Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about her first on-screen experience, revealing how veteran actress Kate Henshaw played a pivotal role in calming her nerves during a pivotal moment in her career. The memory, shared in an interview with BellaNaija, dates back to her early days on the set of the film Naked Wire, produced by Opa Williams. In that scene, she had to deliver a line to Kate Henshaw while Yibo Koko was also present, and Funke admitted she was “so jittery and scared.”
She recalled how Yibo Koko told her to tell Kate that he was in love with her, and she was shaking badly. Kate noticed her anxiety and stepped in with simple but powerful words. “She called me and asked, ‘What’s your name?’ I said, ‘Funke ma.’ She told me, ‘Calm down, you can do it.’ And I did it, and it was beautiful,” Funke recounted. The moment, she said, was transformative and helped build her confidence in front of the camera.
Funke also spoke about her admiration for American singer Robin Thicke, whom she described as her celebrity crush. She even playfully sang along to his 2006 hit Lost Without U, adding humorously that he is now older. Despite her fame and success, Funke remains grounded, sharing that she starts her day with electrolytes and water, and joking about having other “professions” beyond acting and filmmaking.
As a trailblazer in Nollywood, Funke has achieved historic box office success with films like Behind the Scenes (₦2.41 billion), A Tribe Called Judah (₦1.41 billion), and Everybody Loves Jenifa (₦1.88 billion). However, she clarified that gross earnings do not equate to personal profit. “First time making 1 billion: that 1 billion is on paper. They didn’t give me the full money because cinemas took their share, everyone took their share, so I went home with some money. But still, it was exciting and I’m grateful to God,” she explained.
Her story has resonated with fans, with many taking to social media to share their own experiences of encouragement. One fan noted how a simple word from a teacher helped them pass an exam, while another praised Kate Henshaw for her kindness, saying it could have changed the course of Funke’s career. The outpouring of support highlights the lasting impact of compassion in the entertainment industry.
Funke’s journey from a nervous newcomer to a box office powerhouse continues to inspire many, and her openness about the challenges and support she received along the way adds depth to her legacy in Nollywood.
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