Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo has publicly denounced being called a “legend” in the entertainment industry, describing the title as misleading and potentially career-limiting. The respected performer, widely known by his initials RMD, made these candid remarks during a recent appearance on the YouTube show “Curiosity Made Me Ask,” hosted by Nigerian content creator Bea U.
“I think all those legend thing is a scam,” RMD stated bluntly during the interview. His rejection of what many would consider an honorific title comes as a surprise to fans who have followed his distinguished career spanning over three decades in Nigeria’s film industry.
The acclaimed actor explained his perspective, suggesting that the “legend” label carries subtle implications about an artist’s professional trajectory that he finds troubling. According to RMD, the designation often serves as a polite way of suggesting someone’s career peak has passed or that they should be considering retirement – neither of which aligns with his current professional ambitions.
“I don’t subscribe to that, I think it is a scam when they call me legend because they are trying to relegate me to that neighborhood of retired people or should be nearing retirement. So, no, I don’t subscribe to it,” he elaborated.
RMD’s comments reveal a nuanced understanding of how language and titles can shape perceptions in the entertainment industry. By rejecting the legend status, he appears to be actively pushing back against age-related stereotyping that could potentially limit the roles offered to him despite his continued relevance in contemporary Nigerian cinema.
The actor did acknowledge that certain figures in Nollywood have rightfully earned the legendary designation in his view. He specifically mentioned industry veterans Pete Edochie and Olu Jacobs as performers who embody what true legends represent to him.
I have my legends like uncle Olu Jacobs, uncle Peter, those are our ancestors, our legends,” RMD said, further referencing his memories of watching Olu Jacobs in commercials during his youth. I was still watching him when he was saying Ribena children are healthy children,” he recalled, highlighting the generational difference he perceives between himself and those he considers genuine legends of Nigerian entertainment.
RMD’s stance raises interesting questions about career longevity and perception in creative industries. At 62, the actor remains an active and influential presence in Nollywood, consistently taking on diverse roles that showcase his versatility and enduring appeal. His reluctance to accept the legend label may stem from an understanding that such designations, while seemingly complimentary, can sometimes function as subtle indicators that an artist belongs to a previous era rather than the current landscape.
Entertainment industry analysts note that RMD’s comments reflect broader concerns about ageism in the film industry globally. The categorization of older actors as “legends” can sometimes function as a double-edged sword, celebrating past achievements while simultaneously creating a perception that their most significant contributions are behind them.
Cultural commentator Funmi Adeyemi suggests RMD’s perspective reveals the careful personal branding considerations that veteran performers must navigate. By rejecting the legend title, RMD is essentially asserting his place as a contemporary actor who continues to evolve rather than a figure primarily associated with Nollywood’s past,” Adeyemi noted. “It’s a strategic positioning that keeps him relevant in an industry that sometimes struggles to imagine new possibilities for established talents.”
Richard Mofe-Damijo’s remarkable career began in the early 1990s and has included numerous accolades, including multiple Best Actor awards. Beyond acting, he has worked as a journalist, lawyer, and even served as a Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State from 2009 to 2015. This professional diversity perhaps informs his resistance to being categorized primarily as a figure from Nollywood’s history.
His comments also highlight the complex relationship between recognition and limitation that many performers face as their careers mature. While audiences and industry insiders often intend the “legend” designation as a mark of respect, RMD’s rejection suggests that such titles can sometimes function as a polite form of professional pigeonholing.
Film director Nkechi Okoli believes RMD’s perspective could spark important conversations within Nollywood about how veteran talents are positioned and utilized. When we too quickly move actors into the ‘legend’ category, we sometimes stop seeing them as viable options for contemporary, forward-looking projects,” Okoli observed. RMD seems to be pushing back against that tendency, reminding the industry that experience doesn’t have to mean relegation to nostalgic roles or elder statesman cameos.
The actor’s comments have generated significant discussion on social media platforms, with many fans expressing surprise at his rejection of what they perceived as a complimentary title. Others have praised his awareness of industry dynamics and his determination to maintain agency over how his career is framed and discussed.
As Nollywood continues to evolve and gain international recognition, the perspectives of established figures like RMD on how legacy and longevity should be approached become increasingly valuable. His stance challenges both the industry and audiences to consider how terminology shapes expectations and opportunities for performers across generations.
For now, it seems Richard Mofe-Damijo would prefer to be recognized for his ongoing contributions to Nigerian cinema rather than placed on a pedestal that might limit how directors, producers, and viewers perceive his professional potential. As he continues to take on challenging and diverse roles, his rejection of the legend label serves as a reminder that even the most well-intentioned categorizations can sometimes constrain rather than celebrate artistic journeys that remain very much in progress.
