Ngozi Ezeonu

Ngozi Ezeonu (born Ngozi Ikpelue, May 23, 1965) is a veteran Nigerian actress and former journalist notable for her portrayal of archetypal matriarchs in Nollywood movies. In 2012, she starred in Adesuwa, a role that earned her the Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards

Early life A native of Ogbunike in Anambra State, Nigeria, Ezeonu was born into a lower-class household in Owerri to Dennis and Ezenwanyi Ikpelue, and has six siblings. She had her primary and secondary education in Owerri, and subsequently studied Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism before working at Radio Lagos and Eko FM. She also briefly worked as a hairstylist.

Career Although best known for her maternal roles, Ezeonu was originally cast as younger characters at the start of her acting career. In 1993, veteran film director Zeb Ejiro offered Ezeonu a supporting role as Nkechi, the antagonist's best friend in the Igbo blockbuster Nneka the Pretty Serpent in 1994. This was followed by her role in Glamour Girls the same year as Thelma, a high society mistress. This movie proved that she can be versatile in acting. She has acted in over 200 movies in Nollywood. She has been honored for her efforts towards the growth of Nollywood. She is the Sun Nollywood Icon of the Year for 2023.

Personal life Ezeonu was previously married to Edwin Ezeonu with whom she had four children - Ogechukwu, Edwina, Chidera, and Melveen. In 2012, she was honored with a Chieftaincy Title Ada Ife (Daughter of Light) by His Royal Highness, C.F.N Ezerioha III, in her hometown of Ihiteoweri, Imo state.

Filmography She has featured in more than 150 Nollywood films. Among them:

1994 – 2007

Ada Vigilante End of Ada Vigilante Evil Project Senseless Best Honeymoon Enslaved Definition of Love My best friend End of a Princess Glamour Girls (1994) Nneka The Pretty Serpent (1994) as Nkechi Mark of the Beast (1999) as Mrs. Modupe Wasted Years (2000) as Sarah I Swear (2004) as Obidiya Occultic Kingdom (2005) Abuja Top Ladies (2006) as Winnie The Love Doctor (2007) as Kathy Royal Grandmother 1 and 2 (2007) as Philomena

2008 – 2016

Tears in My Eyes (2008) Throne of Tears 1, 2 and 3 (2008) as Lolo My Darling Princess (2008) Tears of a Prince (2009) Sister Mary and Ossy (2009) Stone Face (2009) Secret Shadows 1 and 2 (2010) as Mrs. Okafor Wise In-Laws (2010) A Private Storm (2010) as Mrs. Jibuno Adesuwa (2012) Shattered Mirror (2012) as Chief's wife August Meeting (2012) as Angela The Kings and Gods (2012) Broken Engagement (2013) Palace War (2014) Tears of a Virgin (2014) Luscious Lucy (2016) Tears of the Innocent (2016) Zenith of Sacrifice (2016) Heritage (2016)

2017 – 2019

Tears and Glory (2017) Child of Pain (2017) Tell Me Why (2017) Pretty Little Thing (2017) as Mrs. Ezulike Family Secret (2017) A Better Family (2018) as Teresa Lion Heart (2018) as Chioma Obiagu Confessor (2018) Dorathy (2018) as Philomena Agony of a Sister (2018) as Lolo Dibugo Different Worlds (2019) as Queen Onye Ndu (2019) as Mama Seed of Destruction (2019) Dusted Crown (2019) Crazy Princess (2019) On All Sides (2019) Run Away From Love (2019) If Trouble Comes (2019) Making a King (2019) Death Bed (2019) Three Brothers (2019)

2020 – 2023 Nkasi my flesh and blood Prince Decision A Dance to Forget (2020) as Teresa Gone (2021) as Gloria Agunnia the Warrior (2021) Sign the Will (2021) as Rebecca When Love Beckons (2021) as Mama Sochima Beautiful (2021) as Mama Iruoma Dirty Reflections (2022) as Augustina Something Awful (2022) as Bella The Dreamers (2022) Made in Love (2023) as Mabel

Awards and nominations