Osita Iheme, MFR (born 20 February 1982), is a Nigerian actor, author, film producer, and comedian. He gained widespread fame for his role as Pawpaw in the 2002 film Aki na Ukwa, alongside Chinedu Ikedieze. Since then, he has appeared in numerous Nollywood productions, including 2 Rats (2003), Baby Police (2003), Nollywood Babylon (2008), The Mirror Boy (2011), Christmas in Miami, and Aki and Pawpaw (2021). Iheme was honored with the Africa Movie Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2007 and was conferred with the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.
Early Life
Birth and Education
Osita Iheme was born on 20 February 1982 in Abia State, Nigeria, though he hails from Mbaitoli in Imo State, southeastern Nigeria. He grew up in a family of five, with parents Herbert and Augustina Iheme. He earned his MBA from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. After completing his education, Iheme ventured into acting in 1998, starting with small featured roles.
Career
Iheme initially faced typecasting, often playing the role of a child in various films due to his stature. However, his big break came in 2002 with his performance as Pawpaw in the hit comedy Aki na Ukwa, which he starred in alongside Chinedu Ikedieze. This role made him a household name in Nollywood.
In 2023, he became a brand ambassador for TAJBank.
Legacy and Influence
In recognition of his significant contributions to the comedy genre within the Nigerian film industry, Osita Iheme was awarded the Nigerian National Honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan. He also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in 2007.
Iheme's on-screen chemistry with Chinedu Ikedieze in Aki na Ukwa remains iconic, and their comedic partnership continues to resonate with fans. Since 2019, clips and memes from the movie, particularly featuring Osita's character, have gained massive popularity on social media platforms like Twitter, earning him a global fanbase.
Filmography
- Aki na Ukwa (2002)
- 2 Rats (2003)
- Baby Police (2003)
- Nollywood Babylon (2008)
- The Mirror Boy (2011)
- Christmas in Miami
- Aki and Pawpaw (2021)
Awards and Honors
- Africa Movie Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement (2007)
- Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) (2011)
References
You can access Osita Iheme's IMDb profile for additional details.