By Rita Okoye
Nollywood actress Luchy Donalds continues to cement her position as one of the industry’s most captivating screen talents recognised for her performances.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, the Imo State-born star opens up about the inspiration behind her latest film, relationships, life beyond the screen, and boundaries she refuses to cross in her craft.
Enjoy!
Your movie, Opposite World, is making waves —what drew you to this particular story?
The truth is, I am someone who puts God first; He is the centre of my life. You cannot spend a whole day with me without hearing me talk about God, and I seize every opportunity to speak about Him. One of the things that drew me to this story is what is happening in the world today. If you agree with me, you will see that a lot is going on, and morals are gradually fading. When you look at the internet and social media platforms, what do you see? Many people are living questionable lifestyles, and sometimes when you try to preach to them, they say things like, ‘We are already condemned.’ They continue living the kind of lives they have chosen.
Many of them believe there is no place for them in the Kingdom of God. That was part of the reason I made this film. I want young women, especially, to understand that it does not matter what you have done or how you have lived, God is always ready to welcome you back into His Kingdom.
How far were you willing to go with your character?
As far as was necessary to communicate the film’s message effectively, that was how far I was willing to go.
You played a prostitute in this film; how did you prepare mentally and emotionally for such a role?
No, I did not need any special mental or emotional preparation. I am an actress, and it is my job to portray different characters and embody any role, except those involving nudity. I do not engage in nudity or explicit sexual content in films.
Did you do any real-life research on prostitutes before taking on this role?
Growing up, there are certain things you inevitably witness around you within your community or environment. For some scripts, especially those involving sensitive subjects like medicine, law, or tradition, research is essential to ensure accuracy. However, for this particular story, I did not need to conduct formal research. These are realities we see daily, even from the comfort of our homes, especially on social media. So, no, I did not carry out specific research for this role.
Were there any scenes that pushed you out of your comfort zone?
In this film, I wouldn’t say any scenes pushed me out of my comfort zone. Generally, being pushed out of my comfort zone would mean doing something I would not naturally want to do. However, as an actress, my responsibility is to deliver my role convincingly.
The person on screen is not the same as the person in real life. I am always ready to portray any character and bring my best performance, except in areas I have already stated, such as nudity or excessive sexual content.
How do you separate yourself as Luchy from the characters you portray, especially when faced with public judgment?
That is an interesting question. I believe people are more exposed and informed now than they were in the past. Previously, actors were often judged harshly for the roles they played. Today, while some criticism still exists, many people understand that acting is simply a profession.
Even when people react strongly to a character, deep down, they know it is not who I am; it is just the role I played. Personally, I do not dwell on public judgment. Whether people criticise or applaud, my focus remains the same: to deliver my role excellently.
When I am on set, I fully become the character. There is no point where I mix my personal identity with the role. So, there is really nothing to “separate”, I already know it is not me. I step into the character and deliver.
What was the most emotionally draining moment for you during filming?
For me, emotionally intense scenes are always the most draining. When I take on roles that involve deep emotional experiences, such as pain, heartbreak, or distress, I fully immerse myself in the character. At that moment, I feel exactly what the character feels. So, if the character is emotionally drained, I become emotionally drained as well. That is the reality of fully embodying a role.
What message do you want viewers to take from Opposite World?
One key message is that it is never too late to return to God. No matter what you have done, do not believe you are too condemned to come back. Also, do not believe that a life of prostitution is the only path. There is so much fulfilment in knowing God and living as His child. His arms are always open, waiting to receive you. There is always hope.
Has filmmaking changed your relationships with family and friends in any way?
Not at all. My family remains my family; nothing has changed. As for friends, I have always been someone who keeps a small circle. The few people close to me are still the same; we laugh, gist, and maintain our bond. Filmmaking has not altered those relationships.
What is one misconception people have about you that you would like to clear up?
Honestly, I do not feel the need to clear up misconceptions. People will always have their opinions, and trying to address them all can be exhausting. However, I understand that because I am reserved and keep to myself, some people may interpret that as pride. That is not the case. I have always been this way, even before Nollywood. Anyone who knew me from school can confirm that I naturally keep to myself. It has nothing to do with pride.
Do you think love and relationships are unfair to Nollywood celebrities?
No, I do not think so. The key is to be with a secure partner. Someone insecure may struggle with dating a celebrity, but a secure person will not. One challenge, however, is when people trivialise your emotions by saying, ‘You are acting.’ That can be very frustrating. If I am expressing myself genuinely and someone dismisses it, that becomes a problem.
What is your biggest fear as an actress?
I prefer to keep that private.
Do you think an actress’s lifestyle makes it harder to find true love?
Not necessarily. True love will always find you; your person will find you. However, lifestyle can sometimes make relationships more challenging. If you are not very social or accessible, it may be harder for people to meet you. But at the same time, that lifestyle can protect you from unnecessary stress.
What could make you turn down a movie role, even if the pay is tempting?
I say it clearly at every opportunity. There is no amount of money any production can offer that would make me accept a role involving nudity. Even if it were a Hollywood production, I would decline. I do not care about the platform. Even if I am told a body double would be used, I would still refuse. In our society, especially here in Nigeria and Africa, it is difficult to explain such technicalities to everyone. People will believe what they see—your face and the body on screen. For that reason, I will never take on roles that require nudity or excessive sexual content. Also, if the story is not well told or the script is weak, I will turn it down regardless of the pay.
Are you single and open to dating?
(Laughs) You have to kill a cow to get the answer to this one.
What should fans expect next from you after this daring performance?
Expect interesting stories and good movies that will teach you a thing or two. Sometimes the country is so hectic for a lot of people, so expect movies that would make you feel relaxed. Movies that will take you on a roller coaster, yeah!
Stay tuned to Luchy Donalds TV—there is a lot more to come.
Leave a comment