Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, is a veteran Nigerian actress, movie producer, and director. Born on October 16, 1942, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, she has been a prominent figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry for several decades. Iya Rainbow’s acting career began in the 1960s, and she has since featured in numerous Yoruba and English-language films. Her stage name, “Iya Rainbow,” was derived from the theatre group of the late Nigerian dramatist, Hubert Ogunde, where she worked closely with her late husband, Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips.
Iya Rainbow Bio/Biography/Wiki
Iya Rainbow, whose real name is Idowu Philips, was born on October 16, 1942, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. She attended African Methodist School and Anglican Modern School for her primary and secondary education. Before venturing into acting, Iya Rainbow worked as a certified nurse in various hospitals across Nigeria for about 20 years. Her passion for acting led her to join the Hubert Ogunde Theatre Group, where she honed her skills and adopted the stage name “Iya Rainbow.” She later transitioned into full-time acting after the death of her husband in 1984.
Personal Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Idowu Philips |
| Nick Name | Iya Rainbow |
| Date of Birth | October 16, 1942 |
| Age as of 2024 | 82 years old |
| Height | Will added soon |
| Birth Place | Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Ethnicity | Yoruba |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Hometown | Ijebu Ode, Ogun State |
| Parents’ Names | Will added soon |
| Father Name | Will added soon |
| Mother Name | Will added soon |
| Sister/Brother | Will added soon |
Early Life and Background
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Details about childhood and upbringing | Iya Rainbow was born and raised in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. She received her primary and secondary education at African Methodist School and Anglican Modern School. |
| Family history | Her father, Prophet Jacob Adebanjo Ifemade, was a well-known prophet, while her mother was Mrs. Ifemade. Not much is known about her siblings. |
| Early interests/passions | Iya Rainbow had a passion for acting from a young age and often participated in theatre productions while working as a nurse. |
Career Beginnings
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Early career | Iya Rainbow began her acting career in the 1960s with the Hubert Ogunde Theatre Group, where she worked closely with her late husband, Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips. |
| Transition to full-time acting | After the death of her husband in 1984, Iya Rainbow quit her nursing job and ventured into full-time acting at the age of 42. |
| Notable early roles | Some of her early notable roles include appearances in Yoruba language films during the 1990s. |
Notable Works/Achievements
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Prominent roles/projects | Iya Rainbow has featured in numerous Yoruba and English language films, including “Apaadi,” “Aje metta,” “Aso Ibora,” “Aye Akamora,” “Omi Ipin,” and “Ogo Mushin.” |
| Awards/accolades | She has received several awards for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, including the City People Movie Special Recognition Award and the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Yoruba Language Film. |
| Contributions to the industry | Iya Rainbow is considered one of the most influential figures in the Yoruba movie industry, having mentored and inspired many younger actors and actresses. |
Personal Life
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Affairs (Boyfriend/Girlfriend) | N/A |
| Husband/Spouse | Late Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips (died in 1984) |
| Children | 5 children, including Femi Phillips and Sola Philips, who are also in the entertainment industry |
| Hobbies/interests outside their career | Will added soon |
| Religion | Christianity (Cherubim and Seraphim Church) |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around $500,000 |
| Controversies | No major controversies known |
FAQs
What is Iya Rainbow’s real name?
Iya Rainbow’s real name is Idowu Philips. She adopted the stage name “Iya Rainbow” while working with the Hubert Ogunde Theatre Group.
How old is Iya Rainbow?
As of 2024, Iya Rainbow is 82 years old. She was born on October 16, 1942.
Where is Iya Rainbow from?
Iya Rainbow is from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. She was born and raised there.
What was Iya Rainbow’s profession before acting?
Before venturing into full-time acting, Iya Rainbow worked as a certified nurse in various hospitals across Nigeria for about 20 years.
When did Iya Rainbow start her acting career?
Iya Rainbow began her acting career in the 1960s with the Hubert Ogunde Theatre Group, where she worked closely with her late husband, Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips.
Who was Iya Rainbow’s husband?
Iya Rainbow’s husband was Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips, who worked closely with the late Nigerian dramatist, Hubert Ogunde. He passed away in 1984.
Does Iya Rainbow have children?
Yes, Iya Rainbow has five children, including Femi Phillips and Sola Philips, who are also in the entertainment industry.
What are some of Iya Rainbow’s notable works?
Iya Rainbow has featured in numerous Yoruba and English language films, including “Apaadi,” “Aje metta,” “Aso Ibora,” “Aye Akamora,” “Omi Ipin,” and “Ogo Mushin.”
Has Iya Rainbow won any awards?
Yes, Iya Rainbow has received several awards for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, including the City People Movie Special Recognition Award and the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Yoruba Language Film.
What is Iya Rainbow’s estimated net worth?
Iya Rainbow’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, primarily earned through her successful career in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
