By Fola IgwegbeLinda Ihuoma Ejiofor is a beautiful, funny and driven actress who is well known for her role as “Bimpe” on AfricaMagic Entertainment's weekday soap, Tinsel. Linda is gradually launching herself into the competitive Nigeria’s movie industry. We caught up with her to find out a bit more about her...
Tell us a bit about your background?
I am the first daughter out of five, a native of Abia State, I went to LABO Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Surulere, Lagos. From there I went to Federal Government Girls’ College, Onitsha. I studied Sociology at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
When did you first know you wanted to be an actor?
Acting wasn’t planned for me at all. When I first graduated from school I wanted to work for an advertising company and have an office job. I did do a diploma in Theatre arts at the University of Ibadan for just six months as my dad pulled me out because he didn't want any of his children to go into acting. But, I believe this is my calling, that's why I'm an actress today!
So how did you get the role of Bimpe?
It was actually a friend of mine who encouraged me to go for the audition. I auditioned in 2006 and was called back in 2008 where I began my role of Bimpe in Tinsel.
What was the first show you ever did?
Tinsel is my first show, first love. It brought me out.
I love everything about her (laughs). She’s stubborn, she’s cunning, she’s funny and clueless. She acts like she’s stupid but deep down she just wants to be loved but people don’t understand her.
Are you anything like Bimpe in real life?
Ermmmm, not everything. I’m not clueless but I’m stubborn, mischievous and naughty. I’m not a rock like Bimpe, I care what people say. My friends are always telling me I need to not worry about others and always be myself. I can’t help but to be cautious of what I do in public.
hich of your fellow cast members are you close to?
Everyone, because Bimpe is actually one of the few characters that gets to act with all the characters, she’s everywhere. Anyone I work with, I bond with very well, the chemistry is always there, it's fun.
What role would you love to play that you haven’t yet?
I would love to have a challenging role, I’d actually like to try and play a mad girl. Something like Angela’s role, someone crazy. Or a very shy, quiet person who doesn’t like to talk.
Have you had any embarrassing moments on set?
Well I’ve missed my lines quite a few times, but that’s just standard. Also I tripped once but luckily my skirt didn’t fly up (laughs).
Where do you see yourself in the future?
By the grace of God I want to be one of the top actresses in Nigeria and around the world.
Follow Linda on Twitter @ihumz.
