Sam Dede


Samuel Dedetoku popularly known by his stage name Sam Dede is a Nigerian veteran actor, director, politician and lecturer. He is regarded as one of the richest and influential actors in Nigeria. He has appeared in more than 350 films mostly in supporting roles in a career spanning over 20 years. Sam Dede hails from Rivers State, Nigeria. He is nicknamed as "Ebube" for his lead role in the film Issakaba.

Biography

Sam Dede was born on 17 November 1965 in Lagos and moved to Sapele.

Career

Sam pursued his primary and secondary education at the Government Comprehensive Secondary School. After completing his primary and secondary education, he pursued his Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt. He also completed his Master's degree from the University of Port Harcourt on his return after his National Youth Service Corps. He also acted in stage dramas and television soap operas while being an undergraduate.
He entered the Nollywood industry in 1995 and rose to prominence for his role in the film Ijele. In 2005, Dede won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in the 2004 film The Mayors. He was honoured with SVAFF 2014 Special Recognition Award for his lifetime achievement and contributions to Nigerian cinema. He was nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2018 for his performance in the 2017 film In My Country.
He was appointed as the Director-General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency in 2012 and served in the position for a brief period. He is also a lecturer in the University of Port Harcourt teaching acting to upcoming actors. One of his students, Yul Edochie went onto become a lead actor in Nollywood.

Selected Filmography