RMD: Making Of A Cultural Icon

Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo—RMD to millions—remains one of the most enduring and influential figures in African entertainment. At 64, with a career spanning over 41 years across stage, screen, journalism, law, politics, and philanthropy, he has become far more than an actor. He is a cultural institution.

The lifetime achievement awards lining his shelf—three and counting—are not ornamental accolades. They are acknowledgements of a man whose body of work speaks louder than celebrity or hype.
“I think my work stands me out,” he says with characteristic modesty. “From stage to film, from journalism to law—these are the things people see when they honour me.”

Born on July 6, 1961, RMD grew up in Aladja, in the Udu Kingdom of Delta State. The Urhobo-born actor speaks English, Yoruba, Pidgin, and Urhobo with ease. As a young boy in the 1960s in Warri, entertainment captivated him so deeply that he would trek long distances to watch television in neighbours’ homes before his family eventually owned one. Once the “people in the box” became part of his world, he knew he wanted to join them.

Cinema sealed his destiny. “It was a lot of John Wayne, Indian, and Chinese films,” he recalls. Between television and cinema, the calling became unmistakable.

Yet his childhood was also marked by early loss. He lost both parents young—his father at 57 or 58, his mother at 59—to complications from diabetes and hypertension. Their deaths created a lingering fear in him. “My biggest fear was dying at their age,” he once admitted. Fitness, prayer, and discipline became his anchors. Reaching 60—and thriving beyond it—remains something he deeply cherishes.

His artistic journey began in his secondary school drama club. He went on to study Theatre Arts at the University of Benin, graduating in 1983. Before becoming a household name, he worked as a journalist with Concord Newspaper and later as a reporter for Metro and Quality magazines.

Television found him early. His role in the iconic 1980s drama Ripples marked the beginning of a career that would help shape the identity of Nollywood. But Nigeria in that era was harsh—military rule, economic austerity, and widespread uncertainty meant that acting was anything but glamorous.“Stage was my real forte,” he says, “but television created instant work.” Through hardship and limited opportunities, he stayed driven—powered by passion and grit.

Convincing his mother that acting was a “real” profession was another battle. At the time, respectable career paths for an only child were limited: medicine, law, or engineering. RMD reassured her she would one day see him on TV—and she did. “She died a happy woman,” he says proudly.

The 1990s brought economic hardship, but also ushered in a new dawn: the rise of digital filmmaking and the emergence of Nollywood. With cinemas collapsing and home video emerging, actors became producers out of necessity—funding their own films, hustling for distribution, and learning discipline the hard way.

“It made us disciplined,” he says. “Today, I teach young actors that discipline and timeliness are non-negotiable.”

Films like Violated (1995) established him as Nollywood’s quintessential romantic lead. With Out of Bounds (1997)—which he wrote and produced while studying law at the University of Lagos—he proved he was more than an actor; he was a storyteller. Diamond Ring (1998) sealed his status as one of the industry’s defining personalities.

Even at the height of his fame, he returned to the classroom. He earned his law degree in 2004 and was called to the Bar in 2005. RMD’s eight years in public service—first as Special Adviser, then as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State—became another vital chapter in his story. Inspired by global talent shows, he launched the Delta Talent Quest, which has discovered actors, comedians, dancers, and musicians who have become notable names in the industry.

“Festivals and talent shows grow an industry,” he insists. Through RMD Productions and the RMD Foundation, he continues to mentor and empower young creatives. “I love their boldness. They don’t go for safety.”

Four decades after he first stepped onto a stage, RMD remains one of Africa’s most sought-after actors. Recent Netflix hits like Shanty Town and The Black Book introduced him to a new generation and international audiences—the latter reaching number three on Netflix’s global chart. His willingness to take physically demanding roles, including shedding significant weight twice for major projects, underscores his unwavering dedication.

His excitement now shifts to new works, including Christmas in Lagos, a festive Prime Video production from filmmaker Jade Osiberu.

Reflecting on his journey, he laughs warmly. “Forty-one years, and it doesn’t feel like it. If these awards are supposed to slow me down, too bad. I’m not slowing down for anybody. I’m just getting started.”