Background
I am Mercy Johnson, an actress. I was born 29 years ago and I am the fourth child in a family of seven. My father is an ex-military officer and I left my mother at the age of two to live with him. Due to the nature of his job, he was constantly transferred from one station to another. I am proud of him because he taught me all I needed to know from childhood to adulthood.
Movie industry
I have grown with time and there have been good and bad times. There have been rumours and scandals. Sometimes, when I cry in movies, it wasn’t the script that made me cry. Rather, I reflect on my humble beginning and the height I’ve attained now. This makes me cry.
Journey into acting
After my secondary school education, I approached a friend for assistance to feature in a movie. He took me to the National Theatre, Lagos, but a role did not come until a year later. My first lead role was in a film titled, ‘The Maid.’ It was quite challenging to interprete because it was my first movie. When I saw the veterans on set, I fidgeted.
A star actress
Life is in phases and I cannot say I have reached the peak of my profession. I have not even won an Oscar yet! There is always a higher mountain to climb, a new vision to fulfill and I am at that point. I want to achieve new and greater dreams.
Fulfillment
The greatest fulfillment is the ability to influence people positively through my acting.
Challenges
Life is not a bed of roses; it comes with challenges which make me stronger and who I am.
Nollywood: Then and now
We have achieved feats which the old Nollywood did not achieve. It is all about progression and I am sure that in the future, Nollywood will achieve a greater feat than it is doing currently.