Osas Ighodaro is a renowned Nigerian-American actor, producer, host, and humanitarian celebrated for her versatility and impact across film, television, and social initiatives. Born on October 26, 1990, in the Bronx, New York, to Nigerian parents of Edo heritage, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism (with minors in Entrepreneurship and Theatre) from Pennsylvania State University and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Actor’s Studio Drama School at Pace University.

Her breakthrough career highlights include standout performances in Cadillac Records, Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, the critically acclaimed series Smart Money Woman, and Nollywood favourites like Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, Man of God, and Fela and the Kalakuta Queens. Osas has earned back-to-back Best Actress in a Drama at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (2022 & 2023), and was named Woman of the Year in Entertainment by the HER Network Awards in 2021, as well as Highest Grossing Box Office Actress in Nollywood in 2018.

In 2010, she made history as the first Nigerian-American to be crowned Miss Black USA, a milestone that helped launch her international career in entertainment. Beyond her screen presence, Osas founded Imuetinyan Productions, committed to telling original stories that entertain while making a positive societal impact (including projects like Spa with Osas and 3 Cold Dishes).

Her humanitarian spirit shines through her non-profit, the Joyful Joy Foundation, an NGO she established to fight malaria across Africa—driven by a deeply personal mission following the loss of her sister to the disease. This blend of artistry, advocacy, and authenticity makes Osas Ighodaro a powerful voice in global storytelling.