In this post, Platinum Times Nigeria chronicles the life story and career achievements of famous Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro.
Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro, better known as Osas Ighodaro is an American-born Nigerian actress, television host and philantropist.
She won the 2010 Miss Black USA Pageant and is founder of the Joyful Joy Foundation, a fundraising organization for malaria.
She emerged as the highest-grossing Nollywood actress of 2018, and was awarded Best Actress in a Drama consecutively at the 2022 and 2023 AMVCA for her roles in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Man of God, respectively.
Profile summary
Name: Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro
Date of birth: 26th October, 1990
Place of birth: New York, United States
Nationality: Nigerian-American
Education: Pennsylvania State University
Marital status: Divorced
Career: Actress, TV host
Birth
Osas is an indigene of Edo State in the Southern region of Nigeria, she was born on October 26th, 1990 in Bronx, New York, USA, to Nigerian parents of Edo descent.
Education
Osas holds a degree in Broadcast Journalism with dual minor degrees in Entrepreneurship and Theater from Pennsylvania State University.
She also obtained her MA in Fine Arts from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University.
She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the founder of Imuetinyan Productions.
Career
Osas began her acting career in New York after graduating from college.
She started with performing in theatre plays and indie films.
In 2012, she relocated to Nigeria where she played acting roles in Nollywood films including Adanna in Tinsel which is sited on Africa Magic.
Since then, she has starred in Cadillac Records, The Smart Money Woman and Gbomo Gbomo Express.
Because of her outstanding performance in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Man of God in 2022, she was awarded the Best Actress in a Drama’ awards at the 2022 and 2023 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards respectively.
Her portrayal of the character showcased her acting prowess and contributed to the show’s success.
Osas Ighodaro has also showcased her hosting skills on various platforms.
She co-hosted the reality TV show “Nigeria’s Got Talent”, The Headies 2022 and 2023, the Maltina Dance all Family show and prestigious events such as the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2014.
Movies
She has appeared in different movies including,
- Fela & The Kalakuta Queens
- Sarafina
- The Department
- Gbomo Gbomo Express
- Entreat
- Love, Lust & Other Things
- Single Not Searching
- The Man Of God
- The Ghost and the Tout Too
- King of Boys: The Return of the King
- Bad Comments
- Mamba’s Diamond
- Namaste Wahala
- The Smart Money Woman
- Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story
- Mama Drama
- Double Strings
- Assistant Madams
- Your Excellency
- The Bling Lagosians
Private life
Osas was married to Gbenro Ajibade in June 2015 and had their first child in 2016.
However, due to some unsettled misunderstanding, the union ended in 2019.
Despite this event, the actress still continues to excel in her career and is well known for her elegannce and style, giving her an edge as a fashion icon in Nigeria.
Net worth
Throughout her acting career, she has gathered a substantial net wealth of about $2 Million.
Awards
She has received several accolades for her top notch performances, they include;
Miss Black USA Pageant Miss Black USA in 2010.
Actress of the Year for the TV series, Tinsel at the ELOY awards in 2014.
Humanitarian Award at the 2015 Green October La Mode Magazine Award.
Brand Ambassador of the Year at the ELOY Awards.
Supporting Actress of The Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2016.
Woman of the Year in Entertainment Award.
2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards as Best Actress in A Drama for Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story.
2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards as Best Actress In A Drama for her role in the movie, Man of God.