I Don’t Womanise, Says Nollywood’s Tallest Actor
Q: Can we get to know you?
A: My name is Nathaniel Ruskin Georgewill popularly called Nath, I'm a Kalabari from Abonnema Akuku Toru Local Government, in Rivers State. I'm in my thirties, I'm 6 feet 6 inches tall, a model and an actor. I grew up in Rivers State and attended Universal Primary Education in Abonnema, and Nymani Grammar School Abonnema. Then I went to Universal College of Technology Ile-Ife Osun State, where I majored in marketing and graduated with 2nd class. I weigh 110kg and also a physical fitness instructor with a black belt in Karate.
Q: At what point did you discover your talent as an actor?
A: Well, I was into modeling in the 90's, I got the Cadbury/Road Safety Corps commercial where I played the lead role, that was the Tomtom commercial. I also worked with May & Baker in 2001 then I left modeling and went into acting full time in 2005. I also happen to be the tallest actor in Nollywood and so far I have featured in over 53 movies as at the last count.
Q: What are the challenges that come with acting as a career?
A: The major challenge is that most of the practitioners are not very conscious of time, they can call you without prior notice and you have to meet up, except O.J. Productions and Simon that give you 24 hours notice, others can call you at any time. Another challenge is that sometimes you may spend a whole day on set, not having any time for yourself or your family.
Q: What are the advantages of being the tallest actor in Nollywood?
A: Being the tallest actor enhances my profile among other actors. It also enables me to fit into different and diverse roles. For instance I can play the role of a doctor, a minister, a politician and so on, but on the other hand I cannot fit into roles meant for shorter people.
Q: Who do you see as your mentors in Nollywood?
A: In the female category, I look up to people like Ngozi Ezeonu, Monalisa Chinda, Uche Jombo, Patience Ozokwor and Oge Okoye. What makes me admire them is their determination to be at the top. And then in the male category, I look up to the likes of Desmond Elliot, Ernest Obi, Tony Umez, Charles Okafor, Alex Usifo and the legend himself Olu Jacobs.
Q: Do you have any friends in the movie industry?
A: Yes, I'm very close to the top female superstars, among the males are Desmond Elliot, Tony Umez, David Uba, Sunny Chikezie, Tony Kanu, Charles Okafor and a host of others.
Q: Tell us about the happiest moment of your career?
A: The happiest day of my career was when I was awarded alongside Nollywood's best by the Global Living Church. I was awarded Mr. Congeniality. Other superstars like Enebeli Elebuwa, Ngozi Ezeonu, Emeka Ani, Adim Williams, Ifeanyi Oreabo and a host of others were also awarded.
Q: How do you cope with advances from ladies?
A: I consider every female fan a friend. The fact is that I don't even know how to toast or woo a lady because I'm a very shy person, but I have so many female fans especially in the South-South.
Q: How will you describe Nollywood?
A: Well I'll say the industry has heroes that have made it solid while it also has villains trying to bring it down. Among the heroes are O.J Productions and Simonc because they pay salaries promptly and they are well ahead of their peers. In a nutshell Nollywood is a battle between heroes and the villains, and in the end, the heroes will definitely win, it's only a matter of time.
Q: Do you consider yourself a successful actor?
A: Yes, because I have no cause to regret, I don't think those that we started together with can boast of featuring in over 53 movies. So I have every cause to be grateful to Almighty God.
Q: Where do you see Nollywood in the nearest future?
A: If the government and companies invest money in the industry, there will be a massive improvement in returns of scripts production quality and budget and if other banks can follow in the footsteps of Eco bank then the sky will be the limit for Nollywood.
Q: How do you relax?
A: Most times I relax by watching films, reading the Bible and going out with my son because I don't go out clubbing, I don't drink and I don't womanise.
Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
A: With the permission of God, I see myself as a successful and one of the best actors in Nollywood.
Q: Can you tell us some of the movies you have featured in?
A: I was in the Last Faculty, Rush Hour, 100 Days in the Jungle, Secret Mission, 122 Last Mission, I also featured in Old Testament, Warriors of Satan, Ambassador of Satan, Thunder Storm, Giant of the Jungle which is the first of its kind and others.
Q: Are you well paid?
A: I can be grouped among the fourth generation of actions in form of how much I'm being paid.
Q: Tell us about your religions life?
A: I'm a very godfearing person and it reflects on how I deal with people. I don't consciously step on toes and I worship in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Covenant Assembly, Kofo Abayomi, Apapa.
Q: Finally, what message do you have for your admirers?
A: They should be positive about life and they should keep on watching Nigerian movies no matter how bad some of them are. They should have faith and believe in God because we came into this world with nothing and we will go back with nothing.
—Ayodele Campbell