STEPHANIE OKEREKE-LINUS, born Stephanie Onyekachi Okereke on October 2, 1982, in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, Nigeria, is a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry. She is a celebrated actress, film director, and model whose talent and dedication have earned her numerous awards and accolades, and amassed for her a Following of nearly 10 million across her social media accounts.
Stephanie’s journey into the limelight began at a young age when she starred in Nollywood films like “Compromise 2” and “Waterloo” as a teenager in 1997. Her remarkable beauty and poise also made her the runner-up in the 2002 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty pageant.
Stephanie’s acting prowess has been widely recognized, with notable awards, including the 2003 Reel Award for Best Actress and the 2006 Afro Hollywood Award for Best Actress. She has also received three nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in 2005, 2009, and 2010. In 2011, the Nigerian government further honored her contributions to the arts with national recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Beyond acting, Stephanie has made her mark as a filmmaker. After graduating from the New York Film Academy in 2007, she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in “Through the Glass“. This film earned an Africa Movie Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay in 2009. Her 2014 film, “Dry“, which she also directed, wrote, and produced, received widespread acclaim and won numerous awards, including the Best Overall Movie at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
With unwavering resilience, Stephanie has faced and pulled through several challenges, including a harrowing car accident in 2005.
But her marriage to Linus Idahosa in April 2012 – a fairytale wedding at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay located in the Chevreuse valley in the Rambouillet state-owned forest, just outside Paris, France. was one of the cappings of a beautiful life’s journey.
Together, she and Linus have two sons, Maxwell Enosata Linus, born in October 2015, and a second son, born in May 2022.
In an industry infamous for troubled matrimonies and scandals, Stephanie’s marriage has been a solid signpost on how to be an accomplished star, in a healthy, committed and loving marriage!
In addition to her entertainment career, Stephanie is also a passionate advocate for social causes, particularly gender-based violence. In March 2021, she produced two short films, “The Student” and “Bad Police“, as part of her campaign against this societal issue.
Stephanie’s influence extends beyond Nigeria. She and her husband have been recognized internationally, including an invitation from the late Queen Elizabeth II to Buckingham Palace. Stephanie’s husband, Linus Idahosa, is the CEO of Del-York International, a company pioneering the construction of the Africa Film and Media City in Lagos State and the 042 Arena and Entertainment Park in Enugu State. These projects aim to elevate Africa’s creative and entertainment industries to a global audience.
In April 2022, Stephanie was honored by Thomas Jefferson University with the prestigious Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine. This recognition marked her as the first Black recipient of this award, which celebrated her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact.
Stephanie Okereke Linus’s story is one of talent, resilience, and a deep commitment to using her platform for positive change. She continues to inspire many as she breaks boundaries and makes a lasting impact on both the Nigerian and global stages.
So, join us as we celebrate one of Nigeria’s great gifts to the world – Stephanie Linus – as she continues to inspire the next generation, by her actions and activism, to reach for the stars.⭐⭐🎈🥂🎊
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