Star actress, Queen Nwokoye needs little introduction in the movie industry. The seasoned actress is one of the best breeds in the make believe world. Gentle natured and humble to the core, the award winning movie star is among the few celebrated acts who were no airs but boast of a teeming number of fans all over the nation, on account of her dexterity in acting. She is one talented actress whose acting prowess appeals to many, especially her signature comic roles in movies. The Anambra State born actress who loves to keep her family life private won the coveted Face of Nollywood Award, at the 2016 City People Entertainment Awards. In an interview with Head of Movie Desk, VIVIAN ONUORAH, she reveals how she started acting over a decade ago among other interesting topics.
How did you get into acting?
I watched a movie and picked interest. That was after my NYSC. Then I came to Lagos, registered with AGN. I started going for auditions and that was it. Till I landed my first major role.
What was the inspiration?
I was just fascinated by it at the time. Seeing people bringing characters alive. I was very good at literature in school so I figured I could do it.
How long have you been acting?
This is my 12th year in the acting business.
How has the journey been so far?
So far so good. I am enjoying it. It’s something I have developed passion for.
What are some of the movies you have featured in?
Some of my movies are Rebecca the keke diver. The bleeding tree. Stubborn Beans. Ugomma the school girl. Speak the word.Aremu the principal.My reward. ADA MBANO, Ifunanya the American Nurse . Pretty Liars. The neighbours. Chetanna etc.
How did you get your first role in a movie?
After several auditions, my first major role came without me auditioning for it. They were looking for someone to play a Virgin. They have searched for days because they wanted someone with an innocent face. Andy Chukwu who was d director of the job saw me passing by and offered me the role bcos they said I looked like a Virgin. Lol.
Which movie would you say brought you. Recognition?
The movie that brought me to Lime light is Adambano. I played an illiterate girl who left MBANO to the city for the first time in her life. It was so funny and people just fell in love with my character.
What are the movie projects you worked on in the last one year?
How financially rewarding has acting been for you?
I have done a lot of Movie projects in the past one year. The most recent is the series called Professor Johnbull. It’s being sponsored by Glo and directed by Tchidi Chikere.
What are some of the challenges you have encountered as an actor?
The most challenge I encountered was being stereotyped. For a long time I was being stereotyped to playing just good girl roles. But thank God it’s a thing of the past now. They have r Why
Did you choose acting rather than any other profession?
What else do you do apart from acting?
I realised how versatile I am and that’s an achievement that I cherish so much.
What’s your educational background?
I went to Airforce nursery and primary school Enugu Independence layout primary school Enuugu.Transfer Ekulu primary school Enugu. Queens School Enugu. Then I read Sociology and anthropology,Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Anambra state.
What kind of role appeals to you most and which has been most challenging?
I love emotional characters because they are deep and I like comic characters too because you have to be really talented to make people laugh without looking stupid. My most challenging is Adambano because I had to speak a language that I didn’t know. It was really hard trying to learn a language on set and speak it like it’s mine. The second is BABYS SISTER. I played a prostitute who later found true love.
What was growing up like for you?
Growing up was fun. My parents were too strict but I had three sisters to play with. It was just the normal civil servant family growing up in Enugu.
What do you love most about yourself?
What I love most about myself is the fact that I am strong willed,confident,contented, disciplined and very passionate.
What do you enjoy most about being an entertainer?
I love being an entertainer because naturally I am a very quiet person. Being an entertainer allows me to be anything I want to be. It’s like having an alter ego. Also it feels good putting smiles on people’s faces.
What has been your most embarrassing moment as an actor?
The most embarrassing for me is when people see me and their first reaction is*you look finer in real life*
What are some of the nominations and awards you have won?
I have won Best actress I am lead role (Indigenous) ZAFFA . Best actress in a lead role (indigenous) BEST OF NOLLYWOOD AWARD. Best actress in a SUPPORTING ROLE CITY PEOPLE ENTERTAINMENT AWARD. I have had a lot of nominations. Best Actress in a lead role Nollywood Movies award, BON awards, City people entertainment award and AMAA awards to mention a few.
How do you feel winning the City People Entertainment Award’s Face of Nollywood?
This nomination came as a surprise to me. I feel so happy and honoured. I want to thank the organisers for this prestigious award. Thank you and God bless you.
