Angel Samuel, a Nollywood starlet, has said that she has her father to thank for growing into the woman she has become, while resolving to make her mark in the Nigerian movie industry.
“(When I have) a flashback to my growing up years, I always smile and thank my dad for the woman I have grown into. He groomed me in the right ways, just like my mum would have done,” she said.
The up-and-coming movie star, however, explained that, although challenging for her, growing up was fun since she grew up with her father – a very strict and no-nonsense man. It is no surprise then that she has taken such spirit to the industry she has chosen, performing in over eight films already, including: Onuoma’s Tears, Bitter Revenge, Omosida, among many others still to be released.
“I am gifted and talented,” the Ibiono Ibom local council of Akwa Ibom State-born artiste said in an interview. “I am the second child to my dad and second to the last to my mum.”
The graduate of modern languages and international studies from the University of Calabar (UNICAL) said her foray into Nollywood feels good, as it is something she has always aspired to do.
“So, to me, it is an achievement and dream come true. I actually started acting about five years ago, but decided to go professional, if you will call it that, this year. And the reception has been good. As you can see, I am beautiful and I have a good voice that directors like; so the jobs keep coming. I am billed to act a lead (for the first time) in a movie that is going to be shot this Christmas period, so no holiday for me,” she said.
Unlike most parents, Mr. and Mrs. are favourably disposed to their daughter’s acting career.
“It is not a surprise to them because they are used to it. As a child, I have always told them I would like to become an actress and a fashion designer. I started dancing and acting when I was five. I performed in school, church, theatre group in cultural centre, even at NYSC camp. Then my dad would tell me that I should focus on my education first before taking acting as a profession, since it is what I want. I love acting; I mean, it gives me joy and I feel good about it. So they are happy for me that I am living my dreams,” she stated.
How far is she willing to go in Nollywood? “I want to get to the peak of my dream, become a star and entertain my fans and viewers like I have always dreamed off.”
