Maryjane: Nothing Wrong In Acting Nude

Maryjane Okoye is a fast rising Nollywood actress. Barely two years in the industry, the pretty, sexy and elegant actres has featured in more films, playing major roles than many who were there 10 years before her. With charming shape, outspokenness, and impeccable roles interpretations, the Anambra State – born actress is certainly a star to watch  as she has continued to dazzle and tantalize Nollywood with plentiful skills and endowments. In this interview with EBERE NDUKWU, she talks about her passion for acting, dreams and lots of other interesting things.  Enjoy!

After a tough time we are having this interview at last, you must be a very busy person?
I’ve been shuttling from one movie location to another. Besides, apart from being an actress, I’m also a business woman. I sell designer shoes, male clothes, among other things. So basically, I’ve so many things always seeking my attention.
Share your expedition in Nollywood with us!
I started acting about two years ago. But before then, I had done some movies way back when I was in tertiary institution. Then my parents weren’t in support of me going into the movie industry. But immediately after graduation, I ventured proper into the industry to do what I’ve always loved doing. It was shortly after leaving school; I think that was around February 2011, when A to Z Movies called me for a movie job entitled Swagger Love. I had done a movie for him in the past and he knew I wasn’t serious about acting. He called me and encouraged me to give acting a chance. My girl-friend also encouraged me to go and take part in the movie. That was how I swung into action. Fortunately for me, immediately after that job, more movie roles started coming from different angles. And since then, I have been shuttling from one location to another. I think I have done up to 20 major movies since then.
Before properly venturing into the industry, how did you get into acting?
It all started when I followed a friend to a movie location. During the shooting, the director realised that one of the female casts was nowhere to be found. That was how I was asked if I could take up the role. I was approached to take the role but I told them I had not done anything of such before, but the producer said, take the script and just take your time to go through it. To my greatest surprise, it didn’t even take me up to an hour to make myself fit into that particular character. I was shy initially, but I ended up doing it well, and that was what sparked the interest and passion in me.

Tell us about movies you’ve done so far!
The Suspect, Swagger Love, Tears for Lisa, Sorrows of Lisa, The Blazers, Secret Act, Mr. Do Good, Married but Single, Coded Guy, among so many others. And within these two years, I’ve worked with almost all the best producers and actors in Nollywood.

What do you think earned you a role in Swagger Love?
Before then, I had done something with the producer in the year 2009. And I think he was impressed in that job. But basically, I would say it is all about the handwork of God because I wouldn’t say I’m the best. I also believe that the fact that I made him proud in the first time he had me on location made him wanted to work with me over and over again.
Your parents not being in support of your acting career, isn’t it a concern to you?
It was when I was still in school that they weren’t in support of it. When I did Swagger Love, and a couple of other movies, they watched it and began to realise that going into the movie industry wasn’t a bad idea. That was when they began to give me their consent, and since then, they have been supporting me. Besides, they felt I was no longer a kid, that I should know what is good for me.

Did you study Arts related course?
Ironically, I read Accountancy in the University of Nigeria, Enugu. The fact is that I have always had passion for acting.

Two years in the industry, what has been your most fascinating experience?
It has been fun all this while. Shuttling from one location to another, meeting different people, and most importantly, putting smiles on the faces of your fans, and Nigerians at large. The truth is that I have always loved the job, and it’s been excitingly great working with good directors, producers, actors, and actresses.

Can you share your most challenging moment since you started?
I’ve never had any major challenge since I started. Though shuttling from one location to another could be very challenging at times, but the fact that I’m enjoying what I’m doing makes the whole thing fun and memorable.
You are already everywhere barely two years in the industry; what has been your selling point?
Just as I said before, it is God- God and no one else.

As a pretty actress, how have you been coping with randy producers and directors?
I’ve never experience anything called sexual harassment, maybe because I wasn’t desperate when I came in. I think stories of sexual harassment come from people who are desperate to act. If you are desperate to act, your attitude towards the producers and directors would even show it, and that gives them the impetus to demand sex from you.

Who do you look up to in Nollywood?
I actually look up to Genevieve Nnaji. She is good at what she does. I love her way of acting; she doesn’t struggle to interpret roles. She is real.

Have you ever acted nude scenes?
No. I have not but I don’t see anything wrong with it-except our culture. So if you are asking me if I would accept such kind of roles, I would say it depends. Generally, I don’t see anything wrong in being real, going the extra mile to interpret a role. The fact that our culture abhors nudity in public makes all see acting nude as evil and a sin.
Are you working on any movie at the moment?
I’ve a movie coming up soon from the stable of Mega Movie Production, featuring the likes of Tonto Dike, Ini Edo, Funke Akindele, Chika Ike, and so many other known names in the industry. Movie buffs and Nigerians at large should be expecting this movie. It would soon be on movie shelves.

Some of your colleagues in the industry are gradually going into production; are you also thinking in that direction?
For now, the answer is no. I am good when it comes to acting and I think I just want to continue acting; I want to continue dazzling on the screen, making my fans happy. I have never thought of venturing into production.
How do you combine acting with other businesses you do?
Acting is not something you do round the clock. There would definitely be weeks one won’t be on location. So, I used that period to quickly rush to either Italy, or Paris to purchase my goods which ranges from designer clothes for men, shoes, wristwatches, and briefcases. In fact, I also work as a general contractor. And I think it’s all about time management. I manage my time well to the extent that none of what I do suffer lack of attention. I’m a very serious minded person, the reason I don’t have many friends.

You look very pretty,   how you cope with male admires!
It’s all about knowing what you want in life. If you have a boyfriend, you should know you don’t need another one in your life. It’s all about respecting yourself because there is no way you can date everybody that woos you. You can never date all, even if you like them all. I believe in one woman, one man affair. I don’t double date, so I respectfully tell anyone that comes I have a boyfriend.

Share your heartbreak experience with us
I’ve never been heartbroken. I’ve never allowed it to happen.

You appear rich and I wonder if you’ve ever been broke!
I’ve never been without food. By the special grace of God, I’ve always been ok. And that is why I’m always thanking God each time I wake up. You would know how better to thank God when you meet the less privilege who can hardly afford three square meals per day.

Would you say you have been successful?
Going by what I’ve achieved at my age, I think I’m a successful woman.
How soon would you be walking down the aisle?
As soon as God wants it!
Are you in any relationship at the moment?
(Laughs). Of course, you should know I should be in a relationship.

What attracts you to a man?
Generally, I like men that respect women. I like hardworking, intelligent, and men who are interesting to be with. The physical look also counts-not necessarily handsome, but good looking.

Successful too?
Yea!
What then is your definition of success?
I see success as when whatever you are doing is going on well for you. No matter what you are doing in life, once you are able to distinguish yourself in that area, that is success-that is being successful.

Marriages are breaking up every day and very soon you would be walking down the aisle; what would you do to ensure you have a successful and lasting marriage?
Everything is in God’s hand. To me, it is all about God and His grace. Marriages are not easy. I’m not married but I have friends who are and I do know it’s not an easy road. I hope to give it my best by taking care of my home.

Can you cope with a cheater as a husband?
That is going to be hard, but what would I do?

Do you mean unfaithfulness can’t make you quit?
The only thing that would make me end a relationship is if the man doesn’t have respect for me. I believe all men cheat, but don’t rub it on me. You hardly see a man these days being faithful to a particular woman. What I don’t like is, while doing it, don’t rub it on my face, and don’t do it with my friends. Respect me. The only thing is for him to go with protection. But I won’t take it if he does it with my friends, as many men do. And this is why I don’t like most Nigerian men-Most of them lack respect for women.

Do you see anything wrong with lesbianism?
To me, it’s not a good thing. I don’t think the Bible is in support of it.
Does that mean you’ve never practiced it before?
Never! Why should I? If I want to ‘do, I do with my man’, even that is also a sin because he is not yet my husband… but what would I do? (Laughs) Why should I be attracted to my fellow woman?

No woman has tried to woo you before?
No! No one has tried that with me.

Are there things you are doing at present that you won’t continue doing when you get married?
Nothing, because I believe the person should love me for who I’m. I’m the kind of person that doesn’t pretend, and I don’t like pretenders around me. Fine, I’m not 100 per cent good, but he has to take it easy with me and with time I would adjust.

What has life taught you over the years?
Life has taught me to always believe in myself even when no one believes in me. I’ve learned to always do what I know how best to do. I’ve learned to give my best to whatever I do, to keep on trying and never to give up. And most importantly, I’ve learned to always believe in God, to always put my trust in Him because people might fail me but God would never fail me.

Let’s get to know who Maryjane is off the screen.
I’m a fun loving person, but sometimes I could be very temperamental. I could be very mad when I’m pushed to the wall. I also love travelling, and that is why most times, I decide to leave the country to spend some weeks abroad. I love having good people around me, it makes my day.

What has your being temperamental caused you before?
Nothing much except fighting with my man (Laughs). But because he understands the kind of person I’m, he always tries to calm me down when I’m upset. He is not the kind of person that joins me in getting mad.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Hollywood! By the grace of God, I believe I will get to that extent by dint of hard work.

Maryjane: Nothing Wrong In Acting Nude