Mike Ezuruonye is a Nigerian actor, filmmaker, and writer. He began his career as an actor in 2003, and made his directorial debut after a decade. He is popularly known for some comedies like Brother Jekwu (2016), Lagos Real Fake Life (2018) and other interesting movies.
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Over the years, Mike has become a force to reckoned with in the Nigerian movie industry. Also, he is known for churning out films that are relatable.
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Mike Ezuruonye Biography
Mike Ezuruonye was born on September 21, 1982 in Lagos. He hails from Anambra State, but grew up in Lagos. After his primary education, he attended Archbishop Aggey Memorial school, Lagos. Then, moved on to Federal Government College, Wukari, Taraba. Subsequently, he studied Accounting at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
After school, Mike worked in the banking industry before moving into the entertainment industry.
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Mike Ezuruonye Personal Life
Mike got married to Keke Nkechi Nnorom in 2010. Nkechi is a medical psychologist in Canada. They met when she came to Nigeria, at one of Mike’s movie set in Abuja in 2009. Together, they have a son and a daughter; Reynold and Elsa Ezuruonye.
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Mike Ezuruonye Career
Ezuruonye made his professional debut in the TV series Ultimate Hero, and got his first big role in Broken Marriage (2003). Subsequently, he has played several lead roles in popular movies like Beyond Reason (2004), Emotional Risk (2007), Critical Decision e.t.c All of which further made him influential in the industry.
In his quest to be better and become a professional movie director, he took a break to attend a film school in Canada. On his return, he made his official directorial debut with the movie, Divorce not Allowed and Brother Jekwu (2016). These movies were positively received both locally and internationally.
Mike Ezurunonye’s acting career goes beyond the shores of Nigeria. He has shoot movies in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and is set to take on the world. Also, he has also worked with bigwigs like Angela Okorie, Iyabo Ojo, Odunlade Adekola, Omoni Oboli, Mercy Aigbe, Bolanle Ninalowo, Nonso Diobi, Emmanuella, e.t.c
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Films
Over the years, some of the movies he has starred in include;
- Beyond Reason, 2004
- Burning Desire, 2004
- Shadows of Tears, 2005
- Bless Me, 2005
- Kill the Bride, 2005
- Married for Money, 2006
- Pay Day, 2006
- Silver Spoon, 2006
- Broken Prices, 2007
- Crises in Paradise, 2007
- Emotional Risk, 2007
- Legal War, 2007
- Power of Beauty, 2007
- Act of Faith, 2008
- Don’t wanna be a Player, 2008
- Desire, 2009
- Beauty and the Beast, 2008
- Clash of Twins, 2009
- Missing Child, 2009
- Last Mogul of the League, 2009
- Forest of Tears, 2009
- Jealous Friend, 2009
- Night Wedding, 2010
- Palace Slave, 2010
- Street President, 2010
- Front Door, 2010
- Cry for Justice, 2010
- Last Celebrity, 2011
- Jewels of the Sun, 2011
- Unforgivable, 2013
- Hazeezat, 2014
- Attitude, 2015
- The Duplex, 2015
- Living with a Ghost, 2015
- Marry Who You Love, 2016
- Brother Jekwu, 2016
- The Screenplay, 2016
- What Just Happened, 2018
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Mike Ezuruonye Net Worth
Ezuruonye is a brand ambassador to Globacom. Also, he was endorsed by DPkay real estate homes and awards ltd.
His net worth is estimated at $3.5 million by nollylibrary.com and he is one of the richest and most sought-after actors in Nigeria.
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Awards And Recognition
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role ‘Black Friday’, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2008 (Nomination)
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role ‘Mirror of Reality’, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2008 (Nomination)
- The Best Actor in a Leading Role ‘The Assassin’, Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), 2009 (Nomination)
- Best Actor, African Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
- Best Lead Male ‘unforgivable’, Nollywood Movies Awards, 2014 (Won)
- The Best Actor of the Year (English), CIty People Movie Awards, 2014 (Won)
- Best Actor in Comedy ‘Brother Jekwu’, African Magic Viewers Choice Awards, 2016 (Won)
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Mike Ezuruonye Quotes
“Being happy is having our privacy and being able to work freely in our country.”
“Image is everything, you are seen as a brand…”
“Negative mindset takes you to a point of regret.”
“… Love is actually a means or target you want to reach.”
“Never underestimate anybody…Tomorrow is pregnant.”
“Be bold, be fearless, be limitless. Stand up brave.”
“Branding for the actor is ‘being good not known’. But, if you can balance ‘good and known’, then you are a winner.”
“I am a filmmaker who dreams big realizations, so passionate about my craft to break barriers and present bridges to connect other parts of Africa and the world.”
“Nollywood is the best vehicle of African art and culture.”
“When you humbly know who you are, you ooze self confidence…It’s powerful.”
“Keep working on yourself…the mirror remains my best teacher.”
“I’m never in competition with anyone…I stay true to myself.”
“Let’s not make success to wear us the mask of forgetting the true ones who loved us and prayed for us when we were nothing.”
“Deduce life logic and choose your friends .”
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Entrepreneurial Lessons From The Life Of Mike Ezuruonye
Take Hold Of Opportunity
Mike believes that, one should handle an opportunity well when it presents itself. For him, he went into acting because of a friend, Dayo Amusa. Dayo saw Mike as a potential actor and gave him the push he needed. If Mike had ignored that opportunity, he might not have been where he is today.
In business, you have to be prepared and ready for when an opportunity will knock. When it does, take hold of it and make the best of it.
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Be Positive
Successful people are positive minded. Undoubtedly, life is full of ups and down, with challenges that look insurmountable. In all, you have to learn to make lemonades from lemons. Stay positive and see the best in every situation.
Mike is always positive and believes that no challenge or mountain is too high.
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Create Room For Improvement
Being complacent and not looking for ways to self improve yourself is a recipe for failure.
Mike Ezuruonye believes in self improvement, which made him further his education in the industry. The course he took made him see the industry in a different light. According to him, going to school has helped him know the business side of his career, and better manage his actors and crew.
Knowledge is power. In any field you find yourself, master your craft. You become an authority in your field when it is evident that you know what you are doing.
Image Credit: @mikeezu(Instagram)