A couple of our Nollywood actresses faced the reality of dealing with pregnancy at a young age, either by marriage or wedlock. Despite the difficulties, they worked hard and built strong careers in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
These women refused to let motherhood stop them from chasing their dreams. They balanced raising their children with acting, singing and even business venture.
Today, they are not just successful entertainers but also role models for many young people. Their stories show that with hard work and resilience, anyone can rise above challenges and achieve greatness. Here are some Nollywood actresses who became mothers as teenagers and still made/making a name for themselves:
1. Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji is a celebrated Nigerian actress born on May 3, 1979. She is currently 45 years old. She started her journey into the industry at age 8 with the television soap opera, Ripples.
She became a mother at the age of 17. Despite the challenges of teenage motherhood, she still pursued her career in the industry and debuted properly in 1998 with the movie “Most Wanted”.
In an interview, Genevieve mentioned that she was from a Catholic family and abortion was not an option at the time and she gave birth to Chimebuka, her daughter who has grown into a successful model and entrepreneur.
Genevieve stands as one of the most revered actresses in Nigeria. She stands tall as the director of the first Netflix original movie in Nigeria – Lionheart in 2018.
2. Shan George
Shan George was born on 21st April 1970 in Abi local government area of Cross river State. She is currently 54 years old.
She was born to an Igbo mother and a British father. She entered into marriage at the tender age of 16 and soon after, welcomed two sons.
Shan has since become a prominent figure in the industry, known for her roles in movies like “Outkast” and “Welcome to Nollywood”. Though she has not been seen ok the big screens recently, the queen had made her mark.
Shan George was married twice and got divorced both times. She welcomed her first grandchild in 2014 from her first son. Her journey shows commitment to her craft despite all the many obstacles from motherhood, marriage and a demanding career.
3. Clarion Chukwura
The esteemed actress became a mother at 18. She got pregnant for the juju singer, Shina Peters. It was their relationship that brought about the birth of the renowned Nigerian music video director, Clarence Peters.
Born in Lagos but originally from Anambra State, Clarion has starred in numerous films and television productions and has earned her accolades for her versatile performances.
Worthy of note is that her son recently launched his first film on Netflix titled, Inside Life, in 2024 taking a big step from music video directing to film directing. A proud mother moment for Clarion.
Since the birth of Clarence, Clarion has been in and out of marriages. She was previously married to Tunde Abiola and Femi Odeneye. She is currently married to her third husband, Anthony Boyd.
4. Ireti Doyle
Ireti Doyle is a Nollywood actress, television presenter, public speaker and writer, born on 3rd May, 1967. She is currently 57 years old.
The actress had her first child at the age of 19 where she gave birth to Abimbola before marrying Patrick Doyle. She had 6 children with Patrick and they got separated in 2017 and finally divorced in 2023.
Ireti is known for her powerful performances in movies. Her facial expressions are one to die for because without saying a word in some roles, the actress delivers. Her name spread like wildfire with her role as Obianuju Onwuka in the 2017 box office hit romantic comedy, The Wedding Party.
Despite the very many issues surrounding Ireti, spanning from early motherhood to a divorce and dealing with 6 children, she is serving as an inspiration to many.
5. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde
Popularly known as Omosexy, Omotola got married at the age of 18 to her pilot husband, Captain Matthew Ekeinde. She welcomed her first child, Princess Ekeinde at 19.
The 47-year-old has featured in over 300 movies in Nollywood and has modeled for brands. She began her acting career shortly after giving birth and has become one of Nollywood’s influential figures.
She is said to be the first Nigerian celebrity to reach one million likes on her Facebook page. Whilst the actress does show up often on the big screens for movies, she still gets mouths wagging with every gorgeous photo she drops on social media.
Omotola has 4 children altogether with her guy, Matthew – Princess, Meraiah, Captain E and Michael Ekeinde. Her successful balancing of early motherhood and a prolific career is worthy of emulation.
6. Waje
Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje is a renowned Nigerian singer and an occasional actor. For her, Waje stands for “Words Aren’t Just Enough”. She is one of the Nigerian artistes with the best vocals.
The talented singer who is from Edo State, Nigeria, became a mother at 17. Her daughter’s name is Emerald Iruobe and she is currently 25 years. For every mother-daughter moment they share on social media, they’re adorable.
There is no public information about Emerald’s father. Waje recollects that she was banned from singing from the choir when her pastor found out she was pregnant and she sat for her SSCE with the pregnancy.
Waje has risen to prominence with her powerful vocals and emotive performances. She has released several albums and judged a couple of music talent shows, like The Voice in 2018.
7. Ada Ameh
Ada Ameh, of blessed memory, was a beloved actress and comedian, known for her role in the television series “The Johnsons”, who died in Warri in 2022 at the age of 48. She became a mother at an early age of 14.
Her daughter’s name was Aladi Godgift Ameh and she died in 2020 and the age of 32. Aladi needed a surgery to check for a tumor. The surgery was successful but she died shortly after.
Ada struggled with alcohol to cope with her daughter’s death. She said that her daughter was her best friend and felt her world crumble after she died. She got pregnant at 13 after being introduced to sex by her peers and gave birth at 14.
Ada Ameh gained prominence in the Nollywood industry for her hilarious character and her swift use of pidgin English to communicate. Her role as Emu Johnson in The Johnsons brought her to the spotlight. She will be remembered for uplifting the spirit of viewers.
8. Liz Benson
Elizabeth Benson is a veteran Nigerian actress, television personality and philanthropist. Born in Akwa Ibom in 1966, she began her acting career in the 1990s and rose to fame with her captivating performances.
She reportedly became a mother in her teenage years and lost her first husband in her mid-twenties and remarried in 2009 to Bishop Great Ameye. Liz had three children for her first husband – Lilian, Roseline and Richard Etim.
9. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett
A veteran Nollywood actress, journalist and cosmetologist born February 3rd, 1941, which means, she is currently 84 years old. Taiwo is seen as one of the oldest female Nollywood actresses.
Her impeccable command of the English language makes her stand out in movies. Most recent of her work was in the movie, King Of Boys: Return of The King by Kemi Adetiba. She ate up her role as Chief Mrs. Randle in the series.
The veteran actress became a mother at the age of 15. She faced societal and familial challenges at the disclosure of her pregnancy but she persevered by enrolling in evening classes and eventually moved to the UK to further her studies.
Taiwo’s children are not known to the public. Her story exemplifies resilience and the pursuit of excellence despite early life challenges. Taiwo continues to make significant impact in the performing arts.
10. Obot Etuk
Obot Etuk, entered into marriage in 1985 when she was just 15 years and her husband at the time, Kirikko was 18. They had three children together before divorcing in 2002.
Getting married at such a young age came with its responsibilities but Obot was willing to make her mark in the world of performing arts and she did, making a respected figure in the industry.
11. Regina Daniels
The billionaire wife was born on October 10, 2000, which means, she is currently 24 years old. Her marriage to billionaire businessman and politician, Ned Nwoko made the headlines in 2019 because she was just 18 and Ned 60.
The duo got married in 2019 and welcomed their first child, Prince Munir in June, 2020 when Regina was 19. Regina is currently the fifth wife of Ned and they have two children together.
She is tagged as the billionaire wife because she got married to a billionaire and splashes social media with her rich lifestyle. Critics still bash her union to Ned as transactional and not for love but the actress flaunts her husband regardless.
Regina has accompanied Ned to high-profile events, positioning her as the dutiful wife that she is. The actress continues to act movies, sign contract deals, promote brands and live her best life.
12. Pearl Shim
Pearl Shim Mugalla, popularly known as Little Daniella is a rising star in Nollywood and rose to fame after starring in Soulmate Studios “Little Daniella” series and its sequels.
She was born on 27th May, 2008 in Warri to a South Korean mom and a Nigerian dad. She is currently 16 years old. She stands as one of the most beautiful teen actresses.
The young actress disappeared from acting for a while when her mother died and came back in 2024 on an Uchenna Mbunabo movie. Reports show that the young actress gave birth to a baby boy at the age of 15.
Videos and pictures made rounds on the internet of the young actress cradling a baby believed to be hers and in a condition not typical of her since her mother died. Everyone is awaiting the resurgence of Little Daniella.
