Nollywood actress, Florence Johnson, hugged the klieglights in 2011 with her daring and very challenging lead role in a flick entitled Finding Goodluck, produced by Shan George. The Kogi State-born actress, among other things, tells Adetutu Audu about the craziest thing a fan did to her.
IS it because you studied Theatre Arts that made you go fully into acting?
Acting started for me shortly after my graduation in the year 2011 through Henry Ejeta whom I met when I was still in school. He and some of his crew members had come to show a movie in my department (Theatre Arts). Along the line, they encountered problem with their power generating set and out of my kindhearted nature I allowed them make use of my generator because I lived outside campus. At the end, he gave me his contact and promised to help me in the movie world when I’m done with school and that was what he did by introducing me to Chico Ejiro who gave me my first role. After that, I started going for auditions and here I am today. On the other hand, back in school, I was involved in a lot of stage productions. I was involved in Kongi Harvest written by Prof. Wole Soyinka, where I played the wife of Oba Danlola. It was performed in Abeokuta and Abuja. I was also involved in Who’s Afraid of Solarin written by Prof. Femi Osofisan, and another one by Prof. Ola Rotimi. I did quite a lot of stage plays while still in school. In Nollywood, I have done a couple of great works some of which include Finding Goodluck, Misery, Lekki Wives, Street Singles, Living Hope, Tales of Eve, So Wrong So Wright, Eldorado, Tinsel, No Where To Be Found, among others. But I’m still relatively young in the industry.
Which of these movies gave you the big break?
I’m still waiting for a big break (Laughs). But I’d say it’s Finding Goodluck because it was my first major film and I got to play a lead role in it. It was a great feeling to play a lead role in my first major movie.
How did you secure the lead role in Finding Goodluck?
I gave my all in the audition. I’m sure you will understand what it means by flying down to Calabar for audition? I flew to Calabar for the audition and I had no choice than to give my all in order to secure the role and don’t come back empty handed to Lagos. I believed it was just God. The production manager recommended me to the producer and I was asked to come down to Calabar where the movie was shot. The fact is that the producer was looking for a black beautiful lady with all the endowments, a resemblance to Mercy Johnson.
What kind of endowments?
They were looking for an endowed sexy actress and I fit the picture.
Most men can hardly get their eyes off you; how do you cope considering the fact that lots of them would want to ‘get down’ with you?
I cope well with my male admirers. Men are always men. The truth is that, even if I’m not in the movie industry men would still flock after me because of my look let alone being a movie star. I cope by dealing with them in a very polite way so I won’t be seen as being rude. And of course some understand and are mature enough to respect me. It’s just the best way to handle them and God has been giving me the wisdom to deal with them because you can’t also do without them.
What is the craziest thing a male fan or admirer has done to you?
During the First Lady’s Advocacy For Women Empowerment at the Eko Hotel, a male fan/admirer suddenly held me from the back – like trying to hug me from the back – and his two hands were right on my boobs! I couldn’t see the face so I screamed and a security man held him off me. He wanted to prostrate in front of me saying he’s sorry that it was just an overexcitement. He said he’s my friend on facebook and watches me on Super Story, Finding Goodluck, and that he likes what he saw. I was really embarrassed and I was like ‘God, is this what I’m in for?’
But how does it feel being well-endowed?
I feel right, cool and damn sexy with it but I’m not rubbing it in people’s faces. I don’t have to expose it before you notice them because I have it enough and I’m not the only one to have that.
Why do think most marriages in Nollywood break up? And as a soon-to-get-married actress, what is your stance on divorce?
Marriages everywhere hardly last, not just in Nollywood. People talk about Nollywood alone because we are in the public but the truth is, divorce happens everywhere, everyday.
Have you ever been heartbroken?
Yes I’ve been heartbroken and it wasn’t an easy experience. But now I can boldly tell you that I’ve forgotten the experience because I’m totally happy now. The experience is now a past thing in my life so I don’t even want to remember it anymore.
What attracts you to a man?
I get attracted to men with sense of humour. Basically, you must be a very neat man before I look at you.
So is there the lucky man yet and how does he feel having such a pretty, busty and sexy lady like you?
Of course he feels great but you know it’s more than the physical appearance. I believe choosing a life partner, be it man or woman, should be more than physical appearance; it should revolve around character, level of tolerance and so on, not just the sexiness or handsomeness. So what I’m saying is that he feels great about me in person and not just about me being a sexy lady.
What is your life-guiding philosophy?
Live and let’s live! My belief is that there’s nothing in this world, so we should just try and make life comfortable for others. Treat people the way you would want them to treat you and your loved ones.
When was your most exciting moment?
I’m a happy woman. I’m always excited but I’m most excited when I’m facing the cameras. It gives me joy to be in front of the cameras.
You are very close to Desmond Elliot, what is the attraction?
Very close to Desmond? Well, I met him for the first time during the premiere of Finding Goodluck. Desmond is someone I admire a lot. He is one of the few actors that have maintained his home for years and has also remained free from scandal. He is very intelligent and also friendly. Since we met, we’ve been communicating; he is also like a brother to me and also interested in my career.
Are you saying there is nothing else attached?
There is nothing attached to it. He is just a friend and guide in my career. His wife is also my friend on BBM, so noting could have been happening between us.
If you were to date anybody in the industry, who could that be?
Hmmm! I think that would be John Dumelo from Ghana.
Why him?
I love dark, tall guys. He is very cute, trendy and has a great physique. He is also very talented and real with his work (laughs).
