Thelma Chukwunwem, a seasoned Nollywood actress and evangelist, has shared a very personal aspect of her career in the movie business, one that is characterized by fortitude, moral conviction, and faith.
During an interview with Vanguard, Thelma, who has worked in Nollywood for more than thirty years, openly said; “There is no director or producer who can say he ever slept with me. Not one. In all my 31 years in Nollywood.
The actress, who started her career at the age of 20, claimed that despite being tempted, she decided to choose a different route.
“I started out as a pretty young lady in Nollywood. Were there temptations? Yes. But I was raised to say no,” she recalled.
A director who had expressed interest in her early in her career, according to Thelma, invited her to his office for what appeared to be a casting conversation. She claimed that when he started making advances, she flatly declined.
“I told him if sleeping with you is the condition for a role, keep your script. He didn’t like that. Many started calling me arrogant.
One of the times, a certain filmmaker warned her that she wouldn’t go far in the industry, if she doesn’t play along.
However, she replied she would go far with the grace of God.
She disproved them. The same director met her again at a film premiere many years later and grinned and remarked, “Stubborn girl.”
Thelma responded politely. She attributed her resilience to her upbringing, religious beliefs, and educational background.