I wasn’t given roles for 14 years because I refused to sleep around — Actress Jumoke George

My name is Magaret Olatunde but I am popularly known as Jumoke George. I am the third child of my parents. My late father retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. My mum was a teacher but my step mum is a retired Major. I was brought up by my father and stepmother.

Education

For my elementary education, I attended Command Children School, Yaba, Lagos. From there, I proceeded to Anglican Grammar School, Orita Mefa, Ibadan.

Stage acting is where the beauty of being an actor lies, while movies more or less follow trends. The quality of an actor is revealed on the stage.

I prefer acting on stage, especially when one is able to see the heads of all those seated in the theatre. It gives one a good ‘vibe’ to perform well.

Career

By God’s grace, I would be 50 years in the entertainment industry by 2024. I started acting 48 years ago. It was the Nigerian Television Authority that discovered me. I was asked to play the role of a child in a play that was to be aired on the NTA at the time. The person who was supposed to play the role fell sick, and when the opportunity came for me to be used as an alternate, my father’s friend asked that I should try it, and I did well.

Meanwhile, there was someone who lived in my neighbourhood called Ukwa. I told him that I loved acting and he introduced me to Laolu Ogunniyi’s theatre team and registered me there. It was Victor Ashaolu who trained me properly for 11 years.

Break

I did not leave (the industry) of my own volition. Some people in the industry wanted to sleep with me and I stood my ground that I would not do that with anyone in that sector. Because of that, I was not used or called for acting jobs for 14 years.

Comeback

Kazeem Afolayan (Epsalum Movies) engaged Okiki Afolayan, a movie director, and it was Okiki, who started pushing jobs my way when he realised how good I was, and I told him the reason for my absence from the industry.

Broadcasting

I have plans to still do more in that area. The programme I will like to bring back is Gele O Dun, because it is educational and centres on how lovers can meet, and what couples should do together to live in peace.

Fame

Fame has its price and if managed properly, there is no door it cannot open for one.