For fast rising Nollywood diva, Ruth Eze, her mother, Theresa is her all – her best friend, mentor and her pride. According to the Imo State-born talented actress cum scriptwriter, her mum did not initially sanction her entrance into Nollywood until she later assured her that she would not disappoint their family.
But now, Ruth says her businesswoman-turned nurse mother has become her number one fan and morale booster. Having written and also starred in over a dozen hit movies in just four years, including Girls Crip, Desperate Hawkers and Pregnant Hawkers, and Emotional Mistake among others, she says her best is yet to come.
In this chat with The Entertainer, Ruth, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), talks about her experiences in Nollywood, the alleged snubbing of up-comers by the stars, her ideal man, as well as her entertainment outfit, Kaxmok among others. Excerpts:
Did you grow up in Ghana or Lagos?
No. I grew up in Kwara State.
Why Kwara State?
Okay. The thing is that my great-grand mother hailed from Owusi in Kwara State.
But where were you born?
I was born in Lagos, Surulere to be precise. But I was later taken to Accra town in Ghana from where I went to Kwara and finally back to Lagos.
How did you break into Nollywood?
It was through our neighbour, one Moses Armstrong. He used to tell me that I would do well in acting and was always encouraging me to attend audition sessions. But I was reluctant until he invited me for a certain audition session. So, I tried it out and it paid off, just like that.
First time you tried audition session, you did well and was taken?
Yes, but it was a small role. So, I would say that it was Moses Armstrong that brought me into Nollywood.
What was the title of the movie?
I can’t really remember now. But I think it was Emotional Mistake. Stephanie Okereke was also on that set.
When you met the likes of Stephanie Okereke and other stars on set, did you feel intimidated, camera shy or a kind of?
Yeah, it happened to everybody at some point. Nobody became a star overnight but through hard work and consistency. And because my mother imbibed utmost humility in me, I accorded everyone on set their respect not minding whether it was Stephanie or a lesser individual. So, I’m humble to the core but bold. Naturally, I hardly feel intimidated or inferior to another person’s profile bearing in mind that at some point, such person must have been somehow naive, a novice or a fresher. But I must confess that seeing her (Stephanie) was a kind of wao! – a big one for me at that time. And she was nice to everyone on set.
How old are you in Nollywood?
I’m about four years old now.
Could it be said that Nollywood has made you?
I’m still climbing but I’m grateful to God. I can only say that it is worth the while. But I’m still climbing the ladder.
Could you share your first date experience with your fans?
(Laughs) No now. Ah ah!
It’s just for the records. Everyone has his or her own experience, you know?
Okay, then, share yours with us first.
I will, if you care. But, what was it like?
I’ve always been very lucky with men, I must confess. So, I’ll say that it was actually my first boyfriend that encouraged me to get serious with acting. He even scouted, on my behalf, for a certain Benin movie that I shot while at Uniben.
Since that relationship was quite rewarding and the guy was supportive too, why didn’t it lead to the altar?
It’s not every relationship that leads to the altar now. But truth is that he travelled out, at some point. And he is still there.
And you couldn’t wait for him?
I’m not married, now! Probably I’m still waiting for him.
Since Nollywood is all about make-belief, do you think there is anything wrong in baring it all?
A whole lot of things are wrong about it. You know that many of our tomorrow’s leaders see movie stars as role models, especially those under-aged ones. And if they get to watch offensive movies, they may just copy whatever they see there without knowing the implications. That’s the danger.
Ruth doesn’t like fair guys, but assuming you are paired with say, Majid Michel, as either couple or lovers where you are expected to kiss him like you did in your soon-to-be-released movie, would you back out?
I didn’t say I hate them. I only said I can’t settle down with them by way of marriage. Majid is a successful married man. He is a fantastic actor and I can freely work with him or any other fair guy any day, in the make-belief business. I’ll even be on set with him soon. So, that I said I can’t marry or date fair guys doesn’t mean I hate them. To surprise you a little, I’m even expected to kiss Majid in the movie because I already have the script. And since I’m a good kiss, trust me I’ll so kiss him like never before.
If I were your boyfriend or fiancé and you were to expect a Valentine’s gift from me, what would it be?
It would be a Range Rover Sport because I’m not greedy (laughs).
What do you consider as your Unique Selling Point?
It should be my b000bs. Some say it’s my eyes but I don’t see anything spectacular in my eyes. All I know is that my boobs are well endowed.
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