- Nollywood, despite its intense competition, has produced some iconic female acts over the years who
- From Kate Henshaw to Rita Dominic, these screen divas have remained ageless and beautiful for decades
- TheRadar compiles an inexhaustive list of Nollywood actresses who look younger than their age
‘Age is just a number’ may not be far-fetched in comparison to these ‘ageless’ Nollywood screen divas, who seem to always appear younger despite the advancement in their ages.
The intense competition in the Nollywood industry cannot be overruled yet it witnesses these female acts, who have the best and worst of its heat, still standing pretty and ageless. Most of them are legends in their own right and have seen generations. They are either in their forties or fifties but in reality, one can bet they look way younger than their age.
One can argue that the possibility lies in their lifestyle and their prominent status but the idea of their genes at play may not be totally overruled as well. Their age-defying look is another advantage.
TheRadar compiles an array of these beauties and brains that have built a reputation for themselves with their acting prowess both on and off screen. Most importantly, they are also known to make heads turn and fans lost in the awe of their ‘ageless’ personality. Below are the top 7.
7 ‘ageless’ female actresses that still make heads turn
Kate Henshaw (53 years)
Renowned Nigerian actress and gym enthusiast, Kate Henshaw sits pretty on the top of this ‘ageless’ list. The 2008 Africa Movie Academy Award winner for Best Actress in a Leading Role recently celebrated her 53rd birthday anniversary and fans were captivated by her look. Born in 1971, Henshaw has starred in over 45 movies where she is never caught looking funny. She's either a disciplinarian, lover girl or intellectual in a role. She is a mother of one.
Genevieve Nnaji (45 years)
Genevieve Nnaji is not a new name as far as the Nollywood industry is considered. The screen goddess started acting as a child at 8, starring in the then-popular television soap opera, Ripples. The 45-year-old filmmaker is regarded as one of the ‘most respected’ actresses particularly referring to her private lifestyle and an almost scandal-free career. In 2018, the Imo state born actress struck a deal with Netflix with her directorial debut movie, ‘Lion Heart,’ one that paved the way for many others. It was the first Nigerian film acquired by Netflix and the first Nigerian submission for the Oscars award.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde (46 years)
The remarkable actress, who also tried modeling and music, had her acting debut in 1995 with ‘Venom of Justice’ and has since appeared in over 300 films till date. The 46-year-old actress is happily married to Captain Matthew Ekeinde. She is the founder of Oyep and an ambassador for UNWEP. Notably, she was included in Time magazine’s most influential people in 2013. Despite her age, she no doubt still effortlessly looks ageless and beautiful.
Rita Dominic-Anosike (49 years)
Rita Dominic is an award-winning Nollywood A-list actress that has sustained her flawless look over the years. Aside from her unique acting skills, the actress who marked her 49th birthday in style, is known for her dazzling fashion sense and beauty. Dominic, who is a member of the Royal Nwaturuocha family in Imo State, was born in 1975. She started acting in 1998 with her debut, ‘A time to Kill.’ She has appeared in over 100 films till date.
Nse Ikpe Etim (49)
The native of Akwa Ibom and multi talented actress, is another ageless queen in the Nollywood industry. Nse Ikpe Etim was nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Leading Role’ for her role in Reloaded and Mr. and Mrs. at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. The 49-year-old actress has remained ageless, dazzling fans aside her acting skills.
Omoni Oboli (46 years)
The Nollywood screen diva, Omoni Oboli, wears many hats from scriptwriter, to director, producer and is an all around filmmaker. She is the epitome of ‘black don’t crack’ - always appearing the same and even younger like she ages backward. The mother of three boys is arguably beautiful and ageless. Having graduated from the New York Film Academy, she is credited to popular screenplays like Anchor Baby, Fatal Imagination, Being Mrs Elliot, The First Lady and Wives on Strike. She is married to Nnamdi Oboli.
Funke Akindele (47 years)
One of the most comic Nollywood actresses, Funke Akindele, fondly known as Jenifa came into limelight with the sitcom ‘I Need to Know’ in 1998 to 2002. As one of Nollywood’s favorite acts, she never fails to put smiles on the faces of her fans. The ageless mother of twins is known for her infectious dancing skills especially in recent times. She is 47 and appears ageless.
Bolanle Austen-Peters: How movie director is preserving cultural heritage through Nollywood
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Bolanle Austen-Peters has maintained a significant role in preserving African culture through films, art, and stage plays.
As the founder and director of Terraculture, an art and culture space, she penetrated into the Nigerian film industry, breaking frontiers to document history through her cultural storytelling skills.
