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?
The greatest lesson my parents taught me, I would say, is “never to think I am better than anyone.” I might be better off because of circumstances or what have you, but to know that we are all equal before God. It is so profound and has shaped how I live my life and I have instilled same in my children.
Who are your favorite directors?
I really can’t say I have a favourite director. I can only say I like any director who allows me to explore the depth of my artistry, and I have been blessed in that wise.
You tend to play the mother in most television drama and, in fact, you are mainly associated with such roles, why?
I think the reason can be traced to the problem of stereotyping an actor. Once the actor interprets a particular role excellently, it can be aggravating. That is why I am so excited about my character in Tinsel, who is a no-holds-barred career woman. I also broke that mould when I played a blind pianist in a soap called 168 Love Stories. Last year, I took a break to do stage and was able to show my versatility playing different characters.
How do you handle your male fans?
My male fans have been very respectful. The bottom-line I guess is how you carry yourself and the kind of signals you send out.
An actress said recently that there is no longer sexual harassment in Nolloywood because young girls now give themselves freely. What is your take on that?
To answer this question about whether sexual harassment is or is no longer prevalent in Nollywood, I have to tell you what a friend and colleague said to me recently. He referred to me as an “intimate stranger” in Nollywood. So, I really cannot comment on the matter because I have no idea.
In the western world there seems to be a difference between soap opera actors and film/movie actors. Is the same thing happening here?
There really shouldn’t be any difference between TV or movie/film actors. They are practising the same craft, albeit on different platforms. An actor worth his or her salt should be able to function whether on stage, TV, radio or film.
Which pays better, the film/movie or soaps?
Which pays better? Hmm….I suppose film pays better for some people in our situation where an actor can be involved in doing so many movies at the same time. And this is a major reason there are so many mediocre productions, unlike In Hollywood where an actor can be signed on to do a movie and from pre- to post-production may take two years. For instance, sitcoms like Friends, Two and a Half Men, to mention but a few, the actors were so well paid that it becomes difficult to make a clear-cut statement as to which medium pays better. However, that is not the case here.
What were the most embarrassing moments you had with a fan?
Luckily for me, all I have ever got from fans is love, never an embarrassing moment. So much warmth and goodwill and I really appreciate them and pray God to always fill their hearts with joy as they have done mine.
If you were not an actress, what would you have been?
If I weren’t an actress, I probably would be a lawyer, because I hate injustice.
What and who inspires you?
So many people inspire me in the industry because of their passion, devotion and contributions – Bimbo Manuel, Joke Jacobs, Wole Oguntokun and a youngster I worked with recently called Ivie Okujaye. The fulfilment I get from impacting on the lives of people I probably would never meet is also an inspiration.
Aside acting, what other things do you do?
I am a homemaker; I engage in some buying and selling, involved in church activities and also getting our youths off the streets.
What is your unique selling point?
My USP is my down-to-earth persona and no airs. What you see is what you get!
What advice do you have for upcoming actors?
They should have the fear of God, have a sound education and hone their craft.
