruonye has generated quite a social media following over the past few years. Although acting was always a dream of his, prior to making his acting debut in 2003, Mike Ezuruonye was actually a banker for a few years before gaining recognition as an actor, which led him to resign from his job as a banker.
He was nominated at the Africa Movie Academy Awards for Best Actor twice, once for supporting role and later for leading role, and despite not winning the actual award, he is still regarded as one of the best Nollywood actors today.
Kenneth Okonkwo
Known as “Andy Okeke”, Kenneth Okonkwo is not only a famous Nollywood actor but was also a politician and a lawyer before becoming an actor. His most famous role is also considered as his breakout role in Nollywood, in the film “Living in Bondage”, a two-part drama thriller released in 1992/93, and since has served as an actor in more than 50 films.
Kenneth Okonkwo received several awards for his immense contribution to the film industry in Nigeria, including the African Movie Academy’s Special Recognition of Pillars of Nollywood Award.
Desmond Elliot
Being an actor, director and a politician simultaneously is no easy feat, but it didn’t deter Desmond Elliot from carrying out such a busy lifestyle. Since he was influenced by a close friend in early 00’s to attempt a career in acting, Desmond Elliot has made several appearances in many soap operas such as “Everyday People”.
It was in mid-00’s when Desmond Elliot became a real Nollywood phenomenon and today he is considered one of the most prominent actors in Nollywood, winning numerous awards for his incredible talent.
Van Vicker
Shortly after making his Nollywood debut, Van Vicker was immediately noticed by many great names in the industry and was considered to have a real potential and was signed for many big roles, acting alongside legendary actors such as Tonto Dikeh and Mercy Johnson.
It was a real dream come true for Van Vicker, as most of his life he dreamed about making it big in Nollywood, and making a breakthrough in such incredible fashion only makes his victory sweeter. Saying that Van Vicker is a legend in the making feels like an obvious.
Ramsey Nouah
Before he made his breakthrough as an actor, Ramsey Nouah was actually interested in becoming a musician, but unfortunately didn’t find much success, and thus decided to heed a friend’s advice and attempt to become an actor. He made his debut on a TV soap opera, and since starred in several roles as the lead actor, gaining popularity and attaining the nickname “Lover-Boi”, due to starring in many romantic films. Ramsey Nouah won many awards including the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in Lead Role and considered to be one of the most sought-after actors in Nollywood.
Kanayo O. Kanayo
Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, more known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, has made his breakthrough alongside Kenneth Okonkwo in the two-part thriller film “Living in Bondage”. In 2006, Kanayo O. Kanayo won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and since has been considered one of the finest actors in Nollywood today
Despite making such a name for himself in Nollywood, Kanayo O. Kanayo announced that he is leaving his acting career to pursue politics. He currently serves as a United Nations ambassador.
Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo, also known as RMD, is one of the most experienced actors today in Nollywood and is seen by many as a veteran within the industry with many young actors looking up to his charisma and skills. He is another Africa Movie Academy Award winner to join the list, winning both Best Actor in Leading Role and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Back in the 90s, RMD also did a few writing and producing jobs for various films before he decided to commit fully to acting. He also served a commissioner in Delta State, Nigeria.
Nkem Owoh
Nkem Owoh is a standout actor and is considered to be one of the most accomplished names in the Nigerian film industry. He is a natural talent and a beloved personality by many, a lot of thanks to his sense of humor and his impressive improvisation skills
Many see him as a unique actor due to the fact that in every film he is starring, no matter the character he is playing, he always seems to find a way to make it memorable. Only a few actors manage to attain such impressive charm and capture the audience’s attention as naturally.
Pete Edochie
Pete Edochie is not only another veteran to join the list but is actually the most respected actor in this list. His immense talent and experience speak volumes as to why he is such an adored personality and looked up to by many.
Pete Edochie won many prestigious awards not only for the films he starred at but also for his legacy and influence within Nollywood, joining the ranks of few other Nigerian actors that have managed to reach such level of success. In fact, Pete Edochie might just be the greatest of them all.