Nigerian veteran actor and filmmaker Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, has made a special appearance in Netflix’s highly anticipated revival of the classic American television series A Different World.
The 10-episode revival premiered on Netflix on September 24, introducing a new generation of students at Hillman College, the fictional historically Black university made famous by the original series.
RMD appears in one of the episodes as a character named Chukwu, marking another notable international screen credit for the veteran Nigerian actor.
His appearance comes alongside several familiar faces from the original A Different World, including Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison and Cree Summer.
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RMD joins new generation of Hillman students
The Netflix revival brings together returning stars from the original series with a younger cast tasked with carrying the Hillman College story into a new era.
Maleah Joi Moon leads the new generation as Deborah Wayne, the daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, originally played by Hardison and Guy.
Other members of the new cast include Alijah Kai, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece and Chibuikem Uche.
The storyline follows Deborah and her friends as they navigate college life, relationships, family expectations and the challenges that come with growing into adulthood.
The return to Hillman College comes almost four decades after viewers were first introduced to the fictional institution.
A Different World returns to Netflix
The original A Different World premiered on NBC in 1987 and ran for six seasons before ending in 1993.
The sitcom, which was developed as a spin-off of The Cosby Show, became known for its focus on Black college life, friendships, relationships and social issues.
The revival gives the franchise an opportunity to introduce Hillman College to a new generation while maintaining connections to its original characters.
Felicia Pride serves as the creator, showrunner, writer and executive producer of the new series.
Debbie Allen, who was closely associated with the original show and played Dr. Langhorne, is also an executive producer and directed the premiere episode.
Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood are among the other executive producers attached to the project.
RMD expands international screen presence
For RMD, the A Different World appearance adds to an already impressive list of international projects.
The Nigerian actor is also part of the cast of Children of Blood and Bone, the upcoming fantasy film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel.
The film is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and features an international cast that includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Amandla Stenberg and Damson Idris.
RMD is among the Nigerian actors involved in the highly anticipated production.
Children of Blood and Bone is currently scheduled for release on January 15, 2027, further extending RMD’s international film portfolio.
Veteran actor continues to make his mark
RMD has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognisable actors and filmmakers after several decades in the entertainment industry.
His career has stretched across acting, writing and film production, with work spanning television, cinema and stage-related projects.
He also stars in Revelations, a 2025 production featuring Nigerian actors Chioma Akpotha and Alex Boye.
Beyond acting, RMD is credited as an executive producer and story writer on the production.
His growing involvement in international projects demonstrates the expanding opportunities for established Nigerian performers to appear in productions targeted at global audiences.
A major moment for Nigerian entertainment
RMD’s appearance in A Different World is also notable because of the cultural connection between Nigerian entertainment and a series built around the experiences of students at a historically Black college.
The actor’s role as Chukwu gives Nigerian representation another presence within the revived Hillman College universe.
While details surrounding his character remain limited, his appearance adds another international credit to a career that has already made him a major figure in Nollywood.
As Netflix introduces the new generation of Hillman students, RMD’s appearance provides Nigerian audiences with an additional reason to pay attention to the revival.
The veteran actor’s continued movement between Nollywood and international productions also reflects the increasingly global reach of African talent.
With A Different World now back on screen and Children of Blood and Bone scheduled for 2027, RMD continues to build on a career that has successfully crossed both Nigerian and international entertainment markets.
- Netflix — Watch A Different World — official series page with the 10-episode season and cast.
