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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Ruth Eze is known for her compelling performances in a range of roles.
The Imo State-born diva has continued to build a reputation as one of the actresses making their mark in contemporary Nollywood.
Beyond acting, she has also explored other aspects of filmmaking, demonstrating her commitment to growth and longevity in the industry.
In this interview with Saturday Sun, Eze speaks on her career journey, the challenges of navigating Nollywood, personal growth, relationships, and her aspirations for the future.
How are you doing, darling? It has been a while.
I am doing great, dear. Yes, it has been a while, and I have been busy with work and my business.
It’s been a long time since we saw you on TV. Did you take some time off?
Well, yeah, I did take some time off to grow my young business.
Are you still producing movies?
Yes, that part of me will never die. I am even planning a production as we speak.
Before shooting a movie role, how do you prepare yourself to take on the character, especially those tedious types?
I read my script well. I don’t joke with that; I forget who Ruth Eze is, and I put on the character given to me and nail it.
Which other businesses do you do aside from Nollywood?
Aside from Nollywood, I ventured into the fabric business. However, that was my mum’s business. When I decided to invest in something else, my mother advised me to try the fabric business. I had little idea about it, but now it’s really blooming. My shop is in Balogun Market on Lagos Island. I chose Balogun Market because I want to sell at wholesale prices so everyone can afford it.
There are many other businesses; why did you choose fabrics?
Yes, I chose fabrics because, first, I love the fashion world and creativity. Secondly, I have an idea for the business. The worst thing is starting a business you know nothing about and relying on other people’s opinions and ideas to run it; it will fail. That’s what happened to my hair and salon business. So I have ideas about fabrics because my mum did the same business, and when I was younger I used to go to her shop once in a while to look around and help out, and I will tell you, that is what is helping me in my business now.
Was that a reason for your full move back to Lagos from Asaba?
Well, that’s the reason I moved to Lagos. You can’t have a successful business without your presence; a new brand needs your presence so people don’t build houses in their father’s house with your money. So I needed to watch how things go. I spent a lot of money to put the business together, so I decided to stay involved.
Which is more profitable, the fabrics business or Nollywood?
Nollywood is profitable, and the fabric business is profitable, too. Still, it comes at a time in Lagos when you want something that can bring real, solid money, and I needed something to distract me from the evil going on in Asabawood.
Would you ever quit acting to focus on your business full-time?
No, I will never quit acting. My face is helping my business. Many of my fans buy from me. Sometimes, when I am in my shop, when my fans walk in and recognise me, they scream and must buy from me, so I will not quit acting, never.
So far, how would you rate this year, 2026?
Well, 2026 has been tough, but God has been merciful and faithful, and I believe it will end in praises to God.
What is one career decision you’ve made that you would reconsider if given another chance?
One career decision I wish to reconsider is becoming an actress. I wish I had never become one. That industry is evil; that industry is really full of evil, heartless, blood-sucking demons. That industry is more than what you see, and if you’re not in their cartel or their team, they will frustrate you. That’s why I left that Asabawood for them.
What is one misconception people have about you that you’d like to correct?
How can you be in an industry and you’re doing well, and some set of people are so angry because you’re not in their cartel. Then they start bewitching you. Nollywood is an evil industry. I will never allow my child to become an actress; they will destroy your mental health, and if you force yourself and continue doing well, they will finish you up.
Has fame altered your relationships with friends or family in any way?
No, not at all. Fame has not altered my relationships with friends and family; I am naturally humble.
Have you ever been approached by a married man?
Yes, several times, oh. Married men approach me more, and almost all the single ladies could attest to this. I think many married men are unhappy in their marriages because they married the wrong person.
