Ngozi Ezeonu


Ngozi Ezeonu 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 in Owerri to Dennis and Ezenwanyi Ikpelue, and has six siblings. She was born in a low income household. Prior to finding fame as an actress, she studied Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and worked for Radio Lagos and Eko FM.

Education

The Actress had her Primary and Secondary Education in Owerri. She later enrolled for a Diploma Course in Journalism at Nigeria Institute of Journalism Lagos.

Career

Although best known for her maternal roles, She once worked as a hairstylist. 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 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

The Actress was once married to Edwin Ezeonu with whom she had four children. In 2012, she was honored with a Chieftaincy Title "Ada Ife", which literally means ‘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 VigilanteEnd of Ada VigilanteEvil ProjectSenselessBest HoneymoonEnslavedDefinition of Love   My best friend End of a PrincessGlamour Girls Nneka The Pretty Serpent as NkechiMark of the Beast as Mrs. ModupeWasted Years as SarahI Swear as ObidiyaOccultic Kingdom Abuja Top Ladies as WinnieThe Love Doctor as Kathy
  • ''Royal Grandmother 1 and 2 as Philomena''

2008 – 2016

Tears in My Eyes Throne of Tears 1, 2 and 3 as LoloMy Darling Princess Tears of a Prince Sister Mary and Ossy Stone Face Secret Shadows 1 and 2 as Mrs. OkaforWise In-Laws A Private Storm as Mrs. JibunoAdesuwa Shattered Mirror as Chief's wifeAugust Meeting as AngelaThe Kings and Gods Broken Engagement Palace War Tears of a Virgin Luscious Lucy Tears of the Innocent Zenith of Sacrifice
  • ''Heritage ''

2017 – 2019

Tears and Glory Child of Pain Tell Me Why Pretty Little Thing as Mrs. EzulikeFamily Secret A Better Family as TeresaLion Heart as Chioma ObiaguConfessor Dorathy as PhilomenaAgony of a Sister as Lolo DibugoDifferent Worlds as QueenOnye Ndu as MamaSeed of Destruction Dusted Crown Crazy Princess On All Sides Run Away From Love If Trouble Comes Making a King Death Bed
  • ''Three Brothers ''

2020 – 2023

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