INTERVIEW: IN OUR DAYS, WE WORKED FOR PASSION – DOLLY UNACHUKWU
Revered Nollywood Star, Dolly Unachukwu is back with a bang. In this exclusive and explosive interview with SOLIDNEWSNG, She spoke glowingly on her re-launched career and many more.
Let’s get to know you better?
My Name is Dolly Unachukwu, I am from Amichi in Anambra State, but grew up in
Lagos.
Could you share with us your educational background?
I went to primary and secondary schools in Surulere, Lagos. Also went to Television College Jos where I read Diploma in TV production and then to Lagos State university for a Diploma in Law. Then I got a degree in films and videos from East London University and then masters in special needs and inclusion from the Canterbury Christ church university in England.
You have been away from Nollywood for so long, are you still very active in the industry?
I was away because I relocated to the UK in 2000 and bringing up children you have to invest in them and be around for them too. So it meant me leaving Nollywood for two decades to attend to my family and do my motherly duties lol. Now my youngest is 18 and off to university in September. I am making my way back to my first love which is acting.

Why did you relocate abroad?
I got married to a man that lived in UK so I had to relocate.
What would you say is the difference between the Nollywood of today and yours?
The major difference I see in Nollywood is the passion for the job, in our days we worked for passion but today it’s all about money. Again there is more technology available thereby making filming much easier, this we didn’t have at our time and people are beginning to see the relevance and values locked in Nollywood. There are more investors available and companies’ collaborations with production houses.
Do you think the government is doing enough to support Nollywood?
The government has just started; they need to do more, like build film villages in major cities to reduce costs of locations and movements for filming. Government needs to use the industry to make statements and assist the producers and production houses in financial needs to improve quantities of films. One thing the government needs to realize is that Nollywood is the real ambassadors of Nigeria and matters a lot.

What makes a good actress?
Versatility and ability to adapt different characters. Turning with ease from one character to another that is what makes a good actress.
For how long have you been in the movie industry?
I started acting at 16 in 1985 so that will be 37 years ago.
What do you like most about being an actress?
Being able to become someone else for a period of time. You can live your dream life acting.
What got you attracted to acting in the first place?
I wasn’t interested in acting; I was forced to act when a character did not show up for recording. I was the only female in the crew so my boss asked me to save the day and I got in and did the role. The rest was history.
What is your general assessment of Nollywood?
Nollywood is doing okay at the moment, it has improved immensely from what I used to know. I believe we are getting more creative and more rewarded too. Open to collaborating with other film industries abroad. There is still a long way ahead of us but with good planning and more foreign collaborations and recognitions we will soon be hitting the blockbusters…
What distinguishes Dolly Unachukwu as an actress?
My unique way of interpreting my roles, if it’s not me it’s not the same as me.
Have you taken part in some productions this year? Tell us about it.
Yes I took part in a ROK production in March/April, a production by Emem Isong, it’s called Lagos Compound. I played a senator’s wife in it.
Talking about moves, like how many have you featured in?
I can’t remember but well over 20.
Can you re-collect the role that turned around your career?
I would say it’s a television production Fortunes, an NTA Network soap opera that was popular in the 90s. I played Fadeke in the series and this was what made me a household name then.
Dolly Unachukwu is looking beautiful and radiant. What are your beauty secrets?
Peace of mind. There is nothing more beautiful than when you have that which surpasses all understanding.
How would you describe motherhood?
Most beautiful experience I ever had. I love being a mother just knowing you are a caretaker to this precious gift the Lord has gifted you with.
Which is the most memorable role you have ever interpreted and why?
Isabella in Deadly Affairs, a film produced by Opa Williams in the 90’s …It was a complete 360 degrees from my character so I found it challenging being a yahoo lady and defrauding people.
Which is the worst role you’ve played?
Maureen in Glamour Girls 2, because I dreaded having to take girls (including a girl that the mother brought to me) to Italy to prostitute. I almost felt sorry for playing the role and actually I was harassed on the streets of London for it by an angry Jamaican woman who watched it.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
Be kind.
How affordable is Dolly Unachukwu? What are your charges?
Depends on who is pricing…
How many awards do you have to your credit?
Few.
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
Life.
How would you describe your style?
I need a stylist. I like being comfy in my clothes.
When was the last time you wore a suit and what was the occasion?
Pretty long time ago…A trousers suit to a wedding in Lagos.
Which is your favourite, corporate or native attires and why?
Native … It’s comfy.
What is your favouraite food?
Bitter – leaf soup with oatmeal.
What are your favourite colours?
Green.
How about drinks?
White coffee.
How do you relax?
Listen to my bible app or Joyce Meyer’s podcast or go swimming.
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
Black leggings.
What is your definition of a stylish woman?
A trendy woman, going with the flow of fashion.
Can you tell us the three beauty products that you can’t live without and why?
Lip gloss, face powder and black eye liner. Because that is all the makeup I bother to wear.
Are you a lip stick or gloss woman?
Gloss.
Who is your best dressed Nigeria woman and why?
Rita Dominic…Everythinglooks good on her … I don’t know how.
What does fashion mean to you?
Looking good and confident in my outfit whatever it is.
What is your advice for up and coming actors who see you as role model?
Get the necessary training in acting that you need and then go for auditions and keep going and trying. Some producers will eventually pick you up … improve your skill with training … say no to sexual harassment.
What is the highest amount you have spent on a fashion item?
A bag…I won’t tell you how much.
What’s your philosophy of life?
In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)
What are the three things people don’t know about Dolly Unachukwu?
I am very patient, an introvert and a Godly woman.
What is your marital status?
I’m married.
What is a must have in an elegant woman’s bag?
A small bottle of my favourite perfume…
