Genevieve Nnaji Biography

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Genevieve Nnaji born May 3, 1979 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. Actress, producer, director. 4th of 8 children. Raised in Lagos. Father an engineer, mother a nursery school teacher. Attended Methodist Girls College Yaba, Lagos. University of Lagos, Creative Arts.

Career

Started acting at 8 in Ripples. Did several commercials, Pronto, Omo. 1998, 19, made Nollywood debut in Most Wanted. Talent and screen presence made her a leading lady in the industry.

Has acted in over 80 Nollywood movies, Ijele, Blood Sister, Half of a Yellow Sun. 2005, won AMAA Best Actress in a leading role, first actor to win that award. Has been recognized nationally and internationally.

In 2018, Genevieve directed and produced Lionheart, first Nigerian movie on Netflix. Nigeria’s first Oscar entry, though it was later disqualified for having most of its dialogue in English. Showcasing her commitment to telling Nigerian stories to the world.

Personal Life

Genevieve keeps her personal life private. She has a child born 17 and has kept her family life out of the public eye. She focuses on her career and Nollywood.

Legacy

Genevieve Nnaji’s impact on the Nigerian film industry is immense. Oprah Winfrey calls her the “Julia Roberts of Africa” she has played a huge role in putting Nollywood on the global map. Her storytelling and her effort to tell African stories continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and actors.

She was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government in 2011. From a young actress to an international icon, her journey shows resilience, talent and passion for the arts.