Nollywood actress Carolyna Hutchings says her talent, more than her looks, has fueled her success in the Nigerian film industry.
The 37-year-old actress shared this insight in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES in Lagos.
Born to a Scottish father and Nigerian mother, Carolyna began her acting career in 2004 and rose to fame with her role in Deadly Care.
Reflecting on his career path, he emphasized that ability, rather than his mixed-race heritage or appearance, was the key to his success.
The light-skinned actress said: “Right now, Nollywood is looking for talent rather than being a woman or a mixed race. “They are looking at talent and what you bring to the table, and this is what got me far, not just my looks.”
women of the industry
When asked about the role of women in Nollywood, Carolyna expressed her pride in the growing influence and achievements of women in the industry. “The women are doing very well, and if you look at the producers, they are doing very well,” she said.
Discussing how women in Nollywood can support each other, she highlighted that mutual respect and understanding are essential to foster an environment of solidarity among women in the industry.
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The Scottish-Nigerian actress said: “There is strong support for them (Nollywood women). “Women in the industry need to understand each other, know their value and what support can offer.”
She encouraged young women who aspire to succeed in Nollywood or in business to remain authentic and persevere in perfecting their craft. Carolyna said: “The sky is big enough for everyone. We would only have one star if the sky were not big enough. Just be who you are, show your talent and let everyone shine.”
Controversy
Addressing how she has thrived in her career despite marital controversies, the 37-year-old actress was reserved but acknowledged that “there are unique difficulties with being a woman in a male-dominated space.”
These difficulties often manifest in the form of unequal pay, limited opportunities for leadership roles, and social expectations that can hinder a woman's professional growth.
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Carolyna married Musa Danjuma, the younger brother of former Defense Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, in 2007 and had three children from the marriage before separating in 2016. She later alleged in 2022 on 'Real Housewives of Lagos' that blogger Linda Ikeji “played a role in their separation.”
In July, the actress shared on Instagram that her divorce made her feel like she lost her identity and had to rebuild her life from scratch, facing discrimination and rejection.
Chico Ejiro and Rita Dominic introduced Carolyna to her breakout role in Deadly Care, which paved the way for roles in other films such as Missing Angel (2004), The Captor (2006), Colors of Emotion (2005) and Stalker (2016).
The University of Calabar graduate entered politics in 2022 and served as his running mate in the Akwa-Ibom State governorship race. In addition to her career, Carolyna is involved in the oil and gas business.