''I Am Not An Accomplished Actress'' - Oge Okoye talks About Family And Career
Oge Okoye became well-known after
she featured in the film titled Sister Mary. Her popularity grew as she
continued to put up stellar performances in subsequent movies she took
part in. She is successful woman, proud mother of two children and
talented actress. She has staged a comeback in latest interview where
she spoke at length on her life as a mother and an actress. Oge Okoye
opens up on a range of issues in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.
What was the experience like on the set of the movie Turning Point?
It was a mind blowing and bonding
experience for me. I had an amazing time working with all the
international stars and my other humble colleagues. We were all like a
family on set. Even the director was so soft spoken, cooperative and
accommodating. I learnt a lot from his mode of directing which I will
put into practice in the near future. I wish such projects will continue
to come my way.
What made you accept the role?
The script was an amazing one and
the fact that my character was a controversial one in the movie made me
accept the role. And with such a wonderful cast and a whooping sum
(smiles) who won’t accept the role?
Was it a challenging experience trying to fit into your role?
All the characters I’ve been able
to bring to life have all been challenging and likewise my role in the
movie Turning Point. My role in the movie was a hectic one; I took up
the role of a ‘ghetto fabulous’ lady that lives in the US after
relocating from Nigeria in search of greener pastures. The character
entangles herself in all sorts of deals and businesses not minding whose
toes she steps on to make a living. All she cares about is to put food
on her table either by hook or crook. The character was of course
challenging and I look forward to such roles in the future.
Was it hectic moving from Africa to America trying to shoot scenes of the movie?
It wasn’t hectic at all moving
around but certainly it was hectic arriving and being rushed off to set
that same minute from the airport. Not having a shower or a bite or even
time to do a run down through the script to shoot a scene. Gosh! I felt
like screaming but it’s all part of the job and we are used to all the
numerous challenges that come with it.
What do you think is the significance of the movie?
I took home a lot from the movie;
I learnt that humility goes a longer way than pride. I learnt never to
underestimate the power of a woman, never to involve a third party when
you are having issues in your marriage and the consequences of greed. I
also learnt that life in its fullness is like a clock that rotates, so
in our best interest, one should always live a straight forward life to
avoid complications. One also has to be nice to people you meet on your
way up because you never can tell who you’ll meet on your way down.
Do you consider yourself as an accomplished actress?
Do I consider myself as an
accomplished actress? I would say I am happy and I thank God that I
accomplished my dream of becoming an actress and improving in my skills,
but seeing myself an accomplished actress? Not yet, because there’s
still a lot undone that must be done by God’s grace. Only then will I be
able to consider myself as an accomplished actress.
Do you think you are one of the most misunderstood actresses on the scene?
I am kind of misunderstood at
times but that notwithstanding, in life one is misunderstood to be
understood. Sometimes somethings are meant to be that way. I won’t be
the first nor will I be the last.
Do you every now and then watch movies that you have featured in?
I do that all the time. I watch my movies and it’s mostly on weekends. I am also a critic of my movies too.
What is it like being a mother?
No doubt being a mother is no
child’s play but it takes patience, love and care and most especially in
the midst of all, being a mother gives one an unexplainable joy inside
of you.
How close are you to your kids?
I am very close to my kids. I am their mother and it is expected that I am close to them at least.
How tasking is it being a mother, an actress and a wife?
It is tasking I must confess but
at the same time it is a fulfilling and satisfying feeling when
everything is being put in its place. I put my 100% attention to my
family and my career. It’s pretty difficult at some point but I have
been able to put all in line and fill up the margin by striking up a
balance in my home and place of work. I don’t want either part to
suffer. It all has to do with planning.
Would you allow any of your kids to venture into acting?
Well, that depends on the child;
if that’s what he or she wants. I would support and give useful advise
where needed to any of my kids that want to venture into acting. Acting
is a noble profession.
What have you been working on in recent times?
I have been spending time
visiting the less-privileged homes and schools where I try to meet up
with their needs in my own little way. Holding seminars on the
importance of education but I won’t forget to mention that I have just
set up my non-governmental organisation which is known as Positive Life
for Children Foundation (PLCF). The foundation is built on the growth
and hope of children. It is aimed at stimulating and encouraging their
mental activity. It is about placing priority on the issue of brilliant
but less-privileged children and children with special needs anywhere in
Africa.
How many movies have you been part of in recent times?
I have really and truly lost
count of that. I have featured in scores of movies and I can’t start
mentioning them one at a time. If you consider the year I started acting
you will sum up that I have featured in a lot of movies but I can’t
count how many movies I have featured in, even in recent times.
Is the movie Sister Mary one of the most memorable films you have been part of?
You bring back fond memories with
that question. Yes, Sister Mary is one of the most memorable films I’ve
been part of because it’s my first lead role in the industry from the
stables of Great Movies Production. The feeling was overwhelming; that
was where it all started for me and I am really grateful for having such
an opportunity.
How did you feel when you got the role?
I was so excited that I got the
role eventually and at the same time so uneasy out of tension. It was my
first time and I wanted to make a lasting impression. I did in the end
and the rest as they say is history.
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