Desmond Elliot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Desmond Elliot
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Elliot at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Lagos
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| Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere constituency 1 | |
| Assumed office 11 April 2015 |
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| Preceded by | Kabiru Lawal |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Desmond Oluwashola Elliot
4 February 1974 Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Political party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Spouse | Victoria Elliot |
| Occupation | Actor, film director, politician |
Desmond Oluwashola Elliot (born February 4, 1974) is a famous Nigerian actor, movie director, and politician. He is best known for his work in Nigeria's movie industry, often called Nollywood. He has also served as a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2015, representing the Surulere area.
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Early Life and Education
Desmond Elliot was born in Lagos, Nigeria. His father is from the Yoruba ethnic group and his mother is from the Igbo group. This means he has family roots in two of Nigeria's largest cultures.
He went to Air Force Primary School and St John's College, both in the city of Jos. Later, he moved back to Lagos for college. He studied economics at Lagos State University and graduated in 2003.
Career as an Actor and Director
A friend encouraged Elliot to try acting. He began his career by appearing in popular Nigerian TV shows, called soap operas, like Everyday People and Saints and Sinners.
He quickly became one of Nollywood's biggest stars. He has acted in more than 200 movies, including popular ones like Men Who Cheat and Yahoo Millionaire. His talent earned him nominations for many awards.
- In 2006, he was nominated for "Best Actor in a Supporting Role" at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.
- In 2008, he directed and produced a movie called "Reloaded," which was nominated for three awards.
- In 2009 and 2010, he was nominated for "Best Actor" at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.
In 2010, Elliot also worked with the Face of Hope Project. This group helps fight illiteracy, which is the inability to read and write, among young people in Nigeria.
Career in Politics
In 2014, Desmond Elliot decided to enter politics. He announced that he wanted to run for a seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly. He joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. On April 11, 2015, he won the election for the Surulere constituency.
End SARS Protest Controversy
In October 2020, a large youth movement called End SARS began in Nigeria. Protesters were speaking out against police brutality. During this time, a video of Elliot speaking in the House of Assembly became very popular online.
In the video, he criticized social media users and influencers. He said that if the government didn't control social media, it could "destroy" Nigeria. Many Nigerians were very upset by his comments. This led to a popular slang phrase, na Desmond Elliot cause am, which means It's Desmond Elliot's fault. People used this phrase as a joke to blame him for all sorts of problems.
A few days later, Elliot apologized for his words. He said, "I allowed my emotions get the better of me and for this I apologize to everyone my earlier statements may have hurt... Please, understand that even the best of us makes mistakes."
Continuing Political Career
Despite the controversy, Elliot has continued his work as a politician. He has been elected three times to represent his constituency. While he did not face much competition in his first two elections, he had to work hard to win his party's nomination for the 2023 election. He is currently serving his third term as a state lawmaker.
Personal Life
Desmond Elliot is married to Victoria Elliot. They have four children. In 2018, the couple celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary. Besides his work in movies and politics, he also does public relations work for the telecommunications company Globacom.
Selected Film and TV Work
Elliot has a very long list of movies he has acted in or directed. Here are some of his well-known projects.
Films
- Missing Angel (2004)
- Behind Closed Doors (2005)
- Yahoo Millionaire (2007)
- Guilty Pleasures (2008)
- Bursting Out (2010)
- I'll Take My Chances (2011)
- 30 Days in Atlanta (2014)
- Falling (2015)
- Love Castle (2021)
- Teni's Big Day (directed) (2023)
- Unknown Soja (2024)
Television Shows
- Everyday People
- One Too Much
- Saints and Sinners
- Super Story
See also
In Spanish: Desmond Elliot para niños
- List of Yoruba people
