There is a saying that goes thus, “give people their flowers while they can still smell them.” If we are to go by that adage, then Osita Iheme deserves a whole garden. From his jaw-dropping performances in films to his infectious smile, this pint-sized powerhouse has been rocking our screens for over two decades with his comedic genius and unparalleled talent.
But wait, there’s more! Not only has Osita Iheme taken Nollywood by storm, but he has also become a global phenomenon as a meme sensation. His facial expressions and hilarious one-liners have been the source of countless internet memes, bringing joy and laughter to millions of people around the world. The actor’s impact on the entertainment industry never ceases to be felt, even after two decades he remains loved and cherished by all.
So, who is Osita Iheme, the mini-framed actor who has brought smiles to faces all around the world?
Osita Iheme biography
Born on February 20, 1982, Osita Iheme is a native of Mbaitoli, Imo State, Nigeria. He was born into the family of Herbert and Augustina Iheme.
Iheme had his primary education at Central School Abiriba, Abia State. He attended the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu
After schooling, he ventured into Nollywood and his breakout year was in 2002 when he starred with his longtime collaborator, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki), in the movie, Aki na Ukwa. Iheme is widely referred to as “Pawpaw” by the majority of Nigerians, as a result of his famous character in the movie.
In regards to religion, Iheme is a Christian who was raised in a Catholic household. The actor is 4 feet, 3 inches tall, and he weighs approximately 38 kg. He has dark brown eyes and black hair.
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Osita Iheme career
Osita Iheme’s acting career began in 2002, when he co-starred with Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) in the classic Nollywood comedic film, Aki na Ukwa. The film was a huge hit, launching both actors’ careers. The success of the movie was a huge stepping stone for Iheme, who went on to appear in countless Nollywood blockbusters in Nigeria in the early 2000s.
Several of his earlier films featured him as a mischievous child who pulled hilarious pranks on adults and other people. The actor was featured on practically every movie poster in this genre in the early 2000s, a time when social media had not gained ground yet.
In 2004, while Ikedieze was away at the New York film school, fans saw a limited amount of movies from the pair for a short period. Most of the comic movies at that point only starred Iheme. It was during that time that he appeared in comedy movies like Baby Police and Mr Ibu, alongside John Okafor. After Ikedieze returned from studies overseas, the pair continued to star in a ton of more popular movies.
Iheme has appeared in over 200 Nollywood films. He has won several awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the African Movie Academy Awards in 2007. He has also been nominated for several other awards, including the “Best Actor in a Leading Role” award at the 2008 African Movie Academy Awards.
Aside from his acting career, Iheme is also a philanthropist. In 2008, he launched the Osita Iheme Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Nigeria. The foundation has provided scholarships, medical assistance, and other forms of support to children in need. The actor is also an established entrepreneur who invests in agriculture. He sometimes shares videos displaying the progress of his huge agricultural farms on his social media pages.
In 2011, Iheme was honoured with the Nigerian National Honours Award of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for his contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry. He has also been recognised by the Nigerian Police Force for his role in promoting peace and unity in the country.
Iheme’s career has been an inspiration to many young Nigerians, and he is widely regarded as one of the most talented actors in the Nigerian film industry. With his talent, hard work, and dedication to improving the lives of others, he has become an icon in Nigeria and beyond.
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Osita Iheme movies
Osita Iheme’s catalogue is impressive. The actor has starred in numerous movies. Some of the movies he has appeared in are listed below.
- Games men play 5: Computer Games is our Game (2018)
- The Self-Destruction of Little Mark (2017)
- Double Mama (2015)
- Mirror Boy (2010)
- Tom and Jerry (Nigerian film)(originally released in 2003, re-released in 2008)
- Markus D Millionaire (2008)
- Stubborn Flies (2007)
- Boys from Holland (2006)
- Brain Box (2006)
- Criminal Law (2006)
- Jadon (2006)
- Last Challenge (2006)
- Remote Control (2006)
- Royal Messengers (2006)
- Winning Your Love (2006)
- Young Masters (2006)
- Colours of Emotion (2005)
- Final World Cup (2005)
- Holy Diamond (2005)
- I Think Twice (2005)
- My Business (2005)
- The Last Orphan
- Reggae Boys (2005)
- Secret Adventure (2005)
- Spoiler (2005)
- Village Boys (2005)
- American Husband (2004)
- Big Daddies (2004)
- Columbia Connection (2004)
- Daddy Must Obey (2004)
- Mr Ibu (2004)
- Baby Police 2 (2004)
- John and Johnny Just Come (2003)
- Green Snake (2003)
- 2 Rats (2003)
- Aki na ukwa (2003)
- I’m in Love (2003)
- Baby Police (2003)
- Back from America 2 (2003)
- Charge & Bail (2003)
- Tell Them (2003)
- Oke Belgium (2003)
- Good Mother (2003)
- Informant (2003)
- Johnny Just Come (2003)
- Nicodemus (2003)
- Nwa Teacher (2003)
- Twin Brothers (2003)
- Aka Gum (2002)
- Okwu na uka (2002)
Osita Iheme’s net worth
According to various media reports, Osita Iheme’s net worth is estimated to be around N30 million to N50 million, as of 2023. His finance comes from his successful career in acting, as well as his business ventures in real estate, hospitality, and agriculture.
Osita Iheme family
Augustine Iheme and Herbertina Iheme are Osita Iheme’s parents. The actor is also reported to have three siblings. However, he has kept his family life private; hence, nothing is known about his siblings.
Several rumours about the actor being married in the past were, however, dispelled when it was discovered that the pictures that triggered the rumours were taken during the wedding of his longtime acting partner and best friend, Chinedu Ikedieze.
Osita Iheme is not publicly known to be married at the moment, although he has been constantly linked to a lady called Noma.
Osita Iheme age
Osita “Pawpaw” Iheme was born in 1982, which makes him 41 years old, as of the time of writing this piece.
Is Osita Iheme still alive today?
Osita Iheme is still very much alive and healthy, as of the time of writing this article. In recent years, the actor has continued to appear in Nollywood movies such as The Billionaire and Aki and Pawpaw. He has also been involved in other aspects of the entertainment industry, including music videos and television shows.
Overall, Osita Iheme has remained active in his career and continues to make an impact in the entertainment industry and beyond through his philanthropic work with the Osita Iheme Foundation, which focuses on providing support and empowerment to people with disabilities, particularly children. The foundation has carried out various projects and initiatives, including the construction of a school for children with special needs in Abia State, Nigeria.
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