Ufuoma McDermott is a Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and former beauty queen. Born on April 23, 1981, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Ufuoma McDermott has made a name for herself in the Nigerian film industry, often referred to as Nollywood. With her talent, versatility, and on-screen presence, she has captivated audiences and garnered a loyal fan base.
Ufuoma McDermott’s journey into the entertainment industry began after she won the title of Miss Earth Nigeria in 2004. This achievement opened doors for her in the world of acting, and she embarked on a successful career in Nollywood.
She made her acting debut in the popular Nigerian TV series “The Wives” and went on to feature in numerous films and television shows. Ufuoma McDermott’s talent shines through in her ability to portray a wide range of characters, effortlessly transitioning from drama to comedy. She has demonstrated her acting prowess in various genres, showcasing her versatility and captivating audiences with her performances.
Aside from her acting career, Ufuoma McDermott has also ventured into film production. She has produced and directed several projects, showcasing her skills behind the camera as well. One notable project she worked on as a producer and director is the comedy film “Christmas Is Coming” (2017), which received positive reviews.
Ufuoma McDermott is known not only for her talent but also for her philanthropic endeavors. She is actively involved in charitable activities and uses her platform to advocate for social causes, particularly in areas related to women’s empowerment, education, and child welfare.
With her achievements in the Nigerian film industry, Ufuoma McDermott has become a respected figure and a role model for aspiring actors and filmmakers. Her contributions to Nollywood, both in front of and behind the camera, have left a lasting impact and have helped shape the industry.
Early Life of Ufuoma McDermott
Ejenobor was born in Benin City to Nigerian parents of Urhobo descent who hails from Delta State in Nigeria. She moved a lot – from Benin City to Jos, where she spent the better part of her toddler years, and later to Lagos, where she has lived for the greater part of her life and still resides till date. At the age of seven, her father coined a pet name for her: ISIO (which means “star” in Urhobo). She was so named after the star actress of the TELEFEST programme put together by NTA Benin, The Pot of Life.
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Educational and Acting career of Ufuoma McDermott
She went through Alama Private School Jos, Plateau state, Tunwase Nursery and primary school Ikeja, Lagos and finally Molly International Nursery and primary Ajao Estate for her nursery and primary education. She then attended Federal Government College, Odogbolu, Ogun State for her secondary education.
Ufuoma later bagged a degree in French language from the University of Lagos where she partook in a Federal Government scholarship holiday programme. She also has certificates and diplomas from Alliance Française and NIIT. She holds a master’s degree in Public and International Affairs, also from the University of Lagos.
In 2011, she attended New York Film Academy in Los Angeles for an acting course and later on a film making course from Dov Simen’s Hollywood Film Institute. In 2013, she obtained a certificate in Human resource management from the London Business School.
In Summer 2015, she was part of the Relativity Education program from Nigeria, owned by Relativity Media in Beverly Hills.
Entertainment
She started a career in entertainment with modelling in 2000 as a photographic model and later moved on to the runway and beauty pageants.
Pageants
By 2002, she had participated in two mini-pageants, won the Miss Ebony beauty pageant and partaken in her first national pageant: Miss Commonwealth(Vanessa Ekeke), where she won the Miss Congeniality prize. Later the same year, she emerged 1st runner up in the queen Afrik beauty pageant (Tamilore Kuboye).
2003 saw her in the Queen of all Nations beauty pageant (Dubra Fufeyin) where she was again the 1st runner up.
In 2004 she contested in the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant where she emerged …yet, 1st runner up. Not long after she was crowned Miss Earth Nigeria and consequently went to represent the country at the Miss Earth 2004
Film
In February 2004, Ejenobor decided on a movie career. Starting off with Zeb Ejiro’s The President Must Not Die, she has continued to have roles in movies. In May 2005, she played her first lead role in Life and Death, her third movie after The President Must Not Die and Guy on the Line. By December 2005, she played Chibuzor on the Edge of Paradise TV series produced by Royal Roots network.
Ufuoma Ejenobor on the set of My Mum and I as “Lillian Wright”
In 2008 she took on the role of “Lillian Wright” in the TV series My Mum and Ia role that garnered her a nomination for a best actress award at the 2010 Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo and one at The Terracotta Nigerian TV and Film Awards. She was nominated as the Actor of the year 2011 at the Future Awards.
Stage
In January 2018, McDermott reprised her roles as “Mama Baby”, “Women Call Leader” and “Sister Esther” in the stage production Hear Word!, which returned for the second year in a row to Harvard and was staged at the prestigious American Repertory theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.SA. The production covers various themes, which address issues against women in the society. The play, which made its debut in Lagos, Nigeria in 2014, also features the acting talents of Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett, Elvina Ibru and Bimbo Akintola.
Hear Word! featured at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2019, and McDermott, Joke Silva, Taiwo Ajayi-Lycett and other cast members performed at the Royal Lyceum, in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Guardian UK, in its review of the show described it as “at once tough and inspirational”, giving the play a three-star out of five.
The USM Show with Ufuoma McDermott
In July 2019, McDermott put together a live-theater experience at the Eko Hotel and Towers in Lagos, tagged “The USM Show with Ufuoma McDermott”. The event was a potpourri of live music, dance performances and a debut of her stage production “The Magic of a Dream”.
The Magic of a Dream was directed by Toritseju Ejoh and featured acting performances from several notable Nigerian thespians including Femi Branch, Chioma Akpotha, Offiong Anthony (Thin Tall Tony), Akah Nnani and Zara Udofia-Ejoh. The USM Show also featured live musical and comedy performances from a range of Nigerian entertainers, including, Teni the entertainer, Seyi Law and MC Abbey.
Movie Directing/Production
At the premiere of her movie directorial debut, McDermott revealed that she had begun writing the story for the film Christmas is Coming in 2013. The movie was however released in November 2017 ahead of the Christmas holidays.
In 2018, she earned her sophomore production credit with the release of What Just Happened in cinemas across Nigeria.
Challenges and Wins of Ufuoma McDermott
Challenges:
- Limited Opportunities: Nollywood is a highly competitive industry, and actors often face challenges in securing roles due to the high number of talented individuals vying for limited opportunities. Ufuoma McDermott may have faced similar challenges in terms of finding suitable roles and projects.
- Typecasting: Actors sometimes struggle with being typecast, meaning they are repeatedly offered similar roles based on their previous performances. This can limit their ability to explore diverse characters and showcase their versatility.
- Financial Instability: The Nigerian film industry has had its share of financial challenges, and actors may face periods of financial instability, especially if they are not consistently cast in lucrative projects.
- Balancing Career and Personal Life: Like many actors, Ufuoma McDermott may have faced challenges in maintaining a work-life balance, as the demanding nature of the industry can often require long hours and travel, which can impact personal relationships and family life.
Wins:
- Recognition and Awards: Ufuoma McDermott’s talent and contributions to Nollywood have garnered recognition and accolades. She may have received awards and nominations for her performances, which serve as validation of her skills and dedication.
- Popular and Critically Acclaimed Projects: Ufuoma McDermott’s involvement in successful and well-received films has contributed to her reputation and popularity. Appearing in projects that resonate with audiences and receive critical acclaim can be considered a win in an actor’s career.
- Career Growth and Longevity: Sustaining a successful acting career in the Nigerian film industry is a significant accomplishment. Ufuoma McDermott’s ability to continue working on various projects and maintain relevance within the industry can be seen as a win.
- Social Impact: Ufuoma McDermott has used her platform to advocate for social causes and contribute to the betterment of society. Her involvement in charitable activities and advocacy work has allowed her to make a positive impact on others.
Impact on Others
Here are some of the ways that Ufuoma McDermott has impacted others:
- She has inspired young people to pursue their dreams. Ufuoma McDermott is a role model for young people, and she has inspired them to pursue their dreams. She has shown them that it is possible to achieve great things, regardless of their background or circumstances.
- She has raised awareness about important issues. Ufuoma McDermott has used her platform to raise awareness about important issues, such as women’s empowerment, education, and health. She has spoken out against injustice and inequality, and she has encouraged people to take action to make a difference.
- She has helped to change the face of the Nigerian entertainment industry. Ufuoma McDermott is a pioneer in the Nigerian entertainment industry. She has helped to change the face of the industry by challenging negative stereotypes and promoting diversity and inclusion. She has shown that it is possible to be successful in the industry without conforming to traditional standards of beauty.
Social Media Handles
- Instagram: @ufuomamcdermott
- Twitter: @theufuoma
- Facebook: Ufuoma McDermott
Movies
2004
The President Must Not Die Detective
Queen of My Heart
Secrets and Lies TV mini-series
2005
Life and Death 1st Lead Role.
Guy on The Line
Missed Love
Two Good Friends
Desperate Billionaire
Unknown Angel
Height Of Indecision
Baby Guards
My Experience
2006
Emotional Blackmail
One Chance
Painful World
Honey Desire
Edge of Paradise
Dangerous Friends
Nebuchadnezzar
Dream come True
2007
Saving Sarah
Devil’s Workshop
Classical Fraud
Mortal Man
Sounds of Poverty
Super story ( Everything It Takes )
Twist of Fate
A Night in the Philippines
Buy Me a Rose
Titanic Tussle
2008
Rose of Africa
Italian Deal
Ice Cold
Divine Partner
Final Tussle
2009
Empty Coffin
Be Yourself
My Mum And I
Television Festival
10 Nominations at The 2010 Terracotta TV and Film Awads
2010
Hot Island
Wise In-Law
Private Storm
2013
Vagary Xter
This House Is Not For Sale
2014
Hear Word Sister
Kin
2015
Okoro: The Prince Queen
Hear Word
Merciful Mercy
2016
Duplicity
Women Rally Leader
Wives on Strike Mama
This Thing Called Marriage
Okafor’s Law
2017
The Women
Christmas is Coming
Wives on Strike
2018
Esohe
What Just Happened Professor
2024
The Blood Covenant
Legacy and Awards
Recognition
Best Actress in a TV series Nominee – Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2011
Actor of the Year 2011 Nominee- The Future Awards
Best Actress nominee – Golden Nymph Awards 2010 (Monte Carlo Television Festival)
Best Actress in a Drama series nominee, Terracotta TV and Film Awards
Go Red Africa, Best Female Model, 2007
African Youth Society, Role Model Award, 2009[31]
Represented Nigeria at the Miss Earth 2004 beauty pageant[citation needed
McDermott was a speaker at TEDx Rayfield, which held in December 2017
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Pageant
2004 Miss Earth Nigeria Winner
Miss Nigeria 1st Runner up
2003 Queen of all Nation 1st Runner up
2002 Queen Afrik 1st Runner up
Miss Commonwealth Miss Congeniality
2001 Miss Ebony Winner
Ufuoma Ejenobor at the Golden Nymph Awards
Ufuoma Ejenobor and LL Cool J at the 50th Golden Nymph awards in Monaco
Ufuoma Ejenobor at the 2010 Terracotta Awards
Ufuoma Ejenobor and John McCook
Ufuoma also received a Golden Nymph Best Actress nomination at the 2010 Monte Carlo Television Festival alongside Tina Fey, Jane Krakowski and January Jones.
Awards
Year Award Category Note Ref
2003 Nigerian French Village Fille Africaine Won
2007 African heart foundation at The African Fashion show Best Model Won
2009 African Youth Society Role Model Award Won
2010 Golden Nymph Award at the Monte Carlo Television Festival Best Actress in a comedy Nominated
Terracotta Television and Film Awards Best Actress in a drama series Nominated
2011 The Future Awards Best Actress Nominated
2014 AMVCA Africa Magic Viewers choice awards Best New media-Online video Nominated
2015 Delta Entertainment Awards Most Outstanding Actress Won
2016 ELOY Awards Actress (Big screen) Nominated
2017 City People Awards Best Actress Won
2017 Best of Nollywood Awards Best Actress in a Lead role –English Nominated