Kate Henshaw


Kate Henshaw, also known as Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, is a Nigerian actress. In 2008, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Stronger than Pain.

Early life

Henshaw was born on 9 July 1971 in Cross River State, Nigeria, the eldest of four children. She attended St. Mary Private School in Ajele, Lagos State, for her primary education and later Federal Government Girl College, Calabar, for her secondary education. She spent one year in remedial studies at the University of Calabar before majoring in medical microbiology at the School of Medical Laboratory Science, Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Henshaw worked at the Bauchi State General Hospital.
Before becoming an actress, Henshaw worked as a model, featuring in several commercials, including a print and television advertisment for Shield deodorant.

Career

In 1993, Henshaw auditioned for the lead role in the film When the Sun Sets and was selected, marking her first appearance in a major Nollywood film. Henshaw has starred in over 45 Nollywood films.
In 2008, she won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Stronger than Pain.
She was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the African Movie Academy Award in 2018, for her role in Roti.

Politics

On 19 July 2014, Henshaw launched her campaign website while contesting to represent the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. Henshaw lost the primary election to Essien Ayi but was appointed as Special Adviser Liaison Lagos by the Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in December 2015.

Endorsement

In 2012, Henshaw became the brand ambassador for a UK-based perfume line, Blessing perfumes. She served as a brand ambassador for Onga seasoning, produced by Promasidor Nigeria Limited. In September 2012, Henshaw was selected as a judge on the reality show Nigeria Got Talent, alongside Dan Foster. In 2013, she and Banky W were appointed brand ambassadors for Samsung Mobile Division. In January 2019, Henshaw was selected as one of the 50 judges on the CBS international talent show called The World's Best. She served as an ambassador for the telecommunication company Glo.

Philanthropy

In 2016, a Twitter user posted a picture of a two-year-old boy, Michael Alvez, who was born with an ulcerous facial growth and tagged Henshaw, who subsequently developed an interest in the case. She and several others contributed the sum of ₦8 million towards the child's medical treatment. The money was returned at the family's request, who rejected further assistance.

Personal life

Henshaw married British-born Roderick James Nuttal in 1999, and they have one child together. Henshaw and Nuttal divorced in 2011.

Honours

In 2011, Henshaw was appointed a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic by the Nigerian government.

Filmography