Stella Damasus is one of the prettiest actresses around. The actress, now based abroad, let YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine’s AZUH ARINZE into her world a while back…
Tell us about yourself…
Well, I am Stella Damasus. I am from Delta State, Asaba girl. From a Catholic home to be precise. What else? I am from a family of five girls.
Tell us more about your background…
I toured Benin, Asaba, Ghana and then Lagos for my education. I did my primary schooling at Greater Tomorrow in Benin, then moved to Idia College, did my final exams at Ibusa. Then, I went to pursue a diploma course in Ghana, of which I did Language. Then, I also went to UNILAG (University of Lagos) to read Business Industrial Law as a diploma course. Later, in same UNILAG, a degree in Theatre Arts.
Did you choose to go into Theatre Arts because you act?
Yes. I said since I am into acting already, that it will be nice to have a degree instead of continuing with Business Industrial Law. I actually changed my mind because I realised that I have a flair for arts and if I am to do it at all, it has to be done well.
Was acting your dream when you were young?
Not at all. When I was young, I liked singing, but acting was out of it. I never for once thought of acting. I never knew I had it in me. I never thought I could be into it, even this serious.
How did you then get into acting?
I was with my aunt then. I went to see her and was there for some time when a friend came to see me. She asked me to see her off to where she was to be auditioned. I hesitated because I had not had my bath, but she insisted. We both agreed that I will wait outside while she went in for the audition. When we got there, I saw a lot of people, I kept on asking myself why so many people were there. I was wondering why. When I turned to leave, a guy saw me and asked what I was doing there and if I came for audition. Before I knew it, I was ushered in and I saw the director, judges and all those co-ordinating the audition. I was given a script to read, which I did. Then, fortunately, the director recognised me as someone he knew back in Benin, which was a long time ago. I eventually went home that day and two weeks later, I was asked to come for rehearsals. We shot and it’s been fun since then.
In your own opinion, what do you think acting is?
Acting is playing roles, make believe, with actions. I believe acting is not for everybody. It is made for people who have the talent, people who like works of art. Acting carries a spirit behind it. No matter how long one studies it, if it’s not in you, then you cannot have it. It is a serious job. If you are not the serious type, then you cannot take up acting. It is strong and also a spiritual thing. It comes from inside to produce anything.
So, can we know which film was your first?
Abused was the first film I acted. It was fun. I was playing at first. I was not taking it serious at first, but when I got on set, I realised how serious it was. People were nice and patient with me. I was taught and I caught up fast. I was filled with happiness because I was with people I never thought I could be associated with.
So, which of your jobs has been the most challenging?
My most challenging job was my smallest job. It is Amaka Igwe’s To Live Again. It was challenging because working with Amaka Igwe is demanding. You have to put in your best. A scene can take you up to three days to shoot. I was to play two faces. I was to let people know I am in love with my boss and at the same time not let my boss know. As God would have it, it was my husband, Jaiye Aboderin and Joke Jacobs that directed me. I had to change the way I worked. She took me through speech classes and my husband worked on my appearance. I had to put in my best to get it.
Have you ever been harassed on location before or maybe embarrassed?
I don’t see anything as embarrassment because if something must be good, then one has to go through a lot. Though, I get shouted on; but even the best actor still gets shouted on. It’s the end product that justifies it all. A good job brings about seriousness. No two human beings can want something exactly same way. That is it.
Do you have any other thing doing apart from acting?
Sure. I love music. I do radio jingles. I also do band shows and I do business. I mean, I do things, do event management. I am asked sometimes to be in charge of something. I write soaps for TV programmes, I do anything that gives money as long as it doesn’t’ take me away for too long.
Do you go for auditions?
I don’t go for auditioning. It’s not that I am feeling like a star. I haven’t done a lot, but with the little I have done, I try to work hard to leave my imprints there. What I am trying to say is that, when I work, I work hard so other producers will watch my job and want to use me and so will come for me. One has to put herself in the position. I have been around for some time and I think if you need me, you can get me. It’s a two-way thing.
Have you heard of producers sleeping with girls before offering them jobs?
No experience. I have not experienced it. I do not sleep with my producers for jobs. I present myself well, I dress well and decently. I present myself as someone serious. When you dress haphazardly, it gives them green light. If I can do my job well, why sell myself to get the job?
How has motherhood been?
Fun, very exciting. I feel happy each time I remember my babies and that I am a mother.
When did you put to bed first?
I gave birth on August 29, 1999.
But you don’t look like a mother, what’s the secret?
(Laughs) Na God do am ooo. Na God.
Don’t you have plans to produce a film yourself? It seems everybody is turning to producer?
Well, I am not going to produce because everybody is producing. But I want to produce my own films. I mean, I hope to produce, but I want to learn first and know how; I don’t want to jump into it.
What do you feel about the industry?
It’s growing. It has succeeded in making people open-minded. If we keep working hard, we will surely go higher. Our industry of today is far better than some African countries’. As new equipment is being made, we keep on bringing them in. I believe that after a while, we will stand firm.
When is Stella’s birthday?
My birthday is April 24.
What are your likes and dislikes?
That one hard o! For me, I like simple people because I am a very simple person. I can go for anything that won’t hurt me, decent good things and I hate disappointments, failures and that is why I plan before doing anything. I hate pretence too. I can’t stand it.
What kind of cars do you cherish?
Any one I will feel comfortable in, not consuming much money.
Your favourite colours?
I like all colours, but I am in love with black colours because of my skin.
May we know who your role model is?
My role model is not a Nigerian. She is Cicely Tyson. I also like Anthony Hopkins. I think they are good in their fields. I love them.
Give an advice to people that aspire to be like you.
They should be God fearing in this millennium, forget distractions because they are not worth it. Be hard working and take it easy always.
NB: This interview had earlier been used.