Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, needs no introduction. He is a veteran Nollywood actor who has contributed significantly to the growth of the Nigerian movie industry. In a recent interview on Teju Babyface’s Deep Dive podcast, he spoke about marriage, his career, and other issues. The ‘Diamond Ring’ star opened up about the challenges of remaining faithful in a marriage when one’s career is in showbiz. He admitted that it is hard; hence, it is important for one’s partner to understand what to expect in such a union.
Look at some excerpts below.
Is being faithful in marriage hard?
“It is hard, especially if one is in the line of work (showbiz) that we are in. Every one of us who is married is like a target. Women are like Delilah and Jezebel; they prepare, and the only way they can perpetuate the real intentions of the enemy is to constantly aim at the image of God or the symbol of authority in any home. It is like on the battlefield. If a general or commander is brought down, the battalion scatters.
“One has to get to a point where one’s wife understands what she’s up against as well. If one’s wife is not up to speed on what she’s up against; then one’s flank will be left open. For me, family defines my life. You don’t touch my family.”
More Read
RMD was also quizzed about his first marriage to Nigerian journalist and writer, May Ellen Ezekial Mofe-Damijo.
As well as I know you, I know nothing about your first marriage and the end thereof. (What can you say about it?)
“It’s because you were young (when it happened). It started in 1989 and ended in 1996. I’m not sure how old you were then. I met her somewhere and she sent me a note. She was a writer, and she wrote that if I did not mind the stares of the men who adored her, and if I was man enough, I should go on a date with her. I responded that they had not given birth to the man that could make me feel intimidated.
“The marriage eventually ended, because she passed on. It was an unfortunate Easter period. She had a fibroid operation that went wrong.”
To say you bounced back from that experience is an understatement. But, the spectre of death must have haunted you for a while?
“It is something I’ve lived with all my life. Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s death brought all of that back to me, because one of the biggest challenges I faced when my (first) wife passed on was, ‘what if it happens again’? It is such a present and consuming fear.
“I thank God for my wife today. She was my strength, because she made it clear that her fate and destiny were very different from that, and I should not have that fear.
I am completely over that now.
Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo (RMD) was born on July 6, 1961. He is a successful actor, filmmaker, lawyer, and former journalist. He also served as a Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State in 2009.
In 2005, he won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and has also the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 12th Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2016.
His first marriage was to May Ellen Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo. However, after her demise in 1996, hegot married to TV personality Jumobi Adegbesan. RMD is blessed with five children: two with his current wife and three from his previous marriage.
Meanwhile, if you enjoy Nollywood celebrity gossip and news updates, ensure that you follow us NollywoodCelebs on all our social media pages, including Facebook. You will love our exclusive behind-the-scenes content from your favorite Nigerian actors and actresses.
