Samuel Dedetoku, popularly known as Sam Dede, is a legendary Nollywood actor, director, producer, politician, senior lecturer, and television personality. He is one of the most influential and highest-paid actors in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $3 million. Let’s take a closer look at Sam Dede’s life, career, and achievements.
Early Life And Education
Sam Dede was born on November 17, 1965, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is a native of Okrika, a small village in Rivers State, Nigeria, but grew up in Surulere, Lagos State. He completed his primary and secondary education in Lagos State before attending the University of Port Harcourt, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Theatre Arts from the same university.
Acting Career
Sam Dede joined the Nigerian movie industry, popularly known as Nollywood, in 1995 and has been in the industry for over 20 years. He rose to fame after starring in the Nollywood blockbuster movie “Ijele,” which he co-directed with Fred Amata. He has acted in over 350 Nollywood movies, and he is known for playing the role of a warrior, police detective, top security agent, and hitman in several Nollywood action thriller movies. He has won several movie awards both locally and internationally, including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and the Most Prominent Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Lecturing Career
In addition to his acting career, Sam Dede is a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria, where he lectures in the Department of Theatre Arts. He is one of the pioneers of Nollywood and has contributed immensely to the growth of Nollywood in Nigeria and the rest of the world. He is also a mentor to many upcoming actors, including Yul Edochie.
Political Career
Sam Dede is also a politician and was appointed by the River State Governor as the Director-General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency in 2012. He served in the position for a short period of time.
Personal Life
Sam Dede is married to Tammy Sam-Dede, and their union is blessed with four children. They keep the names of their children away from the media.
Net Worth
Sam Dede’s estimated net worth is $3 million, making him one of the richest and most influential actors in Nigeria. He is also a successful director and producer, having produced and directed several Nollywood movies. He was honored with the SVAFF 2014 Special Recognition Award for his lifetime achievement and contributions to Nigerian cinema.
Selected Filmography
Sam Dede has acted in over 350 Nollywood movies, some of which include:
- Ijele
- Issakaba
- Igodo
- The Mayors
- Blood Money
- The Legend of Inikpi
- In My Country
- Ashes to Ashes
- The Lost Number
- The Last Burial
- 5 Apostles
- Our Jesus Story
- Gone
- The Good Husband
- Darkest Night
- Blood and Oil
- Bumper to Bumper
- Never Die for Love
- Undercover
- Brotherhood
- Kamsi
- Mission to Nowhere
In conclusion, Sam Dede is a multi-talented and influential personality in Nigeria, with a successful career in acting, directing, producing, lecturing, and politics. He has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nollywood and has won several awards for his outstanding performances in movies. His net worth is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and talent. Sam Dede is a true legend of Nollywood, and his legacy will continue to inspire upcoming actors and filmmakers in Nigeria and beyond.
