Delectable actress, Judith Audu is one personality that can best be described as jack of all trades and master of all. What sets her apart from her peers is her ability to combine all her creative activities and still bring out the best in all of them.
Aside being a role interpreter, she is also a blogger, voice-over artiste, entrepreneur and a model.
In this interview, the beautiful Edo-born actor shares her experiences in the movie industry as well as her other passion on and off the screen.
Tell us more about your background
My name is Judith Audu, I hail from Edo State. I was born and bred in Lagos. My father was a Naval Officer and my mother is an entrepreneur. I have a Masters degree in Public and International Affairs and a Barchelor’s degree in French both from Lagos State University (LASU).
Six months into 2013, how would you say you have fared career-wise?
The year started for me on a very good note and I would say it has been a very fruitful and successful one for me. I’ve got a lot of projects piled up and I’m grateful to God for all the opportunities so far.
Is there any reason we are yet to see you on the big screen?
As I said, I have got a lot of things coming up very soon, so just watch out for me, very soon it will happen, unless it is not the will of God.
You have done more of sitcoms than feature films. Is it deliberate?
I wouldn’t say it is deliberate; I always end up with a TV script. I am a sucker for good story and most feature film scripts I get don’t cut it for me. I probably haven’t been at the right place at the right time for a good feature film script.
What are the titles of some of the productions you have been in?
Seekers, Burning spears, Tinsel, Huzzel, 4 Walls, Comfort Zone, Rush, Funtime, Life is Beautiful, Case File, House Apart, Queens Drive, just to mention a few.
Sometime ago, you mentioned a stint in modelling. How is that working out?
I have been very busy with acting so, that has been affecting my career as a model. Most of the time when I have a modelling job to shoot, I may be on an acting job location that I can’t leave and I hate disappointing people. I will find a way to balance them soon.
How would you relate your field of study to the arts?
While in French class, we actually did have a couple of literature books we needed to act out as assignments. Also, I joined theatre groups while at the University. That was where I got groomed and learnt the rudiments of acting.
Has it enhanced or retarded your career?
I would say it enhanced it especially with my stage training.
Aside acting and modelling, what else are you into?
I am also a voice over artiste. I have done several radio dramas and voice over jobs. I do presenting too. I am a blogger. I profile up-and-coming entertainers, share food recipes and write a bit here and there in entertainment on my blog. I don’t do gossips though.
So far, how has it been in terms of appreciation?
They are always very happy and grateful and whenever they love the write-ups, it makes me happy.
You also blog about recipes, why the interest in food?
Yes I do, I would call myself a foodie. I love cooking but don’t really eat much so I stuff whoever is close to me with food. I grew up in a house where everyone cooks. My dad was a chef; my mum is also a chef. My elder brother is an excellent cook. We bake for the fun of it at home and play with new recipes. I grew up in a house where food was always everywhere and had neighbours who were caterers. They taught us how to make pastry from a very young age.
Are you looking at opening your own eatery someday?
You never know. It’s not easy to run an eatery but then you never can tell.
Of all of these, which is more important to you?
I am first and foremost an actress. Every other thing is secondary.
As a graduate of French, do you see yourself becoming a career diplomat in
future?
That has always been my prayer, I love diplomats and always admire them and the role they play in their various countries. I’m working towards that path and everything I do is geared to that direction one way or another.
Tell us that one negative experience that almost marred your dream of being an actress
There is lack of professionalism which runs deep in the industry. There is also lack of respect for actors/ actresses sometimes when we go for auditions. Sometimes, people address us like we came because we are desperate and jobless, offer peanuts that can’t even cover transportation and expect us to be excited. If not for the love I have for acting, I have been tempted several times to get a regular job but then I always find myself coming back to the industry.
Some of your colleagues actually act alongside having regular jobs. Have you given that a thought?
Sometimes I do but unless you own the company, you will run out of excuses each time you need to go on location. That will work perfectly if you are in control of business so that when you have to go on location, you wouldn’t owe anyone an explanation for not showing up at work for weeks.
How long have you been in the industry?
I featured on screen for the first time in 2004 and registered with AGN (Actors Guild of Nigeria) same year but left the industry same year and came back late 2010. I have been acting full time since then.
At what point in your life did you decide it was going to be the arts?
I have always admired broadcasters, actors and have always known that is where I want to be.
What form of opposition did you meet when you made your decision public?
None. I am very fortunate to be born into a family that supports children in achieving whatever they believe will make them happy and never kick against it as long as it is legitimate. My family members are my number 1 fans.
Giving the intriguing lives actors and actresses are said to live, would you say the career is worth it?
People are different. Not everyone can handle fame and all the madness that comes with it. Keeping life simple and being humble helps curb a lot of craze. Acting is about the only thing that I derive unimaginable joy from. It is worth it but I don’t think I will be on the list of actors with negative, intriguing lives.
Like some of your other colleagues, do you intend venturing into movie production or the more technical part of movies?
I am already working on my own production, and I would love to learn more on directing too.
How challenging would you say the profession has been?
If one doesn’t have something else doing and the jobs don’t come rolling in, it can be boring. The challenge I had earlier was the non-availability of opportunity and platforms to really show what I can do but that has improved now. I would say everything that comes now as a challenge I see as a test to prove myself and improve my skills.
How true is it that to break into the industry you need to have slept with someone?
That maybe true in those days but not anymore because we have serious independent producers coming in with intentions of making good international standard productions so they search for talented and good actors and that has made it possible to get to the top by merit not by sleeping with anyone.
Given that scenario, what would be your reaction?
I would never sleep with anyone because I want to act in a film. It is a matter of yes or no. In a scenario like that I will work away without wasting anytime. There are Many opportunities in the industry.
The competition in the industry is rife. How do you intend to hold sway?
I am unique. As I said earlier, I don’t see myself in a competition with anyone; its either I fit the role being auditioned for or not. Even if at casting sometimes we may be more than 20 reading for a role, I still don’t see it as ‘competing’ with my colleagues because it will boil down to who fits the role better, not necessarily who acts better in some situation. I will keep training myself to be the best at what I do and to become a better actor.
Are you married?
Yes, I am married.
Many celebrity marriages are known to have failed. How do you hope to blend the fame and family life together?
I’m blessed with a partner who understands my job very well. He encourages, supports and believes so much in me and I don’t take that for granted. I think the trick is finding a balance and know that the family comes first, always communicate and be open with each other. Always reach a compromise when making decisions together and commit everything into God’s hands.
What is your fondest memory growing up?
Hanging out with my father and being referred to as his girlfriend by people who don’t know me. It is funny.
How fair was growing up to you?
My family was very comfortable. We were contented with what we had and I didn’t feel I lacked anything although I wasn’t a demanding child. I had a lovely childhood, grewing up in the Naval barracks. Unlike the Army barracks, the Navy barracks is quiet and most people keep to themselves and mind their business so I spent a lot of time indoors watching television.
So far, in your brief sojourn, has the entertainment industry changed anything in you?
The more I grow in the industry the more my confidence and boldness grow. I can stand in front of anybody and speak without being timid so I would say the industry has imbibed boldness in me.
What defines your sense of style?
I love to look effortlessly beautiful and I admire people who are like that. I am not sheepishly into brands or trends. I wear whatever I am comfortable in. I like to dress simple but attractive.
What percentage of your income do you spend on your looks?
Not much really I spend moderately and only when it is necessary.
Do you have any tattoo on your body?
No, I don’t.
What do you have against tattoos?
I just don’t like it and can’t imagine drawing anything on my body.
What are those projects you have piled up?
I have a lot of projects lined up and hoping they don’t come up at the same time. I am working on one. I have been on it for the past two months, it’s a project I am really excited about and happy to be in, awesome cast and crew…Just watch out.
You started out on stage at the university and now you are on TV. What major differences do you see between both worlds?
I would say TV is way easier to do than stage because stage requires serious concentration because there is no ‘take 2’; you are in front of your audience. Any mistake that is not quickly covered up will destroy the performance. Stage is so much fun, really missed doing stage performance because the feeling an actor gets when you feel your audience is connected and enjoying what you are doing is awesome and can’t really be explained in words. It’s easier for a stage actor to cross over to TV, all they have to do is reduce their gesticulations, voice projection and over laying emphasis on words unless it is important, and play more with expressions.
