Stephanie Okereke Linus is a renowned Nigerian actress, film director, producer, philanthropist, and model. With a successful career spanning over two decades, she has made significant contributions to the Nigerian film industry, commonly known as Nollywood. Stephanie’s talent, dedication, and philanthropic endeavors have earned her recognition and admiration both in Nigeria and internationally.
Early Life And Education
Stephanie Okereke Linus was born on October 2, 1982, in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, Nigeria. She pursued her higher education at the University of Calabar, where she obtained a degree in English and Literary Studies. Stephanie’s passion for the arts led her to attend the New York Film Academy, where she honed her skills in acting and film production.
Early Career And Rise To Stardom
Stephanie Okereke’s passion for acting began at a young age. After finishing her final exams in secondary school, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in acting. She made her debut in the Nigerian movies “Compromise 2” and “Waterloo” in 1997, which marked the beginning of her successful acting career. Stephanie’s talent and dedication quickly gained her recognition, and she went on to star in over 100 movies.
Climbing The Ladder: Filmmaking And Directing
Driven by her desire to be more than just an actress, Stephanie Okereke decided to expand her skills and knowledge in the film industry. In 2007, she attended the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles to learn movie directing. After graduating, Stephanie released her first movie as a director, producer, scriptwriter, and actress titled “Through the Glass” in 2008. The movie was a blockbuster and received critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for Best Screenplay at the 2009 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Highlight Movie: “Dry”
One of Stephanie Okereke’s most notable movies is “Dry,” released in 2014. The film shed light on the issues of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) and under-aged marriage among young women in Africa. “Dry” received widespread recognition and won several awards both locally and internationally. The movie not only showcased Stephanie’s talent as an actress but also brought attention to her as a humanitarian.
Other Ventures And Achievements
In addition to her acting and filmmaking career, Stephanie Okereke has ventured into other areas. She launched her personal blog site, Stephanie Daily, in 2012, to interact with her fans and share fashion, beauty, inspiration, and more. She also started a TV reality show called “Make me Fabulous” in 2015, which helps couples rekindle the spark in their marriages. Stephanie has also been a brand ambassador for various organizations and has spoken at international conferences and events.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Beyond her acting prowess, Stephanie is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and has been involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls in Nigeria. Stephanie launched the “Extended Hands Foundation” in 2008, which focuses on providing medical support, rehabilitation, and empowerment to women with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) and other related issues. Her foundation has made a significant impact and has received recognition for its work.
Personal Life And Family
Stephanie Okereke Linus is married to Linus Idahosa, the CEO of the Del-York International Group. Their wedding took place in April 2012 in Paris, France. Prior to her marriage to Linus, Stephanie was married to Chikelue Iloenyosi, a former footballer for the Super Eagles. They separated in 2012. Stephanie and Linus have two children together. Their first son, Maxwell Enosata Linus, was born in October 2015, and their second son was born in May 2022.
Net Worth And Properties
Stephanie Okereke Linus has achieved significant financial success throughout her career. Her net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. She has invested in various properties, both in Nigeria and abroad, and owns several landed properties. Stephanie is known for her luxurious lifestyle and owns a home in Lekki, Lagos. She has also been seen driving high-end cars.
Recognitions And Awards
Stephanie Okereke’s talent and contributions have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades. She has received awards for Best Actress, Outstanding Actress, and Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence, among others. She has also been appointed as a brand ambassador and has spoken alongside world leaders at conferences.
Overcoming Adversity
In April 2005, Stephanie was involved in a car accident while on her way to the African Movie Academy Awards. The accident resulted in a broken leg and burns, but Stephanie received treatment and made a full recovery. Her resilience and determination to overcome adversity have been an inspiration to many.
Conclusion, Stephanie Okereke Linus is a multi-talented Nigerian actress and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the Nigerian film industry and beyond. Her remarkable acting skills, dedication to empowering women, and philanthropic endeavors have earned her numerous accolades. Stephanie continues to be a prominent figure in Nollywood and serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and philanthropists alike.
