Nigerian entertainment continues to produce remarkable talents who transform personal challenges into artistic triumphs. Among these shining stars is Deacon Famous, a multi-talented actor, comedian, and filmmaker whose journey from tragedy to success inspires millions.
Early Life and Education
Deacon Famous was born Udaya Awesome Chidiebere on November 22, 1993, in Asaba, Delta State. Growing up in a Christian Igbo family, he faced unimaginable tragedy at a young age when he lost both parents. His mother, Elizabeth Udaya, who worked at the Delta State Primary Education Board, passed away during childbirth when Deacon was only four years old. His father, Boniface Uwadiegwu Udaya, a police officer, died just months later.
The young entertainer pursued his education with determination, attending Delta State University in Abraka where he earned a degree in History and International Relations. He further advanced his studies at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), specializing in Criminology and Security Studies.
Career Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Deacon Famous discovered his passion for performance early, beginning as a child actor in films like God of Liberation, Royal Skin, and Bush Father. His comedic talents emerged during secondary school, where he entertained classmates during social gatherings. This early experience laid the foundation for his future career.
In a revealing interview with The Guardian, Deacon shared: "I started comedy in secondary school. I was entertaining my schoolmates during social gatherings, and after secondary school, I took it as a job, and I've been feeding on it. In the university, I was the best and most influential comedian on campus, and I held the biggest shows."
The turning point in his career came in 2023 when he portrayed the iconic Bush Father character in Holy Sisters, a performance that catapulted him to national recognition. His filmography includes notable roles in Faith Beyond Fate (2023), Cellmate (2024), My Madam & I (2024), and Stand by Me (2024).
Business Ventures and Social Media Success
Beyond acting, Deacon Famous established Big Bird Productions, his own production company through which he creates movies and digital content. He has produced and directed several films, including Cellmate and My Madam & I, demonstrating his versatility behind the camera.
The comedian has built an impressive social media presence, amassing over 3.1 million followers on Facebook, 363,000 on Instagram, and 187,000 YouTube subscribers. His content resonates deeply with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
Personal Life and Marriage
Deacon Famous's personal life took a romantic turn when he met Ghanaian beauty Mawusi Faith Potakey through social media. Their connection began after Deacon made a video responding to Shatta Wale's criticism of Ghana, which caught Faith's attention.
As Deacon recalled: "She was inspired by my content. So anytime I want to visit Ghana, I should let her know, so she can host me." Two months after their initial online interaction, Deacon visited Ghana where they met in person, beginning their love story.
The couple celebrated their traditional wedding on February 7, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, attended by notable celebrities including comedian Brian Jotter, actress Ngozi Ezeonu, and musician Moses Bliss. They later had a white wedding on March 22, 2025, in the United Kingdom.
Despite losing his biological parents early in life, Deacon found maternal support in veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Ezeonu, who introduced herself as his mother during his dowry ceremony in Ghana. The couple now resides in Lagos, Nigeria, where Deacon continues to create content that entertains and inspires.
Deacon Famous's journey from orphaned child to celebrated entertainer demonstrates the power of resilience and talent in overcoming life's challenges. His story continues to inspire aspiring artists across Nigeria and beyond.
