Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is one of Nigeria’s most respected actors and entertainers.
Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the leading figures in Nollywood, starring in countless films and television productions while also making a name for himself as a writer, producer, lawyer, former journalist, and politician.
Known for his charisma, elegance, and commanding screen presence, RMD has remained relevant in the Nigerian entertainment industry for several decades.
Beyond acting, he served as the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, making him one of the few Nollywood stars to successfully combine entertainment with public service.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo
- Stage Name: RMD
- Date of Birth: July 6, 1961
- Current Age: 65 years (as of 2026)
- Place of Birth: Aladja, Udu Kingdom, Delta State, Nigeria
- Local Government Area (LGA): Udu
- State of Origin: Delta State
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Tribe/Ethnicity: Urhobo (although he bears an Itsekiri surname, he publicly identifies more as Urhobo)
- Occupation: Actor, Writer, Producer, Lawyer, Former Journalist, Politician
- Years Active: 1980s–present
- Religion: Not publicly disclosed
- Marital Status: Married
Early Life and Education
Richard Evans Mofe-Damijo was born on July 6, 1961, in Aladja, a community in the Udu Kingdom of present-day Delta State, Nigeria.
He spent much of his early life in and around Warri, where he developed an interest in acting while still in school.
Although RMD has become a household name, he has kept much of his childhood and family life private. Details about his parents and siblings have not been publicly disclosed.
For his secondary education, he attended Midwest College, Warri, before continuing at Anglican Grammar School.
While in school, he was an active member of the drama club, an experience that helped nurture the passion that would later define his career.
After secondary school, he gained admission to the University of Benin, where he studied Theatre Arts. His education laid a solid foundation for his acting career.
Several years later, after already becoming an established actor, RMD returned to school to study Law at the University of Lagos.
He graduated with a law degree in 2004, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth and education even at the height of his acting career.
Career
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s professional journey is one of consistency, reinvention, and excellence. His career has taken him through journalism, acting, filmmaking, politics, and law.
Early Career
Before becoming famous on television, RMD worked as a journalist and writer. He wrote for The Concord newspaper as well as Metro and Quality magazines.
His background in journalism sharpened his storytelling skills, which later proved valuable in filmmaking.
His first major writing and producing credit came with the film Out of Bounds, marking the beginning of his work behind the camera.
Breakthrough in Nollywood
RMD first appeared in the television soap opera Ripples, where he played the role of a police inspector.
Although the show introduced him to television audiences, it was his role as Segun Kadiri in the popular soap opera Checkmate that made him a widely recognized face across Nigeria.
As Nollywood expanded in the 1990s and early 2000s, RMD became one of its biggest stars. His ability to portray both romantic and authoritative characters made him a favorite among filmmakers and audiences alike.
He has since appeared in dozens of acclaimed productions, earning praise for his versatility and professionalism.
Political Career
RMD temporarily stepped away from full-time acting when he entered public service. In 2008, he was appointed Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Governor of Delta State.
The following year, he became the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, a position he held from 2009 to 2015.
Following his time in government, he returned fully to acting and quickly re-established himself as one of Nollywood’s leading performers.
Continued Success
In recent years, RMD has remained one of the industry’s most active veteran actors. He has featured in numerous successful films released in cinemas and on streaming platforms, proving that his popularity has endured across multiple generations.
He has also served as a television host, public speaker, producer, and mentor to younger actors.
Movies
Richard Mofe-Damijo has appeared in numerous films and television productions throughout his career. Some of his notable works include:
- Ripples
- Checkmate
- Out of Bounds
- Critical Assignment
- State of the Heart
- 30 Days in Atlanta
- Oloibiri
- Love Is War
- Crossroads
- Castle & Castle
- The Black Book
- Revelations
This is not a complete filmography, as RMD has featured in many more productions over the course of his decades-long career.
Awards and Recognition
Richard Mofe-Damijo has received several awards and honours for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Some of the most notable include:
- Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) – Best Actor in a Leading Role (2005)
- Best of Nollywood Awards – Special Recognition Award (2012)
- Africa Movie Academy Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)
- Nollywood Travel Film Festival Awards – Most Outstanding Individual (2018)
- Exclusive Men of the Year Africa Awards – Continental Film Icon (2022)
- Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) – Industry Merit Award (2024)
In addition to these wins, RMD has received numerous nominations at major African film awards over the years.
Personal Life
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s personal life has attracted public interest over the years, although he generally maintains a level of privacy.
He was first married to May Ellen “MEE” Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo, a respected journalist, publisher, and television personality. Sadly, she passed away in 1996.
After her death, RMD married Jumobi Adegbesan, a former television presenter who later transitioned into the corporate sector. The actor is a father of five children.
Outside acting, RMD is known for his refined sense of style and has become something of a fashion icon.
He is also admired for maintaining a youthful appearance and a strong presence on social media, where he regularly engages with fans and promotes his projects.
Despite his celebrity status, he keeps many aspects of his private life away from the public, and there is no verified public information regarding matters beyond what he has chosen to share.
Net Worth
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. However, several entertainment and celebrity websites estimate his net worth to be in the multi-million-dollar range.
These estimates are based on his long acting career, endorsements, film productions, business interests, and previous role in public service.
As with most celebrity wealth estimates, the reported figures vary between sources and should be regarded as estimates rather than confirmed financial information.