Alex Lopez

Talking about Nollywood. How and when did you come in?
I came into acting after Ben Bruce's Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant in '93, where I was the second runners-up. I represented Delta State. The winner that year was Roli Gbinigie. After that I got into modeling and did some calendar jobs and TV adverts. Leo Onwordi, who was a family friend of ours then brought me into the industry. He told me to come for an audition of a TV soap titled Daughters of Eve, but unfortunately, we didn't get the project started due to lack of sponsors. I came in fully into Nollywood between 94/95 on the set of Karishika, where I was given a scene to play. My breakthrough came via Piccadilly and Domitilla 2. All my movies put together from then till now are not up to 50.

Has any among these your movies really challenged you?
The truth is that my role in Domitilla as a lesbian still follows me behind. Even though, I'm not one. Piccadilly really challenged me. I got a scar on my face from that movie while learning how to ride a power bike. Echoes, was also demanding, because I clean shaved in that movie, also with Scouts and Rebels. I like tasking movies a lot, not the normal bedroom types.

As a child growing up, was becoming an actress on your mind?
As a child growing up, I was wrapped up in my own world of fantasies dreaming of becoming a career diplomat. And by the grace of God, I will achieve that some day. As a child then, I also dreamt of living on my own poultry farmland. It was so for me, because I grew up in the north. I was born in Jos and grew up in Bauchi. Growing up in the north then was lovely.

How about your father, you've been talking about your mum alone since this interview began?
My parents are separated, but my dad is still alive.

As a pretty and rising actress then did some producers and directors harass you sexually?
No! Nobody ever did that to me. Everything has to do with your qualities and principles. My aura and principles kept them at bay. Then it was not easy attending six to seven auditions in a day. And I must also confess that it was not easy for me getting to the top.

How would you describe Alex Lopez?
Alex is just a very simple and homely person.

Tell us about your family?
I'm from a family of five girls and a boy. I'm child number two. It's a lovely family. My father is a Brazilian while my mum is from Obosi, Anambra State. I'm a naturalized Lagosian.
When was the last time you met with your dad one on one?
I see him whenever I want to see him.


How is the relationship like?
Good!


At 31, has love been fair to you?
Well, love hasn't really been fair to me, because as an actress lots of people don't take you serious. They feel because you are an actress, automatically you should be wayward and not the kind of person to take home to mama and papa. It takes a patient man to see the kind of person that Alex is… My love life has been good and bad.


Presently are you into an affair?
No! I'm not into any right now. It's less stressful for me. And I'm not searching for a man right now.


Are you insinuating that you don't want to have anything to do with men again?
I'm not insinuating that. If the right person comes I might give it a trial. I'm looking for that man that will understand me as Alex and not as an actress. Men like women that are not truthful to them, especially the ones that live fake lives. Most men find it difficult flowing with real women who are also sincere.

Is marriage on your mind?
Marriage is on every woman's mind, because that was what God created us to be-companions to the men.

Are you saying mum is not pressuring you to get married?
Mummy understands and wants the best man for Alex.
What kind of man would appeal to you?
My ideal man must have a sense of loyalty, be patient with me and also love my son. He should also be God-fearing

Do you believe in love?
I believe in God's kind of love, its called Agape love. It is the love that does not let you down. Everlasting kind of love. Love to me is all about respecting the person that is with you… definitely love to me is not all about sex or lusting after somebody.

What are your passions & phobia?
l love working out, cooking and sleeping a lot. I don't think I like pets. Height is my biggest phobia.
As a top actress, what would you say is your biggest achievement?
Starting from the scratch and getting to the top of my career is my biggest achievement in Nollywood today.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as a top actress?
I want to be remembered as that actress who started from the scratch and rose to the height of my career through dint of hard work without couch casting.
As a pretty and top actress, how do you cope with advances from men?
I'm a very jovial and interesting person. I always laugh off their advances.

Who are your closest pals in Nollywood?
I have Uche Jombo, Susan Patrick and few others.

Alex in "Love Sex and Marriage"

When next are you going back to soaps?
Soon, we are shooting a new soap for NTA, its called Haven. I'm playing the lead role. It will start running from the first week of May.

Has acting been financially rewarding to you?
Yes, except that some of us are not being paid our worth.


Filmography: Love, Sex & Marriage, Dangerous Girls, Abuja Connection 2&3, Emotional Hazard, The One I Love, Akata, Catastrophe, Jungle Justice, Moving Train, Remarkable Pains, Scout, Sisters On the Run, Six Problem Girls, The Good The Bad And The Terrible and Walls Have Ears.