Carol King can be best described as the queen of soap operas. She has featured in many TV series including Edge of Paradise, I Need to Know, Blaze of Glory, Everyday People and a host of others. The actress shares with Sunday Sun the secret of her success and how she has kept away from scandal in Nollywood. Excerpts..
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What have you been up to lately?
I just finished work on the set of AMBO5 (Alero's Symphony) and currently appearing as Laide Cole on Tinsel, an M-Net soap.
How did you get into acting?
I started acting on radio and moved on to television some years ago. I have always had a passion for acting and the opportunity came when I auditioned for a radio play, got a role and, like they say, the rest is history.
How would you describe your years in the industry. Has it been smooth-sailing?
I would say my years in the industry had been smooth-sailing because I have been privileged to work with great talents, both on and behind the camera.
You appear more on soap operas, why?
There are two major reasons I appear more on soaps, the first being that that is where I am able to express myself as an artiste better. You have to develop the character you are playing and also sustain it for a longer period than if it is just a movie. The other reason is that I seldom get the kind of stories I want to tell from producers in Nollywood.
Does it pay more or is there a sort of segregation?
As to whether soaps pay more, I would like to say first and foremost that it is impossible to place monetary value on one's artistry. Most times, it is the love and passion for the arts that keeps one rooted in the industry, not the remuneration per se. But I'm looking forward to when it will be financially beneficial to practitioners as in other countries.
How have you been able to juggle your career as a wife and motherhood?
I have been able to juggle my career, as you put it, as a mother and wife, by God's grace, with the help of a supportive family. My husband is my greatest fan. My sons are grown and my extended family is always ready to help with my daughter on occasions I had to be in camp for a job. In a nutshell, everything works for my good in this instance.
You were recently ordained a minister. How has it been?
I was ordained a minister in my church (Bible Faith Church of God) recently and I tell you, there is no greater honour than serving God. To be considered worthy is very humbling.
Which comes first, your career or your family?
There is no gainsaying that my family comes before my career. When the buzz from having a career is gone, my family will always be there. They are my utmost joy. So there really is no comparison to start with.
You are one of the very few actresses without any scandal or controversies. How do you manage that?
Thanks for observing that I have been without any scandals or controversies. I just live my day-to-day life. I am a very private person who spends her time mostly with her family, attends church, goes to work and comes back home basically. I have a “live and let live” philosophy and the world would be a better place without some of these trumped up scandals, if you ask me.
What was your childhood like?
Growing up was very exciting because I come from a big family and I am the first child; I have six siblings. So you can imagine there was never any boring moment. My father was a policeman; so I got to live in different parts of Nigeria. I speak the major languages passably. My father really didn't like the idea of me being an actress and I only started pursuing my dream after his death. But I know that he would have been very proud of me if he were alive.
What great lesson did your parents teach you that you think has taken you this far?
.
What have you been up to lately?
I just finished work on the set of AMBO5 (Alero's Symphony) and currently appearing as Laide Cole on Tinsel, an M-Net soap.
How did you get into acting?
I started acting on radio and moved on to television some years ago. I have always had a passion for acting and the opportunity came when I auditioned for a radio play, got a role and, like they say, the rest is history.
How would you describe your years in the industry. Has it been smooth-sailing?
I would say my years in the industry had been smooth-sailing because I have been privileged to work with great talents, both on and behind the camera.
You appear more on soap operas, why?
There are two major reasons I appear more on soaps, the first being that that is where I am able to express myself as an artiste better. You have to develop the character you are playing and also sustain it for a longer period than if it is just a movie. The other reason is that I seldom get the kind of stories I want to tell from producers in Nollywood.
Does it pay more or is there a sort of segregation?
As to whether soaps pay more, I would like to say first and foremost that it is impossible to place monetary value on one's artistry. Most times, it is the love and passion for the arts that keeps one rooted in the industry, not the remuneration per se. But I'm looking forward to when it will be financially beneficial to practitioners as in other countries.
How have you been able to juggle your career as a wife and motherhood?
I have been able to juggle my career, as you put it, as a mother and wife, by God's grace, with the help of a supportive family. My husband is my greatest fan. My sons are grown and my extended family is always ready to help with my daughter on occasions I had to be in camp for a job. In a nutshell, everything works for my good in this instance.
You were recently ordained a minister. How has it been?
I was ordained a minister in my church (Bible Faith Church of God) recently and I tell you, there is no greater honour than serving God. To be considered worthy is very humbling.
Which comes first, your career or your family?
There is no gainsaying that my family comes before my career. When the buzz from having a career is gone, my family will always be there. They are my utmost joy. So there really is no comparison to start with.
You are one of the very few actresses without any scandal or controversies. How do you manage that?
Thanks for observing that I have been without any scandals or controversies. I just live my day-to-day life. I am a very private person who spends her time mostly with her family, attends church, goes to work and comes back home basically. I have a “live and let live” philosophy and the world would be a better place without some of these trumped up scandals, if you ask me.
What was your childhood like?
Growing up was very exciting because I come from a big family and I am the first child; I have six siblings. So you can imagine there was never any boring moment. My father was a policeman; so I got to live in different parts of Nigeria. I speak the major languages passably. My father really didn't like the idea of me being an actress and I only started pursuing my dream after his death. But I know that he would have been very proud of me if he were alive.
What great lesson did your parents teach you that you think has taken you this far?
