Osas Ighodaro (full name Osariemen Martha Elizabeth Ighodaro) was born on 26 October 1990 in the Bronx, New York, USA.
She is of Nigerian-Edo heritage, linking her roots to the Benin region in Edo State.

Her education:

• Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism with minors in Entrepreneurship and Theatre from Pennsylvania State University.

• Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, New York.
  During her childhood, she disclosed that she battled low self-esteem and found modelling and acting as outlets. She says she took her first acting class around age 13.

2. Career Beginnings & Breakthrough

Though born and partially raised in the US, Osas relocated to Nigeria in around 2012 to pursue her acting career.
Her first roles included work in Nigerian television and film. She is credited with a role in the popular series Tinsel (playing “Adanna”) and moved into feature films.
A significant early achievement: she won the pageant title Miss Black USA in 2010, making her the first Nigerian-American to win it.

3. Major Achievements & Awards

Osas Ighodaro’s career has several standout milestones:

• In 2018 she was named the “highest-grossing Nollywood actress” for that year. Osas Ighodaro+1

• She won the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) Best Actress in a Drama category consecutively in 2022 and 2023, respectively for her roles in Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story and Man of God.

• Nominated internationally: for example, she earned a nomination for “Best African Actress” at the Septimius Awards in Amsterdam for Rattlesnake.

• She has also been recognised for her public profile and fashion presence. E.g., in 2021 she was named “Woman of the Year in Entertainment” at the HER Network Awards. Osas Ighodaro

4. Filmography & Notable Works

Here are some of her significant screen appearances and projects:

• Cadillac Records, The Smart Money Woman, Meet the Browns among early/mixed international/Nigerian appearances.

• Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story (role: Amara) — this film brought her major recognition and nominations.

• Man of God (2022) — critically acclaimed, played a leading role and secured her the AMVCA award in 2023.

• Upcoming / recent projects:

  • 3 Cold Dishes (2025) — a pan-African film in which she is both actor and producer.

  • Colours of Fire (Dec 2025 release) — starring role.

  • Safari — a film she produced and starred in, showcasing her move behind the camera.

5. Business & Philanthropy

• She is the founder of the production company Imuetinyan Productions, which aims to produce content that entertains and creates positive impact. Osas Ighodaro+1

• She also founded the charity organisation Joyful Joy Foundation, working to eradicate malaria across Africa.

• Her philanthropic interest is reflected in her public statements and campaigns for health awareness and community upliftment.

6. Personal Life & Style

• Osas has a daughter, Azariah Tiwatope Osarugue, born in June 2016.

• Her marriage to actor Gbenro Ajibade took place in June 2015 but later ended in separation around 2019.

• She is celebrated for her fashion-forward presence. Recent features highlight her style at Paris Fashion Week and major red-carpets.

7. Cultural Identity & Impact

As a Nigerian-American of Edo heritage, Osas Ighodaro represents a blend of global education and local authenticity. Her work in Nollywood and international circuits positions her as a cultural ambassador bridging Africa and the diaspora. Her career shows how heritage and training can combine to create a strong creative brand.

8. What’s Next (2024–2025)

• 3 Cold Dishes – world premiere at London’s Indigo O2 (Oct 3 2025) and staggered release in Nigeria, Francophone Africa, UK. Osas is both actor and executive producer.

• Colours of Fire – set to hit screens 24 December 2025, starring Osas Ighodaro among others.

• Additional film Safari – produced and starring Osas, indicating her deeper involvement in production.

9. Why She Matters

Osas Ighodaro is more than a screen actress — she is a symbol of ambition, cultural identity, and multi-faceted creativity. For readers of EdoCelebrities.com, she stands as one of Edo State’s prominent daughters who carries heritage into global spotlight. Her journey offers inspiration to aspiring actors, producers and creatives in Nigeria and beyond.