Exclusive: “Acting has in its place taken away my privacy, am still waiting for the cash part of it” Kenneth Chukwu tells Diamond Celebrities

Nollywood Actor Kenneth Chukwu is not a new face in Nollywood.  He started his acting carry in 1992, though shortly went back to University and finally returned in 2002.

Kenneth has acted with A list stars like: Ramsay Nuah, Pat Attah, Patience Ozokwor, Olu Jacobs, Pet Edochie, Ngozi Ezeonu, Van Vicker to mention but a few.

Talking to Aniema Akpabio , the Imo state born talented Actor said “I’m back for good.” he  also wants his fans to watch out for the rebranding of Kenneth Chukwu.

In this exclusive Interview with Diamond Celebrities, the Kenneth talked about his journey, love life and more. Excerpts:

By Aniema Akpabio

Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Kenneth Chukwu am a native of Isiala Mbano in Imo state am a chemical engineer turned actor.

Brief history of your journey into Nollywood?

My journey to Nollywood started in 1992 when I was going for my jamb lessons in Lagos and I met Jetta Amata who invited me for an audition. I went for it and I scaled through. Fred Amata directed the soap opera then but am not sure the soap came to limelight. I got in proper in 1999 after graduating from the university and before I could say Jack Robinson I was in the mainstream of things, though this was cut short by my need to serve my fatherland NYSC, I had to come again in 2002 to Enugu to start all over again.

What was your parents reaction when you graduated as a chemical engineer then went into acting?

Lol, yeah I didn’t go into acting per say I spent two years looking for job and since I couldn’t get one I had to make use of my God-given talent. My mum never liked me acting because she feels it’s a waste of time but my dad is more liberal and urges you to be the best in whatever you chose to do.

Which was your major role that brought you into limelight?

Hmmm major role that brought me to lime light wasn’t really a major role per say…I was just a sub in the movie NOT MAN ENOUGH. I then did some other jobs, ‘I have gone down too to give me that needed push, Like ’40 DAYS IN THE WILDERNESS, ..666…JUSTICE BY FIRE..etc

Who are your role models in the entertainment industry?

Role models? Well uncle Olu Jacobs, RMD, Emeka Ike and Ramsey.

How far can you go to prove to a lady that you love her?

By always been truthful, sincere and taking responsibilities where and when I should.

Apart from acting what else do you do?

Apart from acting I used to work in the aviation industry for airline as a customer service agent in local wing of the airport.

What has acting done for you?

What acting has done for me? lol well it has made me a bit popular and has in its place taken away my privacy, am still waiting for the cash part of it though..lol.

With the trend of nudity and pornography in Nollywood can your fans catch you acting any of such?

Nudity…nooo I can’t act nude, much as the money could be tempting, I don’t feel it’s morally tenable to do that and besides we know the kind of homes and villages some of us came from…where such things only bring you condemnation and embarrassment..

What can you say of Nollywood compared to when you started?
The movie industry is better today and has introduced a lot of players from local and international…many more actors have come on board compared to when I came in, and one thing is the pictures are getting sweeter but the stories are easily predictable and repetitive unlike back in the days.

Are you married or single?

Am single not married yet.

What do you think about the state of the nation and the way forward?

On the state of the nation, I believe there is still hope for our great country Nigeria, yeah we have problems of insecurity…unemployment, decaying and absence of infrastructures, corruption, Illiteracy levels high and high rate of mother and infant mortality etc, but with prayers and the will on the part of our leaders, this seemingly insurmountable problems can actually the surmounted.

Brief insight of your new project.

Well, am doing a new flick on the stable of Sezzati films, playing a role of Francis a friend to the lead actor Chike played by Emeka Amakeze..its a thriller of a movie. Directed by Iyke Odife and includes hot stars like Patience Ozokwor, Obi Okoli, Amanda, Ebeye just to mention a few. It gives an insight on the happenings in Nollywood and Entertainment industry as a whole. It’s a must watch! The devils contract is the working title for now.

Message to your fans and youths out here?

My message to my fans and youth out there is to continue to pray for and support us, be understanding when we can’t afford to give them the attention they desire of us, and above all to put God first in all they do and be focused in anything they believe is their talent. Some of us are where we are today because we refused to stay focused due to pressures from far and near, well experience they say is the best teacher. Love you all my fans, am back now and back for real watch out for the rebranding of Kenneth Chukwu. Please keep your love coming ok, thank you and God bless You all.