Genevieve Nnaji Born in May 3 1979, hails from the eastern part of Nigeria, Imo state, she started her acting career as a child actress in the then-popular television soap opera “Ripples” at the age of 8. She was also featured in several commercials, some of which included Pronto beverage and Omo detergent.
In 1998, at the age of 19, she made her debut in the growing Nigerian film industry with the movie “Most Wanted.” As an upcoming actress, trying to create a niche for herself, she went through various minor roles seeking for that opportunity for a breakthrough.
Her subsequent movies “Last Party,” “Mark of the Beast,” and “Ijele” which is still considered to be one of her best epic performances to date, brought forth an icon to be loved and adored by many.
Genevieve appeals just as warmly to Kenyans, Liberians, South Africans, and Ghanaians, who avidly watch Nigerian home videos at home and abroad. Genevieve has led the market into new territories today.
She took the extra step of projecting herself beyond Nigeria by having a Web site constructed back in 2003,which seems to be the most-visited Nigerian site on the Internet.
In recognition of her immense contribution to the Nigerian film industry, Genevieve was presented with numerous awards, some of which have been in Dublin, London, and the United States. She won best actress of the year in the 2001 City People Awards and in 2005 at the inaugural awarding of the prestigious African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
In 2009, Genevieve made history by being the first Nigerian actress to be profiled on The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986) on an episode about the most popular people around the world. Genevieve is believed to be the highest-paid and most desired actress in Nollywood today.
With several movies to her credit, and numerous fans around the world, in 2008, in a bid to give back to society, Genevieve launched her clothing line, St. Genevieve, which donates a percentage of its proceeds to charity–orphanages.
We the staff of Duchess International magazine are wishing you a happy Birthday celebration!
