Perhaps you have no idea that most of the detectable screen icons are from Port Harcourt, where you probably also come from. Port Harcourt also called Pitakwa is the capital and largest city of Rivers State, Nigeria. It lies along the Bonny River and is located in the Niger Delta. As of 2016, the Port Harcourt urban area has an estimated population of 1,865,000 inhabitants, up from 1,382,592 as of 2006.

Yencityjamz Profiled 10 Nigerian thespians who came from this beautiful city.


1. Sam Dede

This hunk actor is from Okrika and one of the pioneers of the make believe industry in both Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole. The ‘Issakaba hero’ and lecturer of Threatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt has featured in most of the best movies in Nollywood. One of his recent movies titled ‘Grass Market’ also featured top stars such as Nobert Young and Emmanuel Okutuate which was premiered in Silverbird Cinemas Port Harcourt between February 19th and 25th this year.

2. Columbus Irosoanga

This Okirika, Rivers State born top Nollywood actor and Theatre Arts lecturer at University of Port Harcourt has helped to groom up coming artistes. His acting career started in the early 80s when he featured in various soap operas with other top actors such as Comish Ekiye in Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and also took part in dramas at the Rivers State Council for Arts and Culture. He is one of the showbiz personalities to contend with in the industry.

3. Hilda Dokubo

The entertainment clan in Rivers State is incomplete without sultry actress Hilda Dokubo who has come a long way. From acting she became a Special Assistant to former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili. She started her movie career as a child actress and was featured in many Nollywood movies and currently runs an NGO titled Centre for Creative Education in Port Harcourt which helps to train people for job creations.

She also uses the organisation to encourage the Niger Delta youths to embrace peace rather than militancy.

4. Gentle Jack

His muscular physique is a reference point in Nollywood though he refused to admit that his towering height and intimidating biceps have stereotyped him. Kalabari, Rivers State born Gentle Jack has won the Abuja carnival king twice and has featured in uncountable movies. The Gentle giant also runs a body fitness equipment outfit.

5. Monalisa Chinda


This lady needs no introduction not just because she is an actress and a beautiful one indeed, but because she is been quite successful in her chosen field. However, this Glo Ambassador was recently enmeshed in a divorce matter with her erstwhile husband Segun Dejo Richards. The beautiful Ikwerre born Nollywood top actress has featured in many Nollywood movies.

6. Tonto Dikeh

Ikwerre Rivers State born screen diva, Tonto Dike is one of the most controversial actresses in Nollywood as she is always enmeshed in one controversy or the other. Despite that, she is a favourite of most producers because of her prowess in role interpretation.

7. Walter Anga



Walter is a skillful, super-talented and creative Nollywood actor. He has starred alongside other big names such as Ebube Nwangbo, Ini Edo, Tonto Dikeh, Mercy Johnson and Rita Dominic in various movies. Apart from being in front of the camera, he loves giving back to the community through his philanthropic deeds.

8. Mary Uranta



Mary was born and raised in Port Harcourt. She later competed in beauty pageant Miss Niger Delta, where she came close to winning the crown only to end up second. Uranta landed her first acting role in the 2000 film, Girls Hostel. 

9. Bikiya Graham-Douglas



Bikiya Graham-Douglas is a Nigerian-born British actress and performing artist. She is the daughter of Nigerian politicians Alabo Graham-Douglas and Bolere Elizabeth Ketebu. 

10. Ibinabo Fiberesima

Ibinabo Fiberesima was born to a Nigerian father and an Irish mother. She began her education when she enrolled as a student at the Y.M.C.A Play Centre, Port Harcourt