Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson, speaks with Abuja Bloggers on her marriage and acting career
Any conversation that Nollywood star
Mercy Johnson will have with you nowadays can hardly be complete without
her making intermittent reference to her husband of three years,
Odianosen Okogie. Mention his name and her face instantly lights up.
Besides her exploits in Nollywood, she professes finding fulfilment in
her marriage even though the road to the union was fraught with
obstacles that made news.
At a time many celebrity marriages are
collapsing, the Kogi-State born thespian is eager to share what she
describes as her winning formula.
She says, “It is simply commitment,
having a great husband and being submissive as a woman. And I must add
knowing how to deal with your differences with love. Motherhood is just
the best thing to have happened to me and in no way would I say it has
slowed me or my career down.
“I thank God I am a mother because it
has given me the opportunity to understand what being a mother is all
about and I am extremely glad about that. Motherhood and acting are
different responsibilities which I learn to manage well, thanks to God
and my husband.”
Before now, Johnson’s figure was the
talk of the town and envy of many. She was known for provocative and
revealing outfits, with her robust breasts especially threatening to
jump out of dresses. In this manner, her photographs were generously
displayed on posters and jackets of movies in which she starred. But all
that appears to be in the past because she is “now a new creature.”
“Marriage is influencing my dress sense
in a more positive way. As I always say my husband is my greatest critic
but when it comes to my profession, he understands and has made me grow
better than I used to. Sometimes when I look back and see the dresses I
wore I laugh real hard and thank God for a blessed and understanding
friend, manager and hubby.”
Quite unlike some of her fellow actors,
including Genevieve Nnaji and Rita Dominic, who had to play several
minor roles before getting their big Mercy’s first attempt in The Maid shot her into limelight. That was in 2004. Since then, she has been having a great time starring in many films.
Ironically, however, she has yet to
clinch any ‘juicy’ ambassadorial or endorsement deals, which the likes
of Genevieve currently enjoy. She says this does not bother her, though.
“First of all I always remain grateful
that I am appreciated and recommended by showbiz personalities and
Nigerians. That for me is the biggest endorsement. The other one will
come. Keep your fingers crossed. I am humbled, grateful and uplifted and
full of gratitude to everyone who ‘Googled’ Mercy Johnson at all
times.”
On an endorsement deal she was rumoured
to be discussing with the Bank of Industry, she says, “They (BOI) wanted
a meeting on a collaborative effort. We honoured the meeting and that
was all.”
For now, all that matters to Mercy is
how best to expand the activities of her NGO, The Mercy Johnson
Foundation for Children and Widows.
She says, “We have been in existence for
years but you hardly hear much about it because I chose to make it that
way. It does not call for so much noise because it’s another part of my
life I do not joke with. Maybe soon, depending on plans, a lot will be
heard about the foundation.”
Having starred in over 100 movies, one
would expect Mercy to consider shooting her first feature film. In
defence, the dark-skinned star says, “Firstly, there is time for
everything. Sit, relax and watch me as an executive producer soon.”
Asked to confirm if she was indeed the
highest paid Nollywood actress, she simply responded saying, “No comment
o, before someone misquotes what I said. I am what I am by the grace of
God.”
On another rumour that she is having some spat with some of her colleagues, she notes that she has no problem with anyone.
“I am not fighting with anybody. Last
time it was rumoured that Chike Ike and I had issues while we were on
set together. We had to take to Twitter to deny it. Tomorrow it will be
another person. I am a peaceful person and I believe most of the people
in Nollywood are also peaceful.”
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