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Tag: Actress

  • Actress Jemima breaks down over movie role rejection

    Actress Jemima breaks down over movie role rejection

    Actress Jemima Adelekan has broken down in tears after being discriminated against by a movie director over her facial scar.

    The upcoming actress, via the micro-blogging platform X, shared a WhatsApp screenshot of the message she received from a casting director, who stated that she wasn’t fit to be cast for a role she auditioned for because of her scar.

    In the chat, the casting director admitted that though she passed the character and nailed the role, they wouldn’t be giving her the role because the character doesn’t have a scar.

    He expressed heartbreak that the movie star had a scar as he stated that she would have been the perfect pick for the role.

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    “Hi Jemima, good morning. In response to your audition, we would have really loved to bring you as you passed the character and nailed the role I must say but I’m sorry the character doesn’t have a scar and hence we can’t put you on. I really wish your scar wasn’t there, you would have been our perfect pick. Do have a great day, Best wishes,” the text reads.

    In her caption, Jemima described the rejection as one of the many humiliations she has gone through.

    She said she was tired of pleading with casting directors to avoid saying hurtful things to her.

    “I’m tired of being strong and I’m just begging please if you don’t have nice words to say to me, let me be, especially to casting directors, I’m trying, I’m really trying, you guys don’t know what I’ve been through and it’s only fair if you are nice with your comments, it’s okay if you don’t wanna call me back.

    “I totally understand if I go for auditions and I do not get a call back, it doesn’t mean I am not good enough, that’s what I tell myself, it just means that they don’t see me in the role and that’s okay but scar shaming me, it’s not fair. Please I’m begging, it’s only worse”.

    She added: “Before my scar, I’m human! A human being that has blood running in her veins. This is not a pity post, I am Just tired of being a strong girl! 29 years of my life I have done that! Not anymore please”.

  • How Toyin Abraham, Bimbo Ademoye touched my heart – Actress Seilat

    How Toyin Abraham, Bimbo Ademoye touched my heart – Actress Seilat

    Nollywood actress, Adeyemo Adebola Seilat popularly known as Seiilat has ceased to continue dragging a hair vendor over delivery of a wrong hair.

    The Yoruba actress had earlier taken to her Instagram page to call out a hair vendor for delivering her fake hair and the two had a back-and-forth exchange over it.

    Nollywood actress Adeyemo Adebola Seilat, also known as Seiilat, has decided to end her dispute with a hair vendor regarding the delivery of incorrect hair.

    The Yoruba actress had publicly called out the vendor on her Instagram page for delivering counterfeit hair, leading to a heated exchange between them.

    In a development regarding the conflict, she shared how Toyin Abraham and Bimbo Ademoye acted as peacemakers, serving as intermediaries between the parties involved and prompting her change of heart.

    She explained that they privately reached out to her, reminding her of her identity and the impact she has on others, even those not close to her.

    Seiilat also revealed that Toyin sent her financial support, while she showered prayers on Kolawole Ajeyemi’s wife.

    She added that she had forgiven the hair vendor, who had apologised to her privately and had promised to fix the hair.

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    The mother of one further emphasized that she has moved on from the issue and hopes for excellent service from the brand in the future.

    She also said that she had forgiven the hair vendor, who apologized to her privately and assured her of rectifying the situation with the hair.

    She wrote: “@toyin_abraham called to remind me of who I am, just as @bimboademoye sent me a DM to remind me of who I am (people see you even if they are not so close to you). Aunty Toyin sent me money. Thank you ma! I sincerely appreciate ma. May your pocket never run dry ma.

    “@hairhaven_luxury apologized to me and still apologizing. She has promised to fix the hair also. I am letting it go and hoping going forward, their services will be excellent. I have taken down the post as Aunty Toyin and Bimbo requested.

    “Thank you to everyone who reached out to me and those to commented in support of my course. God bless you all”.

  • I won’t accept any nude role in movies – Actress Olufunmilayo Olatunji

    I won’t accept any nude role in movies – Actress Olufunmilayo Olatunji

    UK-based actress Olufunmilayo Olatunji aka Elleaboki has stated that she will not accept a movie role that will require her exposing her body.

    The actress stated that she is a role model to many younger people and does not want to mislead or misguide them.

    The actress also stated that she respects her religion and has dignity so any sexually explicit scenes are out of the question for her.

    Elleaboki said: “Nudity and sexually-related themes can make me turn down an acting role. I am a role model to many. I have my dignity, and I respect my religion so much.”

    Despite seeing herself as a role model, Olatunji said she she has no role model in the movie industry but admires Kate Henshaw’s lifestyle.

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    She said: “To say I have a role model in the industry is a big lie, because I only look up to God, and not any human being. However, there is one person I admire a lot in the industry, and that is Kate Henshaw. I love her carriage and the way she’s aging gracefully.”

    On how she manages her career from her London base, Elleaboki said: “Anyone who would love to feature me in their projects would have notified me in advance, and I would confirm the date, before booking my flight ticket to come to Nigeria.”

    The stellar actress also recalled her journey into the industry, saying: “I came to the industry in 2004 through Atinuke Ogungbe, one of the top make-up artists in Abeokuta, Ogun State. I was with her for over a year till I later decided to join ace actor, Segun Ogungbe’s production. That was the beginning of my career in the movie industry”.

  • How I survived my depression, says actress

    With the message ongoing that people should seek help if in depression, Nollywood actress Maureen Okpoko whose marriage recently packed-up has revealed in a chat with The Nation revealed that the break-up came sudden and nearly ruined her career.

    “I am just grateful to my family for standing by me; they helped me pulled through the whole journey,” she said.

    “It was not an easy task, but they kept encouraging and never let me alone, till I was able to pick-up the pieces of my life back.

    “It could have been terrible; who knows could have been a lunatic roaming the streets. Prayers and counselling also helped me a whole lot. I remain eternally grateful to God”.

    On reconciliation with her ex-hubby, she closed a possibility.

    “No too much water has passed under d bridge.”

    Nominated for Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 2016, Okpoko is a native of Anambra State and of Nigerian and Jamaican descent.

  • Actress celebrates birthday with giveaway

    Cross-over actress Toyin Adewale, who added a year on June 11, 2018, celebrated the day with a quest for her fans; followed by a giveaway after the best two have been selected.

    The actress who started the day with uploading of new photos, stating that June born are special and talented requested, that her followers born in the same month should upload a video and birthday mate make a one minute video telling her which of the many characters she had played in movies, and the one each liked the most and why.

    She also hinted that the video should be made interesting as this will determine the two lucky winners of the quest.

    “It’s still June and I’m taking this very seriously or should I say very personal. Because you were born in June you already passed stage 1, (apologies to people born on other months). Now the only qualification to get to stage 2 will be being my birthday mate.

    “Now, jokes apart all June 11 babies please do a 1 minute video telling me which of the many characters I have played in movies, you like the most and why. Remember June babies are talented babies if you were born on my day. You are super talented so make it interesting. I have a little token for the top 2 videos. It’s all to celebrate ourselves.

    The actress who is married to a colleague in the industry, studied Dramatic Arts at Rimax Institute in Lagos, before attending Lagos State Polytechnic, where she read Business Administration.

  • Actress boosts her self-esteem in public statement

    Actress boosts her self-esteem in public statement

    After struggling with some personal issues, Nollywood actress Gloria Mba, has said she is never giving up on herself again irrespective of what life throws at her.

    The single mother of one, who recently returned to the screen after a while, shared her struggle in a statement which she posted on her Facebook page.

    She wrote: “Dear self, I have watched you suffer for many years. You have worked hard. You have carried an enormous weight of responsibility…for relationships, finances, family, home and career. You have strived to do the best you could, always looking for ways to improve and please.

    You have said “yes” when you should have said “no”. You have taken care of others when you should have taken care of yourself. You have wanted to look good and be good and do good. But when the burden became too much, fatigue-emotional, and physical has brought you to your knees.

    She continued, “You have felt alone and hopeless, wondering what happened to the fairy tale life of your dreams. And then you have forced yourself to get up and do it over again. And at some point you have simply given up. You have endured much. I have felt the pain of your broken heart. I have known your terror from being abandoned, neglected, and abused-especially by yourself.

    The other part of the letter also talked about reasoning with self-esteem and promising not to let anything make her feel worthless again. “I am so sorry for your suffering. The immediate pleasure and comfort of food has insulated you from it, but the effects are fleeting. In the wake of overeating, the quilt, shame, regret, and weight insidiously disintegrate your self-esteem and your experience of life.

    “Dear self, please forgive me for what you have been or done and for what you have not done. Please believe how precious and wonderful you are. Others see it even if you don’t. You are a gift to the world, and your withholding the gift by hiding behind the insulation is selfish!

    The actress, while concluding the piece promised to see the reason to boost her self-esteem, making use of it diligently, and to love herself more.

  • Colleagues mourn actress Nkiruka Ugo

    Colleagues mourn actress Nkiruka Ugo

    Nollywood actress Nora Nkiruka Ugo who died at the weekend has been described by a close associate, Kabat Esosa, as “a calm, quiet girl who did her best for her craft.”

    Esosa who is obviously heartbroken by the actress’ demise recalled: “She was an actor on my set of “HUSBANDS OF LAGOS” and a friend of over a decade.”

    Esosa who broke the news on a social media forum made up of top film industry stakeholders said the late actress had battled an unknown ailment for a while.

    This was just as fellow actress Ruth Kadri recalled that the Ugo was an amiable personality.

    According to Kadri who poured out her thoughts on Instagram: “…You were that girl that made my life change. You were that girl that made me laugh a lot you where that girl that I got so mad at. You where that girl that was friend to all.”

    Although Nkiruka had been ill, Kadri said she had remained strong towards her last moments.

    “I spoke to you last week. You were the strongest sick person I know. I’m hurt by your death. My head still aches. Wish death was a thing that could be undone.” Kadri said.

    Apart from featuring in Esosa’s films, the deceased was also a regular face in the television series produced by Emeka Osai, she had featured in Chris Ekejimbe-directed musical video entitled Heavy Weight Champion by Dr. Fresh, featuring 2Face. Nkiruka is seen in the video in a red top and camouflage mini skirt.

    “OMG! @ Kris…I sent her to you,” recalled another filmmaker, Madu Chikwendu. “I know she got married few years back…She could not have died of natural causes…She should be in her mid 30s,” he said.

    Corroborating his colleagues fond memories of Nkiruka, director Kingsley Omoefe said: “Ha! Ever reliable Nora! Easy going and very friendly. Rest in peace my friend and colleague.”

    The deceased last birthday was May 24, 2017 as recorded on her Facebook account. In a ‘Feeling thankful’ mood, she shared a sultry photo, saying “a very big thanks to God Almighty for making me add yet another year to my age. Many people started the race with me but got knocked off half way…but God Almighty made me see this wonderful special day in good health and peace. What more can l say than to ascribe all honour glory and adoration to his holy name. Through Christ our Lord…..Amen…Happy Birthday SupaDupaNora……”

    Three months later, Nkiruka who may have been hit by an ailment said on August 10, 2017: “Thinking of resurrecting dat SupaDupa Nora.”

    A source told The Nation that the actress may have died of blood clot and severe fibroid.

  • Nollywood actress’s car stolen

    Nollywood actress’s car stolen

    Coming at a wrong time of the year, Nollywood actress, Maureen Okpoko, on Sunday, lost her car.

    The actress said the Toyota Corolla, parked in front of the house in Surulere, Lagos, was stolen in the early hours of the day.

    The actress on her Facebook wrote, “What a sad beginning of the month of December; my car was stolen in the early hours of the 3rd of December, 2017.

    “Trying to think straight; the joy of the Lord is my strength.

    Speaking with The Nation, the actress disclosed that her spirit has been asking her to leave her present residence but said she could not achieve that, as she was duped in earlier in the year, while trying to get a new apartment.

    “I am very low in spirit,” she said.

    “My spirit has been speaking to me about this place. I would have moved out, but I was duped while looking for an apartment. The car was parked outside and nobody saw them as it was taken away.

    “But we have reported to the right authority”, she added.

    The actress has been getting consolatory messages from her friends and family.

    In 2016, she was nominated for Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

  • Nollywood actress, Amanda Ebeye launches hairline

    Nollywood actress, Amanda Ebeye launches hairline

    Nollywood actress, Amanda Ebeye has stormed the fashion world with her own range of human hair called Amanda Hair.

    According to the actress, the new hairline comes with its unique ability to cater for both young and old women.

    “They come in different lengths and sizes and are currently available online on our website. It is also available in Benin City, Lagos and in Canada. Nollywood stars, Mimi Ojiekwe, Regina Daniel and I are the faces of the brand,” she stated.

    Amanda has continued to dazzle her ever teeming fans with her dexterity on the screen. She has become a known face over the years with his roles in many movies, including the popular television series, Clinic Matters, Superstory, and several others.

    The beautiful mother of one is a graduate of International Studies and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University.

  • Esther-Whyte wins Nigeria’s Choice Upcoming Actress 2017

    Esther-Whyte wins Nigeria’s Choice Upcoming Actress 2017

    Popularly known as Esther-Whyte, Nigerian teen actress just turned producer, Esther Bassey Isemin, was recently honoured as Nigeria’s ‘Choice Upcoming Actress’ for the year 2017.

    Dressed in a Cinderella-look flair gown designed by Zaga Originz, Esther-Whyte clinched the award at the sixth edition of Nigeria’s Teen Choice Awards held at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

    The actress has participated in over 21 films since age 10.

    Esther-Whyte’s filmography spans from playing roles as a student in Half of Yellow Sun; commissioner’s daughter in Shan George’s ‘One Good Man’; orphan in ‘Behind the Melody’; Nsi in ‘Good People, Great Nation’ TV soap; Asandia in ‘Asandia’; idol celebrity in ‘Grey Shadows’ and others.

    Last year, Esther-Whyte at age 16, became the first teen producer in Nollywood with her movie, ‘Era of Errors,’ a project that proved so daunting for her that she was forced to quit acting for a year to work at a bookstore to be able to finance the project.

    Esther-Whyte won the award of Most Outstanding Teen in Cross River State 2016 by the organisers of Mr/Miss Teen Havilah South South, which was like a home coming to her state Cross River.