Anambra State, one of the leading cultural powerhouses in Nigeria, is home to some of Nollywood’s most celebrated and wealthiest actors and actresses. Over the years, these stars have dazzled audiences with their acting prowess, built personal brands, and grown empires through strategic business ventures. While some made their wealth through sheer talent and relentless hustle in Nollywood, others diversified early, investing in businesses, endorsements, and politics.
This blog post explores the richest actors and actresses of Anambra origin in 2025, examining how they built their fortune, their career highlights, and what sets them apart in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
1. Jim Iyke – Net Worth: $10 Million
Jim Iyke, born James Ikechukwu Esomugha, is widely considered one of Nigeria’s most successful actors. A native of Anambra State, he began his acting career in the early 2000s and quickly became a household name, thanks to his confident delivery and 'bad boy' roles.
Jim Iyke has starred in over 150 films and earned the reputation of being one of the highest-paid actors in Nollywood. Outside the movie world, he’s an entrepreneur and investor. He owns a clothing line called "Untamed Closet" and has made real estate investments across Lagos and Abuja. In addition, he founded "Burgeon Global," a company involved in oil & gas, water bottling, and media.
His multiple sources of income have made him the richest actor from Anambra State as of 2025.
2. Zubby Michael – Net Worth: $9.6 Million
Azubuike Michael Egwu, popularly known as Zubby Michael, is one of Nollywood’s most prominent actors known for his fast-paced delivery in action and crime movies. A proud indigene of Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra, Zubby has featured in hundreds of Igbo and English movies.
He is not just an actor but a producer and a politician. Zubby was appointed Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Anambra State and has continued to leverage his fame for political relevance and influence.
Zubby Michael also earns handsomely through endorsements, movie production, and event appearances. He lives a flamboyant lifestyle and frequently shows off his cars, houses, and charitable works on social media.
3. Yul Edochie – Net Worth: $8 Million
Yul Edochie, son of Nollywood legend Pete Edochie, has carved his own path in the entertainment industry. A native of Nteje in Oyi LGA, Anambra, Yul entered Nollywood in the early 2000s and became known for his deep voice and charismatic screen presence.
Apart from acting, he has directed and produced several successful films. He also ventured into politics, running for Governor of Anambra State and later becoming active in youth political movements. Though controversial in recent years due to personal issues and public debates, his popularity remains strong.
Yul has monetized his brand well through YouTube content, political activism, endorsements, and speaking engagements, solidifying his status as one of the richest actors from Anambra.
4. Chidi Mokeme – Net Worth: $8 Million
Chidi Mokeme, born in Oba, Idemili South, Anambra State, is an actor, TV host, and model. He rose to national fame as the host of the popular reality TV show “Gulder Ultimate Search.” His natural charisma and acting skills have made him a top choice for leading roles in Nollywood films, especially in the 2000s.
Even though he took a break from acting for health and personal reasons, his return was widely celebrated. His business interests include media production and event hosting. Chidi also earns from brand endorsements and investments in fashion.
5. Chioma Chukwuka – Net Worth: $5 Million
Chioma Chukwuka, now known as Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha, is one of Nollywood’s most respected actresses. She was born in Lagos to Anambra parents and has roots in Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA.
Chioma is known for her roles in family-themed dramas, romantic comedies, and epic movies. Over the years, she has worked with almost every major name in the industry. She has received multiple awards including the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress.
She also runs a film production company and has endorsement deals with Harpic, Globacom, Omo, and other major brands. Her investments in businesses like a bakery and film production house have increased her wealth significantly.
6. Segun Arinze – Net Worth: $5.1 Million
Though many associate him with Lagos and the Yoruba film industry, Segun Arinze was born in Onitsha, Anambra State. His unique voice and authoritative acting style made him popular for playing tough or villainous characters.
Segun is also a voice-over artist, director, and singer. Over the decades, he has remained relevant and influential in Nollywood. He served as a former president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and is a frequent speaker and judge at acting workshops and festivals.
His income comes from acting, voiceovers, directing, and other media-related ventures.
7. Chika Ike – Net Worth: $1 Million
Chika Ike, born and raised in Onitsha, Anambra State, is a multi-talented actress, producer, author, and entrepreneur. She started acting at a young age and became known for her beauty and charm in romantic and social commentary films.
Chika owns a production company and has produced several films under her name. She’s also the founder of the “Help A Child” Foundation, which supports underprivileged children.
Her lifestyle brand and cosmetics business contribute significantly to her earnings. She also studied at Harvard Business School, demonstrating her commitment to financial and professional growth.
8. Franca Brown – Net Worth: $800,000
Franca Brown is a veteran actress, film producer, and director from Onitsha. She began her career in the 1980s and has remained a symbol of class and excellence in Nollywood.
She is best known for her roles in soap operas and family dramas. While she’s not as active today as in the past, Franca still commands respect and continues to contribute to film through directing and mentoring.
Her income sources include royalties, scriptwriting, and directing.
9. Rita Nzelu – Net Worth: $700,000
Rita Nzelu hails from Ozubulu in Anambra State and gained fame from her breakout role in “Living in Bondage.” Her comedic timing and energetic performances made her a favorite in many Nollywood classics of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Though she currently lives abroad and isn’t as active in the industry, Rita made a mark and remains one of the respected names from Anambra. Her earnings came primarily from acting, endorsements, and business activities before relocating.
10. Chioma Okoye – Net Worth: $500,000
Chioma Okoye, a native of Aguleri-Otu in Anambra East, is an actress, screenwriter, and producer. She is the CEO of Purple Ribbon Entertainment and has starred in dozens of films.
Her uncle, Pete Edochie, introduced her to the industry. Since then, she has built a name as a creative storyteller. Though her earnings are modest compared to others on this list, her growing film production company shows great potential.
Summary Table: Richest Actors and Actresses in Anambra State (2025)
| Name | Net Worth | Primary Profession | Other Ventures | Local Government Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Iyke | $10 Million | Actor | Fashion, Real Estate, Oil & Gas | Nnewi |
| Zubby Michael | $9.6 Million | Actor, Politician | Movie Production, Endorsements | Ekwusigo |
| Yul Edochie | $8 Million | Actor, Director | Politics, Media Business | Oyi |
| Chidi Mokeme | $8 Million | Actor, TV Host | Fashion, Events | Idemili South |
| Chioma Chukwuka | $5 Million | Actress, Producer | Endorsements, Bakery, Film Production | Ekwusigo |
| Segun Arinze | $5.1 Million | Actor, Voice-over Artist | Directing, Guild Leadership | Onitsha |
| Chika Ike | $1 Million | Actress, Entrepreneur | Cosmetics, Real Estate, NGO | Onitsha |
| Franca Brown | $800,000 | Actress, Director | Film Mentorship | Onitsha |
| Rita Nzelu | $700,000 | Actress | Endorsements, Small Business | Ozubulu |
| Chioma Okoye | $500,000 | Actress, Producer | Film Company (Purple Ribbon Entertainment) | Anambra East |
Conclusion
Anambra State is a rich breeding ground for some of Nollywood’s finest and wealthiest actors and actresses. These stars are not just entertainers but business moguls, philanthropists, and influencers who have made major marks in both Nigeria and abroad.
Their success stories are an inspiration to upcoming talents in Nollywood and proof that the combination of creativity, entrepreneurship, and consistency can lead to both fame and fortune.
If you're passionate about Nollywood or the entrepreneurial spirit of Igbo celebrities, the stories of these Anambra icons will leave you motivated.
