By Rita Okoye
Chinenye Uyanna is a talented Nigerian actress and producer, and a graduate of Economics and Political Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). With over 50 film credits to her name, Uyanna has undeniably paid her dues in Nollywood.
In an interview with Sunday Sun, the stunning screen diva opens up about her journey into the movie industry, the early challenges she faced, and how she has managed to remain scandal-free in an industry often steeped in controversy. Enjoy!
We are almost done with 2025, what are you most thankful for?
I’m most thankful for life; just being alive is a blessing I don’t take for granted. I celebrated my birthday on June 6th, and it really made me pause and reflect. This year hasn’t been the easiest ride; there’ve been ups and downs, but through it all, God has been faithful. I’m thankful for love, for family, and especially for how far I’ve come in my career this year.
We are just eight months into the year, and I’ve already worked on several amazing movie projects each one stretching me and helping me grow as an actor. It’s been a busy, fulfilling few months, and I’m excited about everything that’s still ahead. There’s a lot more to come, and I’m truly grateful for the journey so far.
Asides from your charming beauty, what else makes you stand you out as an actress?
Beauty is lovely, but my passion, my range, and my ability to connect emotionally with any role I take on are the attributes that really set me apart. I bring truth to my characters; I don’t just act, I feel. Whether I’m playing a vulnerable girl, a fierce woman, or someone in deep pain, I give it my all. I also believe my discipline and willingness to keep learning have helped me stand out. I don’t just want to be seen, I want to be remembered for how I made people feel through my performances.
Reflecting on the early days of your career, are there certain things you wish you had known?
Yes, definitely. One thing I wish I had truly understood earlier is that not everyone in the industry is your friend. I made the mistake of mixing business with friendship, and it cost me. Some of the people I trusted betrayed me, and that was a painful lesson. I learned the hard way that business is business, and friendship is friendship—you have to draw the line.
Aside from that, I’m grateful for the guidance I had before entering the industry. I remember my mom always telling me, ‘Take it one step at a time. Don’t rush—because anything you rush into, you’ll rush out of.’ And she was right. That advice has kept me grounded, especially in moments where I felt pressured to move faster than I should.
Wow, your parents gave their full support when you took the step into the movie industry?
To be honest, it wasn’t all smooth at the beginning. My parents love me deeply, but they were concerned—especially my dad. He didn’t fully understand what the movie industry was about. I remember the very first job I got, we had a night shoot. Around 5 p.m., my dad called me and said, ‘Where are you? Everyone that went to work is already back at home.’ He couldn’t understand why I was still on set—because to him, work hours meant 8 am to 5 pm, like a regular office job.
He gave me 30 minutes to get home, and I panicked. I went to my producer and said, ‘Sir, I have to go. My dad doesn’t understand how this works, and if I don’t go home, I may not have a home to return to.’ My director saw how serious it was and said, ‘Call him—let me speak with him.’ He spoke to my dad, reassured him, and promised to take care of me. That conversation made a big difference.
Eventually, my dad began to understand the nature of the work—the long hours, the night shoots—and he started trusting the process. Now, he’s fully in support. He sees how far I’ve come and he’s proud. That journey means everything to me because I didn’t just earn success—I earned his trust too.
Are there any challenging roles that you would still like to play?
Yes, definitely. I’m always looking forward to roles that challenge me and push me outside my comfort zone. I would love to play a deeply emotional or psychologically complex character – something that tests my range and makes people see me in a different light. It could be a historical figure, a mentally unstable character or even a role that involves heavy transformation or physical training.
I want roles that will not just entertain but touch lives, start conversations, and leave a lasting impression. As an actor, I believe growth happens when you’re uncomfortable, so I welcome those kinds of challenges. I’m ready for that next level.
Can you describe a moment on set that left a lasting impact on your personal or professional life?
Yes, there was one moment on set that I will never forget. It was during one of my early roles – a deeply emotional film where my character lost her entire family. From the beginning of the movie almost till the end, I had to be in tears. It was heavy. There was one particular scene that really took everything from me. I was struggling to cry at first, and the director kept telling me, ‘Put yourself in the character.’ So I paused, took a breath, and really allowed myself to feel her pain. As soon as I started dropping the lines, my voice changed, my body started shaking, I had goosebumps, I lost control. I wasn’t acting anymore. I was that woman.
When the director finally said ‘cut,’ there was complete silence. Then, the whole crew started clapping. That moment left a mark on me. After the scene, I lost my voice completely. My eyes were swollen the next day, my face was puffy—because when I cry in a movie, it takes a lot out of me. But that was the day I realized how deep this work can be, how much you have to give to truly bring a story to life. That experience shaped me, both as an actress and as a person.
When you’re not on set, what does the “real” you enjoy doing?
When I’m not on screen, the real Chinenye Uyanna is actually very simple, playful, and quiet. I love my peace. I enjoy spending time with my family, catching up with close friends, or just being by myself to recharge. I’m also very spiritual, so I love listening to worship music, reflecting, and having my quiet moments with God.
I also love good food—I won’t lie about that! [Laughs] I’m a foodie. Honestly, I value anything that keeps me grounded and also reminds me about whom I am beyond the lights and cameras.
In one of your past interviews, you said marriage can’t make you quit acting, are you still standing on that?
Of course, I still stand by that. Marriage is a beautiful thing, and I have a unique perspective on it. I believe that any relationship built on love, understanding, and mutual respect should allow both people to grow and pursue their purposes.
Acting isn’t just something I do—it’s a calling. It is part of who I am, and it’s my dream come true. It’s something I’ve wanted since I was a child. If my parents have supported me, I believe everyone who truly cares about me will support this part of my life. I’m lucky that the relationship I’m in right now supports my acting, and I appreciate everything that comes with that support.
We enjoy seeing you play the bride in movies. Are you looking forward to being the real-life bride?
Thank you! I’ve enjoyed playing the bride on screen; it’s always a special role. Of course, I am thinking about marriage and looking forward to that beautiful day. I believe very soon, by God’s grace, I’ll be a bride in real life too.
But I also trust in God’s perfect timing. Right now, I’m focused on growing in my career and preparing myself for that next chapter. When the time comes, I’ll embrace it fully and joyfully.
Asides the glamour, what are some of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in your acting journey?
The toughest challenges have been about patience and resilience. This industry is not always kind—there are rejections, slow seasons, and moments of self-doubt. Balancing personal life with demanding schedules can be hard too. Sometimes, you have to work long hours on set, deal with uncertainty, and keep pushing even when it feels like things aren’t moving. But those challenges have made me stronger and more committed.
How do you manage to stay scandal-free in this controversy-filled industry?
I believe it comes down to staying true to my values and focusing on my work. I choose my words and actions carefully and surround myself with people who support and uplift me. Also, I try to keep my personal life private and stay away from unnecessary drama. At the end of the day, my priority is my craft and my integrity.
Can you share some exciting new projects that you are working on?
I’m really excited about a few projects I have lined up this year. I’ve been fortunate to work in diverse roles that challenge me in new ways. While I can’t reveal too much yet, I can say there’s a mix of drama, romance, and some stories that touch on important social issues. I’m also exploring production more, so there’s a lot to look forward to. At the moment I have a lot of movies showing on YouTube now: Breaking Free, Walk With Me, The Fruit Girl, Dark Figures, Deeper Regret….
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