In an industry often characterised by sensational headlines, scandals, and heated social media exchanges, celebrated actress Queen Nwokoye has managed to maintain an admirable reputation.
In a recent interview, the mother of one, known for her versatility and consistent screen presence, shared her secrets for staying out of controversy.
“I don’t think I am doing anything special to avoid trouble,” she stated. “I don’t like public events, crowds, or being the centre of attention. The fame and publicity that come with being an actress are not really my thing. What I enjoy most is hearing people commend me for a job well done. I prefer not to be talked about unless it’s regarding my work or the funny character I portrayed. I don’t want people in my personal space or to know what I’m doing.”
She also pointed out that many of her colleagues believe controversy fuels popularity, a notion she does not embrace. “A lot of my colleagues think being in the news for the wrong reasons will boost their fame. I don’t care about that. I just live my life the way I’ve always wanted to.”
For many Nollywood actors, Lagos is the ultimate destination—the bustling hub where the entertainment industry thrives. However, Queen Nwokoye has chosen not to relocate to Lagos, despite her success and persistent invitations from top filmmakers.
“For my family’s sake, I have chosen to remain here in Asaba. I have a little daughter who is still growing, and I don’t want her moving around at this age. It is a personal decision,” she explained.
She added that even though she receives regular offers to film in Lagos, timing has often been a barrier to her participation. “I can comfortably say that Funke Akindele has reached out to me for every movie she’s done, not just her—many others have too,” she said. “But the timing hasn’t always worked for me. I am very comfortable in Asaba; I don’t want to move to Lagos. My family comes first before my career. I can only come to Lagos when I have the opportunity. When my daughter is older, then I can start travelling more.”
She cited Toyin Abraham as another filmmaker who has been trying to reach her for years. “Toyin has been calling me since 2016, and I just got to work with her this year. So you see, it’s always about the timing.”