Mercy Johnson-Okojie made her way into Nollywood in the
movie 'The Maid'. In this interview with Saturday Tribune, the actress talked
about marriage, controversies, acting, fashion and other issues.
What has Mercy Johnson been up to lately?
I have been busy shooting movies, moving from one location
to the other. I give God all the glory.
You recently set up the Mercy Johnson Foundation. How far
has it gone?
So far so good; it’s progressing. It’s been God all the way.
How many movies can you recollect doing so far?
Over 100 movies.
What were your days like as a child?
I was a tomboy. I am the fourth child from a family of seven
children. The first four are girls and the last three are boys. So, I actually
moved a lot with my brothers, climbing trees and stuff like that. We didn’t get
everything we wanted but we got everything we needed. I’m from a very humble
background; a Christian family. My dad is an ex-military officer and we
basically grew up in a military environment. I attended Navy primary and secondary
schools until I went to the Lagos State University.
And how has it been through fame and glamour?
There have been the good and bad times; there have been
rumours and scandals. Sometimes when I cry in movies, it isn’t the script that
makes me cry. When I recall my humble beginning, I give thanks to God. When I
remember how we moved into an uncompleted building and had to take cover
whenever it rained because of the condition of the house; how my brother did a
menial job as a bricklayer to earn a living and those days when we rolled over
a stick to cover the windows up till the point when I started acting and raised
money to cover the roof… I recall those days we were living with lizards
because the floor and the walls of the house were not plastered, or when I had
scars as a result of my several falls.
So how did you start acting?
After my secondary school education, I failed the University
Matriculation Examination (UME) and came back to Lagos to get a degree. While
that was on, I watched Genevieve Nnaji in a movie entitled: Sharon Stone. I
later approached a friend for assistance to feature in a movie. He said I had a
great body and that I would make a good actress. He later took me to the
National Theatre, but a role did not come until a year later, when I had my
first lead role in a film entitled: The Maid. The Maid was my starting point
and it was quite challenging to play the lead role because it was my first
movie. I was fidgeting when I saw the likes of Eucharia Anunobi, whom I
regarded as a screen goddess during my secondary school days. I never thought I
would make it with people like that. So, when I saw her, I was so excited and
considered standing beside her as sacred. She actually realised that and later
helped me by giving me the needed courage.
What is that accessory that you can never be caught wearing?
A nose ring.
What has marriage changed about you?
Marriage has taught me lots of things and I’ve learnt a lot
since I got married too. I know that if I had gotten married earlier, I
wouldn’t have made most of the errors I made. It’s good to be married to
somebody who is so organised; he brings you up the right way and reminds you of
whom you’re supposed to be.
You seem to be enjoying marriage a lot. You even once said that as soon as Purity
(her daughter) clocks one, you would be going back to the labour room …
My sister, marriage has been sweet for me because I have the
best husband and daughter in the world. Being a married woman, I have learnt to
tolerate things more. It has changed my perspective of life and the way I react
to things.
But getting married and being an actress are two different
things. How do you balance up?
When I’m not at location, I spend quality time with my
family. And guess what? My husband has always been there for me and Purity.
It’s obvious we are his priority. He’s a loving husband and father.
Your husband does not complain about those times when you
are away?
He doesn’t; he understands the nature of my job. He’s the
best thing that has happened to me. People usually say men are not reliable. In
the case of my husband, he’s a blessing.
What was the point of attraction between you and Mr Okojie?
What attracted him to me was his fearless approach. You know
sometimes, you meet some guys and they get intimidated about you, but not with
him. The first time we were supposed to have a date, he said ‘Let’s go to my
house so you can cook for me’ and in my mind, I was like “Seriously, this guy
doesn’t know my name.” So, I said “My name is Mercy Johnson” and he said ‘Yes I
know.’
Taking your child to movie sets can really be demanding and
stressful. Does Purity not disturb you when you are on set?
No, she doesn’t. When I take her on location, she has lots
of uncles and aunties who dote on her. They carry her, feed her and many more.
Sometimes, I don’t even get to see her until she needs to breastfeed.
How has motherhood changed your perspective about life?
It has changed me just the way it changes women. You begin
to see yourself as a co-creator. You begin to see yourself as a protector. It
will also make you feel more responsible for other children as well. You begin
to see them as children of some other mothers. You have a sense of
responsibility to want to protect them as well.
If he tells you to quit acting one day, would you give it a
thought?
When we get to that bridge, we will cross it.
How do you pamper yourself?
I have fun with my family.
As a dutiful wife, how do you pamper your husband?
Sometimes I take him out on a date, surprise him with gifts
and so on.
As a married woman, does he complain about your romantic
scenes in movies?
No he doesn’t. He understands the nature of my job and he
knows that acting is just make-believe.
There was an issue with you and Tonto Dike recently. She
dissed you on Twitter for saying you would go back to the labour room
immediately Purity was mature enough. Why didn’t you reply her?
I’d rather not talk about it.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me is putting on anything that makes you feel
comfortable. My husband is a huge critic, so when he compliments my dressing, I
feel so good. He doesn’t believe that exposing anything makes you look better.
He feels when you cover up, you look real nice.
What is that accessory that you continuously fill your
wardrobe with?
That will be my wrist-watches.
And how many of it (your favourite accessory) would you say
you have?
Close to 10.
In a few years to come, what would you love to be remembered
for?
I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished
useful deeds. I would like to leave with the memory of someone with a good
heart, who did her best to help others.
There is a very strong competition among actresses. How have
you managed to maintain your position as one of the most popular?
I would have to give all glory to God how far He has helped
me. I have tried as much as possible to give my best to the industry and I
cannot say that I have arrived, but it is obvious that I am not where I used to
be. I will continue to do more.
It doesn’t look like you would go back to putting on those
sexy clothes again after you wean Purity. Or would you?
No I don’t plan to. Motherhood and marriage have changed me.
I am over that because I am now a married woman, a mother at that.
What has been the most negative report that you have read
about yourself?
A lot of untrue things have been said about me, but I have
come to realise that it doesn’t cost people anything to cook up lies about me.
The one I remember vividly is the one they said I stole money and also snatched
people’s husbands. I lost a deal worth N50 million from a telecommunication
company because of that.
It was reported that you were banned for increasing your pay
as an actress.
There was no ban at all.
You promptly responded to OJB’s cry for help and gave him
some money. People said it was publicity stunt, while others said it was just
your character...
I don’t need to be more popular because I am already
popular. We were just promoting the ideals of Mercy Johnson Foundation. The
idea is to identify the needs, evaluate and help in our own little way. All
fingers are not equal. Those in position to help should do so without
hesitation. I strongly believe that as stars we should live beyond the euphoria
of stardom and the moment. We will not always be here. What happens if you look
back and realise you could have done a lot to make the world better when you
had the spotlight and you didn’t? I want to live beyond the moment.
Credit: Tribune
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