Behind The Stars: 20 Nollywood Actresses and Their Parents

Behind every star is a story, and at the heart of those stories are the parents who shaped them. In Nollywood, many of the female actors we admire today owe a great deal to the upbringing, sacrifices, and guidance of their parents—some of whom were already public figures, while others remained behind the scenes, quietly molding their children’s destinies.

In this article, we shine a spotlight on the parents behind these stars—their backgrounds, their influence, and the legacies they helped build.

1. Chacha Eke Faani

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Born on July 17, 1987, in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Charity Chinonso Eke, popularly known as Chacha Eke, is a renowned Nollywood actress and the daughter of Professor John Eke, who has served as the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Education.

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The educational background and discipline of her parents unarguably contributed to the way Chacha has presented herself throughout her career. Although having struggled with mental health issues, the morals instilled in her continue to guide her on journey in the industry.

2. Destiny Etiko

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Great acting prowess, undeniable creativity, and jaw dropping endowment, Destiny Etiko is the definition of true Nigerian talent. Born on August 12, 1989, in Udi, Enugu State, Nigeria, Destiny is a prominent Nigerian actress.

Her father, John Anonde Etiko, initially opposed her acting aspirations, while her mother, Eucharia Etiko, a former actress herself, provided support and inspiration. Despite her father’s reservations, Destiny pursued her passion, drawing strength from her mother’s experiences in the industry.

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Tragically, her father passed away in May 2020, a loss that deeply affected her.

Destiny consistently credits her mother’s guidance and support as pivotal to her success in Nollywood. Her mother has been a pillar of hope and a strong motivation to her which has helped her overcome the hurdles of the entertainment businesses.

3. Luchy Donalds

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Born on May 28, 1991, and presently 0 in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Luchy Donalds is a Nollywood actress and model. Raised alongside her two brothers, she is the only daughter and the eldest of three children in the family of Mr. & Mrs. Donald Nwocha.

Despite her public persona, Luchy maintains a private personal life but it’s undoubted that her parent’s played a great role in shaping the talented Luchy who graces our screens today.

4. Regina Daniels

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Born on October 10, 2000, in Lagos, Nigeria, Regina Daniels, presently 0 years old is a young Nollywood actress and film producer.

She is the daughter of Rita Daniels, an actress and film producer who has also served as the chairperson of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Delta State chapter. Regina’s father, Jude Ojeogwu, is a lawyer based in Delta State.

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Growing up in Asaba, Delta State, Regina was introduced to the world of acting at a young age, largely influenced by her mother’s involvement in the Nigerian film industry.

Her parents, particularly her mother, provided unwavering support, guiding her through the complexities of the entertainment industry.

Despite facing challenges, including her parents’ separation, Regina maintains a close relationship with both her mother and father. Their support has been unwavering to both her career and her marriage to Politician Ned Nwoko and has been instrumental in her successful transition from a child actress to a renowned figure in Nollywood.

5. Adesua Etomi-Wellignton

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Born on February 22, 1988, Adesua Etomi-Wellington is a versatile Nigerian actress.

Her mother is Eniola Etomi, a civil engineer and a pastor, known for her leadership in ministry and mentorship of women. Her father is an Esan man from Edo State who served in the Nigerian military.

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The present 34 year old, also the wife of Banky W, a popular Nigerian-American singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and politician, was raised in a structured and faith-driven home.

Adesua’s mother who is a pastor is a person she gives credit for her support and encouragement for her success in Nollywood. Even now, she’s kept a strong bond with her mother, often acknowledging her prayers and guidance as key pillars in her journey.

6. Sharon Ooja

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Sharon Ooja is a Nigerian actress whose charm, talent, and effortless screen presence have made her one of Nollywood’s most beloved stars.

She is one of four daughters of Mr and Mrs Ooja was born and raised in a close-knit family. Despite the unpredictable nature of the film industry, Sharon’s parents remained her biggest cheerleaders, offering prayers, encouragement, and unwavering belief in her talent.

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Sharon’s father graciously walked her down the aisle on her wedding day back in 2024. Even now, as her career continues to soar, she never misses a chance to express gratitude for the foundation they laid and the love that keeps her grounded. It shows how much the guidance of her parents contributed to her growth in the industry.

7. Bimbo Ademoye

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Bimbo Ademoye, currently 34 years old is an impeccable comedian and Nigerian actress born on February 4, 1991.

Bimbo was raised by her father, Adekunle Ademoye, whom she often describes as her greatest support system. A devoted and hardworking man, he played a crucial role in shaping her values and ambition.

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While details about her mother remain private, Bimbo has spoken about growing up in a single-parent household and how her father’s belief in her dreams pushed her to chase a career in acting.

The actress and her father share an incredibly strong bond and she frequently expresses gratitude for his sacrifices and encouragement — an immeasurable contribution that has kept her career path smooth and grounded in morals.

8. Ini Dima-Okojie

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Ini Dima-Okojie, born on June 24, 1990, is a Nigerian actress known for her elegance, striking performances, and ability to embody diverse roles seamlessly. She is known for her elegance and most widely recognised for her impeccable role in the thriller series Blood Sisters.

Currently 34 years old, Ini’s talent was nurtured in a home that valued intellect and ambition. Her father is a respected medical doctor, while her mother, an impressive career woman, is a banker and a lawyer.

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Though she initially followed a corporate path, working in investment banking, her heart was always set on storytelling.

Ini has maintained a good relationship with her parents and has celebrated and appreciated their support and contributions to her career. In 2024, the trailblazing actress celebrated her mother’s 70th birthday.

Ini grew up in a well structured home and the contributions of her parents irrefutably shaped the Ini we see today. The support and encouragement made career transitions smooth and ensured that her new endeavours had even better energy and her talent shone through every time.

9. Nancy Isime

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Presently 34 years old, Nancy Isime, born on December 17, 1991, in Edo State, Nigeria, is a renowned actress, model, and media personality.

Tragically, Nancy lost her mother at the tender age of five and was subsequently raised by her father, whose guidance played a pivotal role in shaping her upbringing.

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Nancy has maintained a close relationship with her father who has been a powerhouse in her life. In December 2024, she fulfilled a lifelong promise by building him a dream home, an appreciation of the strong bond they share and the incomparable contributions he’s made to her career development.

10. Erica Nlewedim

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Ngozi Erica Nlewedim, born on March 13, 1994, in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, is a talent known for her work as an actress, model, and entrepreneur.

Raised in Lagos, her parents are Oby Nwokolo and Eric Nlewedim. Erica is the only child of her parents.

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Erica’s parents immensely contributed to her career’s growth and development, offering support in her endeavours, even when she decided to go on the Big Brother Naija Show.

Her journey shows the resilience of her parents and their support of her craft, which played a crucial role in her success.

11. Efe Irele

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Efeilomo Michelle Irele, professionally known as Efe Irele, was born on September 4, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria. She hails from a family with roots in Edo and Delta States. Her father, Bolaji Irele, was from Edo State, and her mother, Magareth Irele, is Itsekiri from Delta State. Efe is one of four children, with two sisters and a brother.

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In May 2022, Efe experienced the loss of her father, Bolaji Irele, at the age of 68. She expressed her grief publicly, highlighting the emotional blow her family received.

All of Efe’s career transitions and her advancements in the Nigerian entertainment space were seamless thanks to the encouragement and strength she drew from her parents. Their motivations has kept the actress going and more importantly going on the right track.

12. Genevieve Nnaji

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Born on May 3, 1979, in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria, Genevieve Nnaji is a celebrated actress, producer, and director. She is the fourth of eight children in her family. Her father, Theophilus Nnaji is an engineer, and her mother, Bernadette Nnaji was a nursery school teacher.

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Growing up in Lagos, Genevieve’s parents instilled in her the values of education and hard work, and throughout her journey, the veteran actress has credited her parents for their unwavering support and the strong foundation they provided frequently. Their support has been instrumental in her remarkable success in the Nigerian film industry.

13. Nse Ikpe Etim

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Nse Ikpe-Etim is a renowned Nigerian actress born on October 21, 1974, in Lagos, Nigeria, and celebrated for her A-list performances in Nollywood. As the first of six children, Nse’s early life was marked by frequent relocations across Nigeria, a result of her father’s career with the Central Bank of Nigeria.

In her personal life, the current 50 year old shares a close bond with her mother, Martha, whom she regards as a friend and confidant.

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She has publicly expressed deep gratitude for her mother’s support and sacrifices. This strong familial support and inspiration has been a cornerstone in Nse’s career in the Nigerian film industry.

14. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

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A celebrated actress, singer, philanthropist, and former model, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde was born on February 7, 1978, in Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the daughter of Oluwatoyin Jalade (née Amori Oguntade), who worked at J.T. Chanrai Nigeria, and Oluwashola Jalade, an employee of the YMCA and the Lagos Country Club and grew up alongside her two younger brothers, Tayo and Bolaji Jalade.

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The dedication of her parents to their professions and the community instilled in Omotola a strong sense of discipline and compassion.

Despite the demands of the current 47 year old’s career, and losing her father at the young age of 12, Omotola has maintained a close relationship with her family, often attributing her success to the values and support imparted by her parents.

15. Mercy Aigbe

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Mercy Aigbe is a renowned actress, filmmaker, and businesswoman, born on born on January 1, 1978, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, celebrated for her significant contributions to Yoruba-language films. She is the second of five children born to Pa Aigbe and Abisola Grace Owodunni. Her father, Pa Aigbe, and mother, Abisola Grace Owodunni, provided a nurturing environment that fostered her passion for the arts.

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Mercy’s parents have been an irreplaceable, key contributing factor in her career and their their guidance has been a cornerstone of her success in the entertainment industry.

16. Esther Audu

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The youngest of six children born to Mr. James Audu, a retired military officer, Esther Audu, born on March 22, 1982, in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian actress known for her dynamic roles in Nollywood. Her father, Mr James was a military officer who dedicated much of his service to Lagos, particularly at the Ikeja Military Cantonment. Her family’s roots trace back to Olamaboro Local Government Area in Kogi State.

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Esther’s passion for acting was evident from her secondary school days, where she actively participated in drama and literary clubs. She went further to represent Nigeria at Kidafest in Ghana in 1996. Her father’s military background instilled in her a sense of discipline and commitment, qualities that have been instrumental in her acting career.

17. Adunni Ade

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Adunni Ade, born on June 7, 1976, currently 48, in Queens, New York, is a Nigerian-American actress and producer who has made significant contributions to Nollywood. She is the daughter of a Yoruba Nigerian father and a German-Irish mother.

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Her father, a successful businessman, inspired her to pursue a degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky.

Her progress both family and career wise is proof that the support of parents are a necessity in a creative’s life. Adunni has kept close relationship with her mother whom she owes a lot of her growth to.

18. Hilda Dokubo

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Hilda Dokubo is the eldest daughter of Mr. Benbo Edmund and Mrs Stella Edmund, born on October 22, 1969, in Buguma, Rivers State, Nigeria into a family of six children. She was raised by her father, an engineer, and her mother, a teacher. Her mother also served as a Sunday school teacher, while her father was a lay preacher, instilling strong moral values in their household.

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Deeply rooted in education and spirituality, the current 55 year old’s upbringing has profoundly influenced her career and activism. The values instilled by her parents continue to guide her endeavors, both on and off the screen.

19. Kehinde Bankole

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Born on March 27, 1985, in Ogun State, Nigeria, Kehinde Bankole is a celebrated actress, model, and television host. She is the fourth of six children to architect Babatunde Olalekan Bankole and administrative secretary Titilayo Bankole. Her twin sister, Taiwo, also occasionally acts.

Kehinde’s father, Babatunde Olalekan Bankole, was a dedicated architect, and her mother, Titilayo Bankole, served as a financial administrator before her passing.

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The encouragement and guidance of Kehinde’s parents have been instrumental in her success in the entertainment industry. Even after facing great personal losses, such as the passing of her mother and later her father, Kehinde maintains a strong bond with her family, cherishing the foundational values they instilled in her.

20. Osas Ighodaro

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Born on October 26, 1990, in New York City, Osas Ighodaro is a 34 Nigerian-American actress, television host, and philanthropist. She is the daughter of Nigerian parents from Edo State, Nigeria.

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While specific details about her parents’ professions and personal lives are not widely publicized, Osas has expressed pride in her Nigerian heritage and credits her family for instilling strong cultural values. Their support has been instrumental throughout her career, from her early days in pageantry to her achievements in acting and philanthropy.

Osas’s commitment to giving back, exemplified by her founding of the Joyful Joy Foundation to combat malaria, reflects the values imparted by her upbringing.