By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
Veteran Nollywood actress, voice-over artist, and preacher, Thelma Chukwunwem, has made a bold statement as she marks 31 years in Nigeria’s film industry.
Speaking during a recent interview, Chukwunwem revealed that despite decades in the spotlight, she never succumbed to sexual pressures or compromised her values for fame.
“No producer or director can ever say they slept with me,” she declared.
Reflecting on the early days of her career, Thelma revealed that she entered Nollywood at the age of 20. Being young and attractive, she was often the target of inappropriate advances from directors and producers.
“I started out as a pretty young lady in Nollywood. I shot my first movie when I was 20. Were there temptations? Yes, there were temptations,” she said.
“But for me, maybe it was because of the way I was raised, the kind of mindset I had, and the kind of schools I attended.”
She recounted an incident where a director invited her to his office under the guise of discussing a role but instead tried to seduce her.
“I told him if he thought I must get down with him before giving me the role, he might as well keep his script,” she recalled. “People then saw me as an arrogant person, but I wasn’t.”
Her strong moral stance didn’t come without consequences. The actress said she was warned that she wouldn’t succeed in the industry unless she compromised.“
There was this director who told me I wouldn’t go far if I didn’t play along. But I told him, ‘I’ll go far by God’s grace.’”Years later, she ran into the same director at a movie premiere. His response? A smirk and the words, “Stubborn girl.”
Her reply was just as graceful: “Years have passed. God has helped me.”
Thelma attributes her resilience and longevity in Nollywood to her faith, disciplined upbringing, and personal principles.
