She is bold and sexy. Benin City, Edo State born Chelsea Edogun is an emerging Nollywood actress who’s fast gaining grounds. In this chat with Showbiz and More, she x-rays her journey into the make-believe world and what stands her out. Enjoy …
Who is Chelsea?
I am Chelsea Edogun. I am from Edo State; Benin City to be precise. I am from a family of six, all girls. I’m the first child. My dad and mum are from Benin, Oredo local government, Urhonigbe. My dad works with Exxon Mobil, my mum is a teacher.
How was growing up?
My growing up wasn’t so easy because I grew up with my mum alone until I was 14. My dad travelled abroad when I was five and came back to Nigeria after nine years. I love my mum so much because she never gave up on me throughout those years. She gave me all the best. She is the best mum in the world.
How did your acting career start?
I started acting in 2006 when I got admitted into the university. Though my acting then was only part-time. I started professional acting in 2012. I have always had passion for acting since I was a little girl. But my parents were against it. They wanted me to be a laboratory scientist. So, I had no choice but to do what they wanted. But while in the university, I started acting, though it was a secret, because my parents didn’t know about it. I did this secretly for some years. Then after my education, I came back professionally in 2012. No one introduced me into acting. I just knew I had the talent and I decided to show it to the world.
How were you able to achieve this?
Yes, I did attend auditions. A lot of auditions. And it helped me a lot. I learnt so much from those auditions and those things I learnt are what keep me going till date.
How did you get your first movie role?
My first movie was in 2006 in a movie directed by Murphy Stephens. Although, it was a five-scene role, it meant so much to me at that time.
Which are some of the movies you’ve featured in?
Since 2012 till date, I have acted in over 15 movies, but just a few are out. Some of my movies are Body Odour 1&2, Before Christmas 1&2, After Christmas 1&2, and many more will soon be out.
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on a glamour movie titled Bloomsberry Hotel being produced by Lawrence Lurrenz Onuzulike. I am playing the role of Bella in the movie. Bella is a girl that is envious of her friend. She is actually “two-faced”. She pretends to be a friend, but she is actually the enemy. I like the role because it’s unique. I’m sure this movie is going to be one of the biggest in 2014.
Have you been harassed sexually to get a movie role before?
No, I haven’t been harassed sexually before, but that doesn’t mean no man in Nollywood has approached me. I feel it’s a normal thing. In fact, I like it when men approach me. It makes me feel that I’m still a woman.
What are the best parts of your body, as in your selling point?
I love every part of my body because I believe and I know my beauty can sell a movie. But my selling points are my boobs.
What do you wish could be changed about Nollywood?
I wish the concept should be changed because 99% of Nollywood movies have the same concept. I think we should work on bringing out new concepts different from the usual Nollywood concept.
Can you act nude?
Well, I think I can act nude for one billion pounds. Of course, anyone would go crazy for that amount.
What else do you do apart from acting?
I am into business. I import shoes and clothes, strictly for ladies.