By Agatha Emeadi
Iretiola Olusola Doyle is a Nollywood actress, entertainer and television personality. Popularly known as Ireti, she is also a writer and public speaker. Ireti who has featured in several films advised green horns in the industry to get something doing by side to, pay their bills before the big roles start coming their way.
How did you get into acting and the entertainment Industry?
I got into it deliberately. I thought about it, wanted it with every fibre of my being, and pursued it. Acting was something I could always do, and I was more often than not selected to perform during school projects. It was in my late 20s that I realised this is what I was designed to do. From that point, I began to pursue it diligently, attending auditions and getting small roles, and playing each one like it was my Oscar performance until the recognition came. You know what; there is no “small” role.
How did you rise to stardom? Share an experienced that blew you up?
The rise to stardom was through hard work and diligence. Not being reluctant to go the extra mile. In my last response, I mentioned, “There is no small role.” Big one, small one, I played each role to the best of my abilities and with the same level of dedication. Gradually, the word began to spread that Ireti is an excellent actor and easy to work with. The first major breakthrough came after I joined Africa Magic’s longest running West African TV series. It exposed my craft to a broader audience, both home and abroad. That was also when international roles came calling, and that was the start of real, measurable success. Then came the film “Fifty” in 2014, which solidified my position, not only as a proficient and versatile performer, but also that my name is box office gold.
What was the feeling of your parents when you showed interest in entertainment and now that you have made it?
My parents were always supportive. They were very proud and were also my biggest cheerleaders. Before my mum passed unto glory, she used to save every newspaper article she could find about me and my career.
How are you coping with the rise?
I am coping well. After three decades in the business, one has learnt how to manage fame.
What opportunities have being an actress brought to you? Also talk about the challenges the rise has brought your way.
Being a successful actor affords one many opportunities. Doors open easily to you. People naturally gravitate towards you and want to do things for you. Being a known face makes it easier to delve into other endeavours successfully and with a modicum of ease. Imagine being a well-known and liked performer with massive followers. Even if one chooses to go into merchandising, for instance, the likelihood of success is very high. Though, one major downside of stardom is the loss of privacy. But even that can be managed.
How is the society treating you as an actor, share an experience?
The society treats me like royalty and with utmost respect; for that, I am grateful. Everyday, every event is an experience. I do not go out often, but when I do, it is usually a red-carpet treatment.
How was growing up like, talk about your family, parents and siblings?
I was born in Nigeria and migrated to the US with my parents when I was two. When I turned seven, my brother was born, so we were a family of four. We were your typical African migrant family, striving for better life in the Diaspora.
Talk about your programme “Oge with Ireti?”
At the start of my career, just like for every aspiring actor the roles were few and far between. To keep myself busy and pay the bills I worked as a production assistant. I learnt to produce and present and also hone my skills as a writer. I became a presenter on several frontline shows like “Morning Ride”, “Today on STV” and “NIMASA this Week”. I later went on to produce and present my own show “Oge with Iretiola” in 2020 which ran for a decade across several channels and reproduced in 2017 for African Magic.
What about the awards?
I am privilege to have been nominated for several awards. I have been awarded the award for best actress twice for my role in the psychological thriller “Torn” and a four -time AMVCA nominee and two-time winner of this prestigious award for my contribution to the ensemble piece “Tinsel”.
What advice would you give to aspiring female actors?
Be very sure this is what you want to do. Once you have made up your mind, pursue your dreams honourably. In the early days, when you are just starting out, find something else to do that pays the bills so you will have some level of control over your life. Then, put in the work whether it is a big or small role, put in the work.