Four Nigerian actors who joined the US military

For decades, Nollywood has been home to actors and actresses who rose to prominence through television and film.

While most have stayed within the entertainment industry, a few have charted a different course after moving abroad, enlisting in the US military.

Here are four Nollywood stars who enlisted in the U.S. armed forces in recent years:

1. Joseph Momodu – U.S. Army

Actor Joseph Momodu is the latest to make the switch, completing U.S. Army Basic Combat Training in April 2026. Before taking a break from acting, he appeared in films including ‘Coming to Nigeria’, ‘Play 2 Kill’, and ‘A Fool for Trust’, and in TV series such as ‘Tinsel’, ‘Soul Sisters’, and ‘The Johnsons’.

Momodu said family influence played a role in his decision, citing his late father’s service in the Nigerian Police Force as part of his inspiration to pursue a military career.

2.  Princess Chineke – U.S. Army

Actress Princess Chineke enlisted in the U.S. Army in December 2024 after moving to the United States. She was known for roles in ‘To Love a Sister’, ‘Stormy Hearts’, and ‘Masters at War’.

She announced the enlistment on social media, describing it as a decision to serve her adopted country.

3. Mayowa Dosu – U.S. Army

Actress and producer Mayowa Dosu also transitioned to military life after relocating to the U.S., enlisting around the same period as Chineke. Prior to her career change, she featured in productions such as ‘Fears’, ‘Mamami’, and ‘Compromise’.

4. Grace-Charis Bassey, formerly Belinda Effah – U.S. Navy

Award-winning actress Grace-Charis Bassey, formerly known as Belinda Effah, joined the U.S. Navy in May 2025. After completing boot camp, she became a U.S. citizen.

Bassey, who won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Most Promising Act of the Year during her Nollywood career, dedicated the milestone to her late father, a former naval commander.