Chicago in my heart, Nigeria in my blood.
Growing up, I explored many activities including ballet and tap. I remember as a child, being in grocery stores, picking up JET magazines and reading aloud in my “actor’s” voice. I thought I would get “discovered.” Little did I know, I would not get discovered but I did have natural talent in track & field. Coincidentally, JET magazine was named to symbolize “Black and Speed,” good omens I had yet to recognize. Later, I attended Morgan Park Highschool where I contributed on a Four-Peat State Championship team. This led me to a full Collegiate-Track Scholarship.
My mother was beyond excited, as she knew how difficult life could be. She was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, poor and full of potential. She moved to Chicago for more opportunity and became a Registered Nurse; naturally, she wanted me to pursue a degree in Nursing. It made sense to me at the time, besides, I didn’t know anyone who was an actor. Truthfully, I genuinely loved helping people, making them laugh and lifting their spirits.
I became a Registered Nurse by twenty-two, but wasn’t totally fulfilled, so I became a Family Nurse Practitioner by twenty-seven. After years of practice, travel and rediscovering myself, I returned to that little girl reading those JET magazines, but now willing to follow those good omens.
I began shooting out of the starting blocks through Chicago’s acting classes, hurdling through Meisner and sprinting right into Improv at The Second City. I have been cast in theater productions (Murdering Macbeth) and feature films. I can currently be seen in a couple of family sitcoms on Amazon Prime (The Coleman Show and Ultimate Invasion).
My serious-professional and get-down-to-business attributes coupled with my extrovert-don’t-mind-laughing-at-myself personality will make your head spin and not in an Exorcist type of way. Every step and every good omen that I have experienced has led me to my purpose. The first part of my life has been an exciting setup; now I’m in the best chapter!