Tony Umez is a popular Nollywood actor, producer, director and television personality. He is particularly known for playing romantic roles in movies.
In this post, you’ll find out many interesting things about this Nollywood icon from his early life in Lagos to his accomplishments in Nollywood.
Early life and Education
Umez was born on the 23rd August 1964 in Ogidi in Anambra State. His mother is from Cross River State while his father comes from Ogidi, the same place he was born. Despite his Igbo origin, the actor confessed that he doesn’t speak Igbo but he can speak his mother’s language, Efik fluently. In 2013, the actor lost his mother which disclosed to his fans via a Facebook post.
Umez grew up in Lagos where he had his primary, secondary and tertiary education. The actor bagged a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language. He also had a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the same university.
After his Master’s Degree, his intention was to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but at that time, there was an embargo on employment so he couldn’t get a job with the Ministry. Interestingly, he found his way to acting and as they say the rest is history.
Career
Umez was already acting from his secondary school days where he performed on stage play and drama.
In 1993, the actor joined Nollywood. He didn’t get a dime from his first two movies which made him leave the industry for a few years.
He returned to the industry in 1997 and featured in the movie, ‘The Princess’. But it was the movie, ‘Died wretched’ that made him popular which was released in 1998. The movie earned him a nomination for Best New Act to Watch at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. The highlight of the movie was the actor being buried in a casket worth N2.3 million.
The actor has starred in over 250 Nollywood movies since his acting debut.
Movies
The actor has featured in over 250 movies, some of which have been listed below:
- Ababo
- Awimayehun
- Pains
- Died Wretched,
- Tight Corner
- Billionaires Club,
- The Preacher’s Wife,
- Blood Sisters,
- Occultic Kingdom,
- The Coven,
- Stranger on my Bed,
- A Second Time
- Fire on the Mountain,
- Dirty Demand,
- Living with the Devil
- Room 027
- Blood of the Orphan
- Fire on the Mountain
- Out of Fire
- Millionaires Club
- No Rival: Ko si Orogun
- Oyato
- Tin ba Taiye Wa
- Ikaino Restaurant
- No where to be found (TV series)
Marriage
Tony Umez married Patsy Ogochukwu on the 16th of November 1999. He met her on a movie set in 1994.
The actor revealed that his church was to do a programme and he was invited to feature in the film.
He starred as the lead role in this movie which was titled, ‘Karanja.’ He played the role of Mr Pascal while his wife-to-be played the role of Mrs Pascal. The actor further disclosed that Patsy threw him off his feet initially with her amazing comportment.
Interestingly, when he told the friend that invited him to the movie set about his interest in Patsy, he was glad to hear from his friend that she also liked him.
Patsy initially told him that she only wanted friendship but she eventually succumbed to his overtures and they began dating in December 1994.
They got married five years later and their marriage is blessed with four lovely girls: Beautiful Umez, Angel Umez, Princess Umez and Golden-Michelle Umez.
The actor recently flaunted one of his daughters on social media and he got a shocker from his fans as many commented by saying that after the romantic roles he had played with actresses like Genevieve, Omotola and Uche Jombo, he shouldn’t expect his daughter to go scot free in the hands of men.
Patsy Umez
Patsy had a stint in the industry and because of her knowledge of the industry, she keep a close eye on her husband to ensure he doesn’t stray.
She is also a businesswoman; she has a shops, Baby Paradise where she sells baby stuffs.
Controversy
Umeh was heavily criticized by fans when he featured in a soft pornographic mobie, Room 027 in 2014. The actor also revealed in an interview that he regretted ever accepting the role. Although, he stated that he didn’t have sex in the movie and he accepted the role based on the creativity he saw in the script.
Awards
Tony Umez has won several awards since his acting debut in 1993. Some of these include:
- Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards,
- Nollywood Most Prominent Actor in Nigeria at the City People Entertainment Awards,
- Best Actor in Nigeria at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards,
- Best Actor at the City People Entertainment Awards and
- Most Promising Actor in Nigeria at the Golden Icon Movie Academy Awards.
Net worth
Tony Umez is currently one of the richest and most influential actor in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $950,000.
Unforgettable experience
The actor revealed in an interview that he cannot forget the day he was robbed.
On that day, he got to the gate leading to his street at 1.30a.m and he saw the headlight of a motorcycle.
The actor was punched in the face by one of the robbers and he disclosed that his chain, phones, wristwatch and the money in his possession was collected. Umez confessed that he thought his car was going to be stolen as well but that didn’t happen.
Nollywood
Recently, Tony Umez revealed that there is a lot Nollywood has to offer to upcoming actors and actresses.
The actor revealed that the only thing these young acts need to thrive in the industry is creativity.
And he said the industry is being boosted by the influx of graduates which has helped reduce mediocrity in the industry
Umeh also praised the effort of the Lagos State Government to develop the industry in the State as well as the country at large.