Nollywood actors, Rita Nzelu, Zack Orji, Kanayo.O.Kanayo, Ernest Asuzu, Patience Ozokwo, Hilda Dokubo, Stella Damasus Ademinokan,Kenneth Okonkwo, Ikem Chude, Larry Koldsweat ,Angela Philips Charles Okafor, Pat Attah, Eucharia Anuobi, Liz Benson have made it to the top 15 Nollywood actors who gave up their career, fame, and money to become pastors
While most people are of the opinion that the acting profession is filled with cheap, promiscuous, money hungry, greedy,selfish, party freaks, a large number of actors actually live responsible lifestyles
The afore mentioned actors have taken it upon themselves to yield to the call of God for ministry and win souls for Christ, causing them to walk away from mainstream Nollywood to focus on their faith and become ministers of God’s word
Of a truth, many of them were the delight of the movie scene many years ago, as they pleasured viewers with a great interpretation of roles, which makes it difficult for them to be seen in a new light
Ernest Asuzu for example was engulfed in scandals and controversies,which got him negative media attention. During his hiatus, it was rumoured that he was down with mental illness while some even said he was dead. However, he resurfaced with a turn-around in more ways than one. In a chat, he told some reporters that the world rejected him, and he had to go back to Christ. With this discovery, he underwent a period of re-branding and soul-searching, coming out strong as a gospel artiste. He now calls himself El Cream. With his new musical identity, he has released a music video for his single,Go Under. The new single is coming off his forthcoming album, Return of the Don.
Anayo Modestus Onyekwere, popularly known as Kanayo O.Kanayo, is now a pastor. He has been preaching in some churches in recent times. He is mostly seen teaching the word of God at Christ Mission Worldwide Church, Egbeda. Though he does not preach there regularly, it is said that the number of church members has grown since the day he first preached there. That is not the only church he has ministered in. His face has also graced banners and posters of other churches’ programmes. The development comes as a shock to some of his friends, colleagues and many Nigerians who know him well.
Patience Ozokwor aka Mama, Susu, famously known for her ‘Wicked Mother-In-Law’ roles in movies is now a born again christian, who now goes about, preaching in various churches and crusades.
The events surrounding Stella Damasus’ marriage to her husband Daniel Ademinokan who was once married to another actress, Doris Simeon might make it hard to believe that she is really a born again Christian. The actress has made it known that she really doesn’t care what others think of her but what God thinks. She takes every opportunity to spread the word of God.
For a while now, top Nollywood actor, Ikem Chude has been off the movie scene. The actor, who has featured in movies like Sacred Blood, The Last Supper, Burning Kingdom, Royal Reward, Jealous Princess, Weeping Soul, Broken Tears, Kiss My Pain, My girlfriend, My Only Girl, Onoja and several others. has not been featuring in movies as he used to and this has kept several tongues wagging on what must have kept him off the scene. According to City People, the actor seems to have dumped his acting profession to winning souls for Christ. He is now a top pastor at Fireman’s church in Aguda, Surulere, Lagos.
Port Harcourt based actress Hilda Dokubo is said to have gotten closer to God as she leads women who go from church to church, organization to organization to preach the word of God.
Charles Okafor is also one of the actors that are winning souls for Christ. He used to act alongside Saint Obi, Zack Orji and Richard Mofe Damijo and has made a name for himself before disappearing from the scene. The UNIPORT trained actor who starred in such films as Forest of Promises, Ocean Deep, Across the River, Between Love, Boiling Point, and Executive Connection, worked briefly with the Security and Exchange Commission before resigning to go into full time acting and eventually giving up the things of this world.
Pat Attah is a well renowned actor whose first major break was in Glamour Girls. Where is Pat Attah? From what we gather, the once-upon-a-dreadlock-turned clean cut actor has left his life in the country behind. Pat, currently, is based in Hamburg, Germany and has turned a preacher. Though he does not preach in churches, he is now very much a born-again. Many knew him before he left the country to be close to the ladies and in love with the bottle. Today, reading his posts online, one would know things have changed in his life. Pat often uses social network sites including Facebook to deliver his sermon and messages to all who care to read.
Angela Philips, who is undoubtedly a recognizable face in Nollywood, has been missing in action lately. That is because she is now a born again and a pastor.
The very polished actor and Ex-president of the actor’s guild of Nigeria (AGN) was born in Gabon. He has a lot of credible movies to his name. Zack Orji was ordained a full-time evangelist by Bishop Emma Isong of Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI). In fact, the veteran actor has engaged in various evangelical activities in Abuja, Nasarawa and Makurdi with the church. Zack has hardly been linked to any scandal.
Liz Benson, began acting when she was just a kid. Her journey to stardom began when she appeared on the set of the popular television soap opera, Fortunes, in 1993. Liz Benson played the part of Mrs. Agnes Johnson in the soap, which ran for about two years on the Nigerian Television Authority network. After that, she acted in various TV series and many movies. The Efik born screen diva left acting to become an evangelist. She is currently an evangelist in Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State and married to Pastor Ameye.
We hear that Rita Nzelu who has been in the UK for over 15 years, has become a born-again Christian and has been ordained an evangelist in a UK-based Nigerian church. She is said to be very active in church, as she keeps posting invitation to churches on her social media handle.