Dolly Nchedo Unachukwu needs no introduction in Nigeria’s comity of role interpreters. Especially to keen followers of Nollywood in the years past. As the no-nonsense and tough-talking Isabella in Deadly Affair, the big, busty and beautiful actress kept us on the edges of our seats with her uncanny interpretation of that role.
Also, as Fadeke, the trouble-avoiding wife of super-rich Fred Akin-Thomas in the now rested soap, Megafortunes, the Amichi, Nnewi, Anambra born actress and producer won for herself our undivided pity, concern, love and even affection. She played host to AZUH ARINZE at her family house in Ajao Estate, Lagos. Excerpts…
How and when did you come into this industry?
I actually stumbled into acting. You see, when I finished secondary school, I worked with NTA, Lagos as an assistant to some of the producers. Along the line, I started acting in some kids’ drama presentations and from there, I fell in love with acting.
What year was that and how did your parents take it?
That was ’86. And fortunately for me, it was my mother who took me to NTA to stop me from lazing around the house. That was while I was still waiting for my JAMB result. In fact, my mother introduced me to acting.
What’s your own definition of acting?
It’s simply your ability to become someone else.
What attracts or rather what makes you agree to be part of a production?
The storyline and the crew members.
How do you see yourself?
I’m a very simple person, well mannered, well cultured, a mother, a wife. Generally, I’m a very reserved and very private person.
What are your likes and dislikes?
Quietude and intimidation.
What about your happiest and saddest days?
My happiest was the day (August 13, 1993) I had my baby, Amechi. My saddest was the day (April 27, 1990) I lost my dad, Chief Cyprian Unachukwu.
What killed him?
He was sick. He was diabetic.
Can you recollect how old you were then and maybe how you felt too?
I think I was either 20 or 21 then. I felt the whole world had come to a standstill. I was quite close to him and so thought it was going to be the end of me. I was there with him when he died. I was beside him at St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos when he breathed his last.
Now, tell us your life history.
I was born on October 27, 1969. I attended Ideal Girls’ Secondary School, Surulere (Lagos), from there to New Era Girls Secondary School, also in Surulere (Lagos), from there again to Girls’ Secondary School, Ozubulu (Anambra). I changed in form 3 and…
(Interruption) Why were you changing from one school to another?
Oh! Because my father thought I was more of a Lagosian and I didn’t know much about my culture. I couldn’t speak Igbo then. So, he thought I should go back home. Ozubulu is close to my place and that was how I was sent home to learn more of my culture. I left Ozubulu in ’85, worked briefly with NTA, went back to TV College in Jos. This was in ’86, came back to Lagos in ’88 and worked with NTA yet again. From there, I went to Lagos State University (LASU). I also went to FRCN Training School. Then, I wanted to become a broadcaster. Only to later change my mind because I got more involved in TV and also felt that acting will pay me more.
And your childhood. Tell us what it was like…
I had a very strict childhood. Everything about me then was programmed, kind of. Go to school, come back, eat, read and sleep. There was time for everything. I also did not get to mix with other kids. My parents didn’t allow that.
How do you relax?
How do I relax? (Thinks) I relax by simply meditating.
What can make you cry?
The only thing that can make me to cry is to lose a loved one, someone that I love very dearly.
What do you dislike or hate about yourself?
My weight. But I’m working on it right now. The most annoying part is that even when I drink water, I add weight.
What has motherhood been like for Dolly?
It’s been such a nice experience. To look at someone and say this is my baby. I think it (motherhood) is a challenge to every woman. But an experience worth basking in.
Can you recall ever being sexually harassed while coming up?
I started so young, but was lucky to have all the support. An uncle gave me a note to the producer of Mirror in the Sun. I was auditioned and that was it. I have never, ever been sexually harassed.
What advice do you have for those who may be going through that now and also the upcoming ones?
They should just be themselves. Believe in what they are doing and can do. One day they will get good roles and if they play them properly, they will be made.
Which of your roles do you consider as the best and worst?
My best job is Deadly Affair. My worst are Irony and Deborah and The Dragon.
Why?
My character in Deadly Affair is the opposite of me. And I think I really put in a lot to make people believe that I was Isabella in it. Deborah and Dragon did not make any meaning to me, but I had to do it because chairman (Kenneth Nnebue of NEK) begged and begged that I should help his brother, Ethel (the producer of the movie). On Irony, I didn’t want to do it too, but Theophilus Akatugba came here over a hundred times begging and begging. He said he needed my face. I regret doing those two jobs.
As an actress, tell us the lowest and highest fees that you have collected?
N85,000 for Deadly Affair 1. That was also my first movie. And Full Moon, the highest.
Which colour is your favourite?
Black. And that’s because it hides my fat.
Favourite artistes?
Mariah Carey and Daniel Wilson.
Among your colleagues, who do you like their styles of acting?
Whoopi Goldberg, Pete Edochie and Uche Osotule.
What about director?
Tade Ogidan.