{{short description|Nigerian actress and singer|bot=PearBOT 5}} {{Infobox person | name = Stella Damasus | image = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1978|04|24}} | birth_place = Benin City, From Asaba Delta State Nigeria | citizenship = Nigeria | alma_mater = University of Lagos | occupation = Actress, Singer | spouse = {{plainlist| *{{Marriage|Jaiye Aboderin|1999|2004|reason=died}} *{{Marriage|Emeka Nzeribe|2007|2007|reason=divorced}} *{{Marriage|Daniel Ademinokan|2014|2020|reason=divorced}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/stella-damasus-opens-up-on-failed-marriage/|title=Stella Damasus opens up on failed marriage|date=31 October 2022|access-date=13 November 2024|newspaper=TheCable}}</ref>}} | awards = Best Actress at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2007 | website = www.stelladamasus.com | imagesize = | othername = | yearsactive = }}
'''Stella Damasus''' {{IPAc-en|audio=Ig-stella Damasus.ogg}} (born April 24, 1978)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/04/24/at-34-stella-damasus-has-no-regrets/|title=At 34, Stella Damascus Has No Regrets|last=Adetu|first=Bayo|date=24 April 2012|access-date=1 February 2013|location=Lagos, Nigeria|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref> is a Nigerian actress and singer.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ll66CAAAQBAJ&dq=Stella+damasus+nigerian+actress+film&pg=PA92|title=Trends in Nollywood: A Study of Selected Genres UPCC book collections on Project MUSE|author=Ayakoroma, Barclays Foubiri|publisher=Kraft Books|year=2015|isbn=978-9-78-9182-01-5}}</ref> She was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2009. She won the Award for Best Actress at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ladybrillemag.com/nigeria-entertainment-awards-2007/|title=Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2007|access-date=1 June 2017}}</ref> In 2012, she won the award for Best Actress for the movie ''Two Brides and a Baby'' at the Golden Icons Academy Awards in Houston, Texas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=daniel |date=2012-10-22 |title=Photos: Majid Michel And Stella Damasus Win Big At GIAMA Awards |url=https://www.informationng.com/2012/10/photos-majid-michel-and-stella-damascus-win-big-at-giama-awards.html |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Information Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Early life== Stella Damasus was born in Benin City, Edo State, in the South-South region of Nigeria. She has four sisters. She grew up in Benin City, where she completed most of her primary education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nm.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?z=3&a=7231|title=Biography at OnlineNigeria.com|access-date=25 November 2009}}</ref>
==Personal life== Damasus married her first husband, Jaiye Aboderin, in 1999 when she was 21.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trin |first=Mercy |date=2025-12-04 |title="We will continue to keep your legacy alive" - Stella Damasus makes promise to late husband as she and daughters receive his posthumous award |url=https://www.kemifilani.ng/entertainment/stella-damasus-and-daughters-receive-late-husband-posthumous-award |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Kemi Filani News |language=en-US}}</ref> The couple had two daughters before Jaiye died suddenly in 2004.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-12-03|title=Stella Damasus pays tribute to Jaiye Aboderin - first husband who died 16 years ago|url=http://lifestyle.thecable.ng/stella-damasus-pays-tribute-to-jaiye-aboderin-husband-who-died-16-years-ago/|access-date=2021-03-27|newspaper=TheCable|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Stella Damasus:An Intimate Portrait of a Screen Goddess|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/05/22/stella-damasusan-intimate-portrait-of-a-screen-goddess/ |access-date=2022-07-31 |newspaper=This Day}}</ref> Damasus remarried in 2007, this time to Emeka Nzeribe.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2020-05-25|title=Pulse List: 5 Nigerian celebrities who remarried that you should know|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/pulse-list-5-nigerian-celebrities-who-remarried-that-you-should-know/95nt59s|access-date=2021-03-27|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}}</ref> The marriage lasted for seven months before they mutually agreed to divorce. In 2011, she became associated with multiple award-winning Nollywood producer and director Daniel Ademinokan; this eventually led to a separation in 2020 and a subsequent divorce.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Medeme |first=Ovwe |date=2025-06-29 |title='I've left you in peace, don't drag me into your soap opera' —Daniel Ademinokan to Stella Damasus |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/804108-ive-left-you-in-peace-dont-drag-me-into-your-soap-opera-daniel-ademinokan-to-stella-damasus.html |access-date=2025-06-30 |newspaper=Premium Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nenyko.com/stella-damasus-remarries-her-daughters-after-divorcing-her-third-husband-daniel-ademinokan/ | title=Stella Damasus remarries her daughters after divorcing her third husband, Daniel Ademinokan | date=29 August 2021 }}</ref> Their relationship sparked a lot of controversy because both parties never publicly admitted to be dating, engaged or even married until 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Omotayo |first=Edubi |date=2025-06-29 |title=Stella Damasus' ex-husband calls her out over claims of their divorce |url=https://thetrumpet.ng/stella-damasus-ex-husband-calls-her-out-over-claims-of-their-divorce/ |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Career== Damasus started her career as a singer in Lagos where she worked as a studio session singer at the famous Klink Studios owned by filmmaker Kingsley Ogoro. There she honed her skills as singer and went on to do vocals for top radio and TV jingles in Nigeria at that time.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Adeyemo|first=Adeola|date=2012-12-15|title=BN Saturday Celebrity Interview: Her Joy, Her Pain, Her Story – Nollywood Actress Stella Damasus reveals ALL exclusively to BN|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2012/12/bn-saturday-celebrity-interview-her-joy-her-pain-her-story-nollywood-actress-stella-damasus-reveals-all-exclusively-to-bn/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=BellaNaija|language=en-US}}</ref>
Damasus is a Theatre arts graduate of the University of Lagos, Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-05-18|title=Stella Damasus Leads in 'Between'|url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/05/18/stella-damasus-leads-in-between/|access-date=2021-03-27|newspaper=This Day|language=en-US}}</ref> She first appeared in the Nigerian film ''Abused'' in 1992.<ref name=net>{{cite news|url=http://thenet.ng/quick-fact-stella-damasus-first-appeared-in-abused-in-1992/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Quick Fact: Stella Damasus first appeared in 'Abused' in 1992|access-date=December 29, 2017|newspaper=The NET}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=1377|title=Damasus-Aboderin's first movie|access-date=25 November 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918055330/http://news.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=1377|archive-date=18 September 2009}}</ref> Her claim to fame, however, was her second movie ''Breaking Point,'' produced by Emem Isong and directed by Francis Agu where she shot into superstardom across Nigeria.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Anokam |first=Sam |date=2024-08-10 |title=Emem Isong-Misode bags doctorate |url=https://thenationonlineng.net/emem-isong-misode-bags-doctorate/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2026-02-15 |newspaper=The Nation|language=en-US}}</ref> She was nominated for the African Movie Academy Award in 2006 for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" for her performance in the movie ''Behind Closed Doors''.<ref>{{Citation |title=Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role |date=2026-01-30 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Africa_Movie_Academy_Award_for_Best_Actress_in_a_Leading_Role&oldid=1335636595 |access-date=2026-02-15 |language=en}}</ref> In 2008, she was also nominated for the African Movie Academy Award for "Best Actress in a Leading Role" in the movie ''Widow'' and in 2009 in the movie ''State of the Heart''. She has gone on to star in over 70 movies.<ref name="net" /> Damasus is the co-founder of I2radio and hosts two podcast shows: ''Undiluted with Stella Damasus'' and ''When Women Praise''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-09-28 |title=Stella Damasus goes spiritual, opens prayer group |url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/09/28/stella-damasus-goes-spiritual-opens-prayer-group/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2025-04-09 |language=en-US|newspaper=P.M. News}}</ref>
==Filmography== {| class="wikitable sortable" |- !Year !Title !Role !Starring |- |1995 |''Rattlesnake'' |Amara |Francis Duru, Nkem Owoh, Sunny McDon, Ebele Uzochukwu Anne Njemanze |- | 1999 | ''Face of a Liar'' | | Zulu Adigwe, Rita Dominic, Bibiana Ohio |- | 2001 | ''Rumours'' | | Segun Arinze, Zulu Adigwe, Kunle Coker, Uche Jombo |- | 2002 | ''Submission'' | | Patience Ozokwor, Zack Orji, Clem Ohameze, Jennifer Eliogu |- | 2003 | ''Real Love'' | | Ramsey Nouah Jnr, Chioma Chukwuka, Olu Jacobs |- | 2003 | ''Passions'' | | Emeka Ike, Richard Mofe Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, Florence Onuma |- | 2003 | ''My Time 1&2'' | | Bob Manuel Udokwu, Patience Ozokwor, Mary Ann Apollo, Ofia Afuluagu Mbaka |- | 2003 | ''When God says Yes'' |Rose | Richard Mofe Damijo, Clem Ohameze, Ngozi Ezeonu, Pete Edochie |- | 2003 | ''Never say goodbye'' |Nwando | Fabian Adibe, David Ihesie, Ramsey Nouah Jnr |- | 2003 | ''Market seller 1&2'' | | Lilian Bach, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Kanayo O Kanayo |- | 2003 | ''The Intruder 1&2'' | | Enebeli Elebuwa, Rita Dominic, Jim Iyke, RMD |- | 2003 | ''Emotional Pain'' |Titi | Eucharia Anunuobi, Richard Mofe Damijo, Frank Dallas |- | 2003 | ''Dangerous Desire'' | | Fred Amata, Bimbo Akintola, Dayo Adewunmi |- | 2003 | ''Bad Boys'' | | Ramsey Nouah Jnr, Clem Ohameze, Amaechi Muonagor |- | 2003 | ''After the Fight'' | | Eucharia Anunuobi Ekwu, Kanayo O Kanayo |- | 2004 | ''Queen 1&2'' | | Robert Peters, Richard Mofe Damijo, Nkiru Sylvanus |- | 2004 | ''Missing Angel 1,2&3'' |Dolly | Desmond Elliot, Empress Njamah, Nobert Young, Tuvi James |- | 2004 | ''Kings Pride'' | | Richard Mofe Damijo, Fred Aresoma, Peter Bruno |- | 2004 | ''Engagement Night 1&2'' | | Richard Mofe Damijo, Darlene Benson-Cobham |- | 2004 | ''Above Love'' | | Desmond Elliot, Bukky Wright, Enebeli Elebuwa |- |2004 | ''Betrayed by Love'' | | Emeka Ike |- | 2004 | ''Red Hot'' | | Liz Benson, Zack Orji, Segun Arinze |- | 2004 | ''Burning Desire 1&2'' | | Richard Mofe Damijo, Enebeli Elebuwa, Ernest Asuzu |- | 2004 | ''Cinderella'' | | Desmond Elliot, Grace Amah, Segun Arinze |- | 2004 | ''Dangerous Twins 1, 2 & 3'' | | Ramsey Nouah Jnr, Bimbo Akintola, Lanre Balogun, Sola Sobowale |- | 2005 | ''Wheel of Change'' | | Fred Amata, Rita Dominic, Mbong Odungide |- | 2005 | ''The Seed 1&2'' | | Emeka Enyiocha, Chidi Mokeme, Ashley Nwosu |- | 2005 | ''Desperate and Dangerous'' | | Chidi Mokeme, Steph-Nora Okereke |- | 2005 | ''Real Love 2&3'' | | Ramsey Nouah Jnr, Caroline Ekanem, Olu Jacobs |- | 2005 | ''Games Women Play 1&2'' |Emma | Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Desmond Elliot, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Zack Orji |- | 2005 | ''The Bridesmaid'' |Tega | Richard Mofe Damijo, Kate Henshaw Nuttal, Chioma Chukwuka |- | 2005 | ''Behind Closed Doors 1&2'' | | Desmond Elliot, Richard Mofe Damijo, Patience Ozokwor |- | 2005 | ''Widow'' | | Yemi Solade, Peter Bruno |- | 2006 | ''Standing Alone'' |Lilian | Richard Mofe Damijo, Tony Umez, Jennifer Eliogu |- | 2008 | ''Yankee Girls'' |Tessy | Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic |- | 2008 | ''Yankee Girls 2'' |Tessy | Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Rita Dominic |- | 2008 | ''Four sisters'' |Harmony |Pete Edochie, Uche Ogbodo, Obi Okoli, Adaora Ukoh |- | 2008 | ''Halimat'' | | |- |2010 |''Bent Arrows'' |Ngozi |Zainab Ademola, Ibrahim Adam |- |2011 |''Two brides and a baby'' |Ama |with Kalu Ikeagwu |- |2014 |''To Rise Again'' |Lydia |with Segun Arinze, Chuks China, Peter Bunor |- |2014 |''When Is It Enough'' | |Short (as actor, co-producer and co-writer with Daniel Ademinokan) |- |2016 |''Affairs of the Heart<ref>{{cite web|title=Affairs Of The Heart Watch Stella Damasus and Joseph Benjamin in new movie|url=http://pulse.ng/movies/affairs-of-the-heart-watch-stella-damasus-and-joseph-benjamin-in-new-movie-id3807197.html|website=Pulse Nigeria|date=29 May 2015 |publisher=Gbenga Bada|access-date=29 May 2015}}</ref>'' |Vivienne |Also starring Beverly Naya, Divine Shaw, Stephanie Stephen, Glenn Turner, Joel Rogers, Monica Swaida and Cyceru Ash. |- |2018 |''Between'' |Chelsea Hollis | Travis Grenier, Tatiana Lia Zapperdino, Isabel De La Cruz |- |rowspan=2|2021 |''Gone'' |Ngozi | Sam Dede, Gabriel Afolayan, Bimbo Manuel, Bimbo Ademoye |- |''Akwụna''<ref>{{Cite news | title=Watch Stella Damasus, Nnamdi Kanaga, Tim Meadows in 'Akwụna' official trailer |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria| date=December 13, 2021 | url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/watch-stella-damasus-nnamdi-kanaga-tim-meadows-in-akwuna-official-trailer/cbjll8g | access-date=July 31, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | title=Check out BTS from Stella Damasus's new short film 'Akwụna' [Exclusive] |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria| date=September 20, 2021 | url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/akwuna-stella-damasus-features-in-new-short-film/q75mnej | access-date=July 31, 2022}}</ref> |Ebere |Nnamdi Kanaga, Tim Meadows |- |2022 |''Stay'' |Mrs. B |Joseph Benjamin, Nini Amerlise, Theo Bray |- |2022 |''Akwuna'' |Ebere |Nnamdi Kanaga, Sara Rashelle, Kelechi Eke |- |2023 |The Scar<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-03 |title=Here's what we know about Stella Damasus latest feature 'The Scar' |url=https://www.pulse.ng/story/heres-what-we-know-about-stella-damasus-latest-feature-the-scar-2024072618245194492 |access-date=2026-02-15 |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|language=en}}</ref> |Zara<ref>{{Cite web |last=Num |first=Pere |date=2023-10-11 |title=Movie Review: "The Scar" is an eye-opener on female genital mutilation |url=https://www.kemifilani.ng/movies/movie-review-the-scar-is-an-eye-opener-on-female-genital-mutilation |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=Kemi Filani News |language=en-US}}</ref> |Joseph Benjamin, Mercy Macjoe, Collins John Emefiele, Ella Emefiele |- |2025 |''To Kill a Monkey'' |Nosa |William Benson, Bimbo Akintola, Bucci Franklin |}
==See also== * List of Nigerian actors
==References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{IMDb name|id=1817113|name=Stella Damasus}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Damasus, Stella}} Category:Living people Category:Nigerian television personalities Category:21st-century Nigerian women singers Category:1978 births Category:Actresses from Benin City Category:Musicians from Benin City Category:University of Lagos alumni Category:Actresses from Delta State Category:Musicians from Delta State Category:20th-century Nigerian actresses Category:21st-century Nigerian actresses Category:Nigerian film actresses