"I Took A Nude Role Because The Pay Was Right" – Actor Benson Okonkwo

Enugu-based, fast-rising Nollywood actor Benson Okonkwo is probably the most talked about in the industry because of his daring roles, which many people, according to him, "continue to wrongly associate with his real life personality".

Read interview excerpts below:

Q: Talking about the movie that brought you out, there is a particular movie about gays which has gotten you more accusations and criticisms than accolades. Could you talk about it?

Benson: I have promised myself that I will no longer talk about the movie. It's really funny that Nigeria is a country where people attribute an actor's role to his real life character. If I'm given a role to play and I played it excellently, does that make me that character in reality? Yet, it is the same Nigerians who will be first to point fingers at those actors that do not act their movie roles well.

Q: I also heard there is a new movie you just did in which you acted totally nude in a scene. Tell us about it.

Benson: The name of the movie is "James Town". It was directed by an A-list Nollywood director and scriptwriter, Ifeanyi Onyearbor. My manager, Mr Brown Ene, is a good manager and he called me up and we negotiated and I took the role. It's a must-see movie.
Now before you start to asking me why and crucifying me, that's the character I was givien to play. It warrants me to go nude at a point in the movie. It's a serious movie.
So like I said, as an actor your ability to interpret any role given to you is what makes you a good one. So Nigerians should understand that I was only doing my job. it's just a movie. It's a ghetto movie and I was one of the lead characters in it. I also took the role because the pay was so right. It's coming out soon...