Stephanie Okereke is the very beautiful Nigerian born actress whose acting talent up till today leaves many glued to their screens. Stephanie who is a graduate from the University of Calabar has featured in many Nollywood Blockbusters and her Latest movie “Through the Glass†which was shot and recorded in Hollywood is set to add another feather to her cap. In this interview, Stephanie takes us on a journey into her very private life and her newly found Hollywood Fame.
MM: Hello Stephanie and how are you today?
SO: Am fine, thank you. Hope you are well?
MM: Very well Steph and thank you for giving us this opportunity. Can we ask? Who is Stephanie Okereke?
SO: Stephanie is (thinks for a bit) the person you’re talking to right now (laughs)
MM: Which Role or Movie would you say brought you into limelight?
SO: em…. I would say the role of crystal in “Emotional Crackâ€Â
MM: How many Movies in total have you starred in?
SO: hmmm… can’t count right now, but a lot!
MM: What has been happening to you and your career lately?
SO: I’ve been very busy working very hard. I actually just finished my new movie and it is coming out pretty soon. The movie is titled “Through the Glassâ€Â. I am also currently working on some other movie projects.
MM: There has been a lot of hype and publicity about the new Movie “Through the Glass†When will the movie hit our screens and can you give us a little insight into it?
SO: It’s not out yet, but would be hitting the theatres in Africa by summer.
MM: It is speculated that the movie was shot in Hollywood is this true?
SO: Yes it is. It was shot In Los Angeles.
MM: What inspired you to shoot a movie in Hollywood, did you face any challenges along the way and How would you describe the experience?
SO: Shooting my movie in Hollywood was a bit challenging because I needed to know how things were done over there, but everything came together as soon as we started shooting.
MM: You wrote and produced the movie yourself. Is this your first attempt at producing your own movie?
SO: Yes it is and it was a very exciting and humbling experience for me.
MM: It is also speculated that you have shifted base to Hollywood, Is this true? If Yes, does this mean no more Nollywood for you?
SO: lol! I actually just finished a movie in January with Izu Ojukwu, so I guess that speaks for itself. I want to be an International artist that can fit into any industry.
MM: This is a question that I’m sure most of your male admirers would like to see. If you were given a nude role, would you do it if the price was tempting?
SO: It depends really. There are various kinds of nudity you know.
MM: Well I mean Nude, Nude
SO: Like I said, it depends
MM: What’s your opinion about the invasion of Ghanaian actors and actresses in the Nollywood Industry?
SO: Is it an invasion? It shows that Nigeria is really a big brother that has extended his hands to the rest of Africa. The world is fast becoming global, very soon people won’t mind where they come from. It’s just an encouragement to other film industries in Africa and people who want to be part of nollywood. This just goes to show that Nollywood has really grown. I don’t call it an invasion, but just reaching to our other brothers and sisters regardless of where they come form.
MM: We know that your Marriage to American Footballer Chikelue, is a touchy subject you don’t like to touch but can we ask how you have been able to move away from all the scandal that came with the break up and would you say those were the darkest moments of your life
SO: To some extent yes, but really, I guess my accident was more horrifying.
MM: Thank you and what have been the best moments of your life.
SO: Seeing myself walk again after my accident.
MM: As an excellent actress we expect that your efforts would have been rewarded with awards. How many Awards have you won and which do you consider the most cherished?
SO: There are a lot of them I can’t even begin to name them now but the award I cherish most is my first award, which was the†Reel Awards†where I got the best actress awards for English and overall best actress both English and other language movies.
MM: It is rumoured that you are one of the highest paid Nollywood actresses. So how fat is the Pay check?
SO: hmmmm, Am still climbing, so am not telling sorry!
MM: When should your fans in the UK expect the release of “Through The Glass†and would it just be home video or it would be on the big screen
SO: Am so hoping to do a cinema release in the UK, but I will definitely let them know.
MM: You don’t seem to talk much these days about your private life, can we ask, have you remarried, or is there someone Special in your life? (If Yes, Can you tell us about this special person?)
SO: You’re so much interested in my private life, (With a cheeky look on her face) Have you got a hot young looking brother for me? That would be nice. !!!! lol!, Honestly, It’s just work for now, though I still try to find time to play .
MM: On a final note, Apart from the release of through the glass, what else should your fans expect from you in 2009?
SO: I have a lot in the pipeline and you will be hearing them as they fall in place. And I believe God that they will all be good things.
MM: Thank you for giving us this opportunity and it has been a pleasure talking to you.
SO: Me too. Thank you.
by mamasinomagazine