Stephanie Okereke Linus has carved a spectacular career in the entertainment industry, becoming a revered icon and role model for young talents. With her remarkable achievements in acting, filmmaking and philanthropy, she has inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams with passion and determination.
How did this extraordinary woman rise to such prominence and make such a significant impact on and off the screen? Kindly remain glued to this page to learn more about her.
Stephanie Okereke biography
Stephanie Okereke Linus, born Stephanie Onyekachi Okereke, is a veteran Nigerian actress and producer. She was born on October 2, 1982, in Ngor Okpala, Imo State. She grew up as the sixth child in a family of eight. Her parents are Mary and Chima Okereke.
Okereke attended primary and secondary school in Delta State. She then studied at the University of Calabar in Cross River State, where she graduated with a degree in English and Literary Studies.
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Stephanie Okereke career
Okereke began her acting career at a young age, making her mark in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. In 1997, while she was still a teenager, she appeared in two films: Compromise 2 and Waterloo. These early roles set the stage for her future success in acting.
In 2002, Okereke gained more attention when she competed in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant and came in third place. This exposure helped her land more significant roles and establish herself in the industry.
By 2003, she had already begun winning awards for her performances. She was recognised at the Reel Awards, where she took home trophies for “Best Actress in English” and “Best Actress of the Year”. Her talent and hard work were being acknowledged, and she continued to build her reputation.
In 2005, Okereke was honoured at the inaugural Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), where she received the award for “Best Actress in a Leading Role”.
In 2007, Okereke took a big step in her career by graduating from the New York Film Academy. This education allowed her to explore different aspects of filmmaking. In 2008, she directed, wrote, produced and starred in Through the Glass, a film that dealt with important social issues. The film was well-received and earned a nomination for “Best Screenplay” at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009.
Okereke continued to impress with her 2014 film, Dry. This project was a significant achievement for her as she, again, wore multiple hats as director, writer, producer and actress. Dry focused on crucial issues like female genital mutilation and child marriage, and it won numerous awards, including “Best Overall Movie” at the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards. The film’s success also earned Linus a brand-new car as part of the award.
Beyond movies, Okereke has used her platform for social causes. In March 2021, she released two short films, The Student and Bad Police. These films aimed to raise awareness about gender-based violence, showing her commitment to important social issues.
Okereke has acted in over 90 films, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to her craft.
Okereke is set to star in the upcoming TV series, Journey to America. She will portray a character named Lady V in the show.
Okereke serves as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, where she works on initiatives that promote reproductive health and gender equality. She also founded the Xtended Hands Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of communities through various humanitarian projects. Additionally, the actress has established a casting agency, Nolly Casting, which connects talented actors with film opportunities.
Stephanie Okereke movies
Okereke has appeared in so many films over the span of her career, which has spanned over two decades. Here is an outline of the movies she has appeared in, according to IMDb.
- Pretender (2002)
- Blind Justice (2002)
- Private Sin (2003)
- The Cross of Love (2003)
- Emotional Crack (2003)
- Aristos (2003)
- Genesis of Love (2003)
- Queen Sheba (2003)
- Together as One (2003)
- The Cross of Love 2 (2003)
- Private Sin 2 (2003)
- Miss Nigeria (2004)
- Critical Decision (2004)
- Last Girl Standing (2004)
- Virgins Night Out (2004)
- Deep Loss (2004)
- Diamond Lady: The Business Woman (2004)
- Sensational Spy (2004)
- Promise Me Forever (2004)
- Working Class Lady (2004)
- Beautiful Faces (2004)
- Mama-G in America (2004)
- Eye of the Gods (2004)
- To Love Again (2004)
- Promise & Fail (2004)
- My Mother My Marriage (2004)
- More Than a Woman (2004)
- Strength of a Woman (2004)
- In the Name of Love (2004)
- Enslaved (2004)
- Love & Pride (2004)
- Days of Bondage (2005)
- Street Fame (2005)
- Official Prostitute (2005)
- Lonely Heart (2005)
- Princess of Wealth (2005)
- Windfall (2005)
- Guys on the Line (2005)
- Omalinze (2005)
- Royal Battle (2005)
- Ola… the Morning Sun (2005)
- A Time to Die (2005)
- Price of Ignorance (2005)
- Lonely Heart (2005)
- A Time to Love (2007)
- Governor’s Wife (2007)
- After the Vow (2007)
- Common Game (2007)
- Devil’s Workshop (2007)
- Reloaded (2008) – Weyinmi
- Through the Glass (2008)
- Mission to Nowhere (2008)
- Hidden Treasure (2008)
- Wicked Intentions (2008)
- My Darling Princess (2008)
- Nnenda (2009)
- Doctor Bello (2013)
- Gold in Fire (2013)
- Dry (2015)
- Miracle in the Valley (2019)
- Clash (2021)
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Stephanie Okereke’s net worth
Okereke’s net worth is not publicly known as the actress has not declared her exact financial details.
Stephanie Okereke family
Okereke was born in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, as the sixth child of Mary and Chima Okereke. Her family includes eight siblings, one known sibling of hers is named Daniel Okereke.
Regarding her personal life, Okereke married Linus Idahosa in April 2012 in a private ceremony held in Paris, the capital of France. Linus, a prominent businessman and media executive, has been a pillar of support for her. The couple has two children together. Their first son, Maxwell Enosata Linus, was born in October 2015. They welcomed their second son in May 2022, seven years after their first child.
Stephanie Okereke age
Okereke was born on October 2, 1982. She is currently 41 years old and will turn 42 in 2024.
Stephanie Okereke Instagram
Stephanie Okereke is known on Instagram with the username @stephanielinus. Since joining Instagram in August 2012, she has amassed 1.8 million followers. Her account features 792 posts. Verified in October 2018, her profile highlights her as a public figure with a diverse range of roles.
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