By AZUH LILIAN
Evangelist Leonard Ewuzie is a Nollywood actor cum preacher.
The thespian is also the new chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Anambra State Chapter. He recently bared – it – all to the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM ONLINE, AZUH LILIAN.
Can we meet you sir?
I’m Evangelist Leo Ewuzie, the state Chairman of Actors ‘Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Anambra State Chapter. I am an also a retired principal of PPSSC, Ministry of Education, Anambra State.
Why did you choose to be an actor?
I chose to be an actor because I feel at home and derive joy any time I am acting. I have passion for it.
I feel satisfied seeing people being relieved of pains, sickness or sorrow while watching our movies.
What’s the full meaning of PPSSC?
Post Primary Schools Services Commission.
Why do they address you as an Evangelist?
I am a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I’m a field representative in the full Gospel Business Men’s
Fellowship International (FGBMFI) here in Onitsha. I belong to Foursquare Gospel Church. Currently I worship at Holy Ghost Power Bible Miracle Church, Nkpor.
What is your state of origin?
I’m from Umuakporom – Ubahu Okija, in Ihiala Local Govt. Area of Anambra State.
What makes a good Actor?
A good Actor is one who interprets his role very well. He should be able to draw the whole attention of his audience or viewers. He should be able to keep his audience or viewers attentively watching and not sleeping.
A good actor will be able to bring out the meaning of the message he is passing across without doubt.
He will be able to elicit the emotion of the audience effortlessly.
How long have you been in the movie industry?
I have been in the movie industry for over 40 years as an actor. I started acting when I was in secondary school Abbot Boys Ihiala between 1972 – 1976. When I got into higher Institution in Enugu State, I started acting for NTA Channel 50. I joined Nollywood fully in 2000.
What differentiates you from other actors?
Character and professionalism, faithfulness, availability and teachability. I’m always calm on set and in every location. I refused to be stereotyped, I am versatile.
Tell us about your educational qualification
I got my First School Leaving Certificate in 1971, St. Peter Anglican School Certificate 1976, Abbot Boys Grammar School, Ihiala, HND 1983 IMT Enugu State. PGD Advert / Pub Relations IMSU 2000. M.Sc Int’l Affairs & Diplomacy 2003 (IMSU) and PGDE 2008.
What do you like most about being an actor?
Expressing myself and relating with my fans and making people happy.
Which is the most memorable role you have interpreted?
Papa Nkasi in Nkasi The Village Fighter “ A film by Nixon Movies
Why?
It held the people spell bound.
It’s the movie that pivoted me above my equals. It made me very popular that everywhere I go, they call me Papa Nkasi.
But I love African Tradition and Warrior Sisters. These two movies gave me tough time.
What is the greatest thing being an actor has done for you?
Giving me connection and drawing me closer to God. It makes me appreciate God more because without Him I could do nothing. I acknowledged this in my prayers. every day before going on set.
Which is the worst role you have played?
A womanizer that sleeps with mother and daughter, titled Ome Nne Na Nwa. it wasn’t popular but I always remember it.
When was the last time you wore a suit?
Last week.
How would you describe your style?
Unique.
Which is your favourite, corporate or Native?
Native.
Why do you love native attires?
Because I am proudly Igbo.
I love to be identified with my root.
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
My senator wears
What is your favourite colour and why?
Warm colors, like red and yellow. They are brilliant and they elude grace and light.
What is your favourite food?
Ukwa.
How about drinks?
Soft, like sprite and other non alcoholic drinks.
How do you relax?
On my couch with potato and stay glued to the TV
Who is your best dressed Nigeria man and why?
None. Variety is the spice of life. The colour combination is what matters to me not style.
I’m attached to nature.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
To be myself and lean less on persons and things.
What is the biggest challenge facing Nollywood?
Lack of government presence and lack of sponsorships.
Who are your movie icons?
Pete Edochie and Olu Jacobs.
They are creative and unique.
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
None, no fantasies
I travel only on business not pleasure or leisure.
What is your best fashion accessory?
My phone.
What kind of person is Leonard Ewuzie?
Leonard Ewuzie is a unique person, a simple man that believes in God without wavering.
He believes in truth, dislikes lies, complexities and ambiguity.
Leo believes in being yourself and dislikes artificial life. He is lovable, humorous and amiable.
Can we meet your family, tell us about them, your wife and kids…
My wife is Ogochukwu Ewuzie, a retired grade level 16 civil servant. She retired May last year. And my kids are Chukwuebuka Ewuzie and Ifunaya Ewuzie.
How many awards do you have to your credit?
14 Awards.
Why do you choose to have a small family?
It is my choice, because I’m a product of a polygamous home, three wives and 30 children. Large family is disgusting.
How affordable is Leonard Ewuzie? What are your charges?
Not too costly. Between N150,000 and N200,000.
What is the most important thing to you right now?
Life. Life is in God. And I desire a destination beyond here hence everlasting.
What does fashion mean to you?
I’m not moved by fashion, neither am I crazy about it.
Share your happy moments with us?
Being with my nuclear family, seeing people’s problem solved and when people are succeeding.
Human development gives me joy.
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