Lisa Henry Omorodion is one of Nollywood’s starlets who debuted in the industry last year with her first movie, “First Cut,” directed by Chico Ejiro and which starred the likes of Monalisa Chinda, Joseph Benjamin, and Bobby Obodo.
The feisty actress was one of the actresses that graced this year’s editon of the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) which held in Bayelsa, few months ago.
In this interview, she tells HVP that her mission in Nollywood is not to make money but importantly, to pursue her dream as an actress.
As an up and coming actress, how has the journey been so far?
It has been tough, but I’m trying to find my footing in the industry. I just started acting about ten months ago. Already, I have produced one film. For me, it’s a struggle, but I will surely get there.
You are only 10-month old in the industry, and already you were at this year’s AMAA.
I’m growing faster than anyone can imagine. I have passion for acting, and when you have passion for something, you are driven to do the unexpected. I have passed my boundaries as an up and coming actress. This is because I have done things that I thought I wasn’t capable of doing in the industry. At the moment, I have featured in two movies. I still have a lot of scripts lined up for me.
How did you perform the magic?
It has to do with my passion. I have always wanted to be an actress. So, I pushed my family into supporting me. I am a director in my father’s establishment. I have been combining office work with acting. The best thing that can happen to anyone is to be humble. When you are humble, your name will go to places. I’m humble and my humility is paving way for me in the industry.
With your affluent family background, what’s your mission in Nollywood?
Having come from a wealthy background has helped me in a way. I don’t have to source for fund before embarking on a film project. I am not in the industry because of what I’m going to make out of it. I can decide to star in a movie without demanding for a fee. I will tell the producer, I love to feature in your movie and you don’t have to pay me. I don’t see acting as a profession, rather, I’m seeing it as a hobby. I am a business director in my father’s oil firm, meaning that I am an office worker on week days, while I am an actress on weekends.
While growing up, did you ever imagine you would end up as an actress?
Yes, I did. Not everyone from my kind of family would think like this. My parents never wanted me to go into acting. But I have always know that one day when I prove my mettle to them, they would allow me to follow my dreams. They have this fear that fame which comes with acting always have negative influence on the movie stars. But when I grew up to become the woman that I am today, they realised the importance of allowing me to follow my dreams. And since I debuted in the industry, they have been supportive.
Most actresses sleep their way to the top. Do you have that kind of mindset to hit the top through that way?
I am totally against that kind of mindset. I don’t believe in exchanging sex for a movie role. I believe in my talent and if you want to engage my talent, then you have to come for it. I am a business woman, I don’t mix business with pleasure. I don’t intend to do so. I have a boy friend and I am happy with him.
Is your boyfriend comfortable with your going into Nollywood?
Yes, he’s comfortable in as much as I’m not going to go nude on set. I wouldn’t act nude or expose my body while on set. I intend to take up resopnsible roles. My boy friend is also in the entertainment industry.
Would you want to settle down with him, because most actresses don’t like to marry people in the same industry with them?
If I decide to marry in future, I will marry for love. If you love and cherish me for who I am, and we are compartable, I will marry the person. I will always go for love no matter the circumstances.
How do describe yourself?
I am a strong African woman. I am beautiful, intelligent and I’m a go-getter. I am determined to make the difference.
Are you a heart breaker?
Yes, I am. I break men’s heart, but it’s not intentional. It’s either you are lying about something or you are not truthful. Different factors could make me break your heart. And once I ‘ve gone, I never returned.
What has your beauty cost you?
So far, so good, my beauty hasn’t cost me anything. But it’s a normal thing for a beautiful girl to be harrassed on the way or admired by people. I don’t consider that as a price one has to pay for being beautiful.
Who are the actresses you look up to in the industry?
I look up to the likes of Omotola, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Monalisa Chinada and many others. They are my icons, I aspire to be like them. They have carried this industry to such greater heights. Vanguard
