Stella Damasus made a name for herself a long time ago in the Nigerian movie industry. The popular Nollywood actress had a strong on-screen chemistry with Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) and Ramsey Nouah.
In a recent interview with Zikoko, the “Games Women Play” actress noted that back in the day, many of them came into the industry with just raw talent.
However, some of the new NollywoodCelebs depend on their social media following while in some instances, their financial contribution to the project.
When quizzed by the magazine on if she (Stella Damasus) enjoys watching her old work, the thespian said:
‘I used to hate looking at myself doing anything. But over the past few years, I’ve realised I appreciate myself more because there’s proof of growth. I watch some old movies and be like: “Damn, how did I become a household name?” or “Why was I crying and shouting like say somebody bin dey press my neck?” But all this was without formal training. Many of us came into the industry with just raw talent.’
Stella Damasus also shed more light on why she walked away from fame in Nigeria. She said;
“I wanted my girls to grow up in a more enabling environment where they’d be free to explore different skills and career paths. Growing up in Nigeria, I saw how women were marginalised and their voices stifled; I didn’t want that for my girls. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still disparity in equality for women worldwide, but there’s a certain level of freedom women have here, and that’s what I wanted for my girls.”
On her own personal reason for living everything behind and relocating to the United States of America, she said:
“I wanted to learn more about what it took to be an international actor. I’d been a big fish in a small pond, and I was ready to challenge myself by getting into an industry in a completely different environment.”
PHOTO CREDIT: STELLA DAMASUS/INSTAGRAM
