Irene James Opens Up: Surviving a Shooting, Nollywood Challenges, and Life Behind the Camera

Discover Nollywood actress Irene James’ journey—surviving a shooting, facing industry challenges, her love for acting, and life beyond the screen.

Irene James

Oviosa Irene Odion, popularly known in the entertainment industry as Irene James, is a Nigerian actress and a graduate of the University of Benin. She hails from Afuze in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.

Over the years, Irene James has appeared in several Nollywood films and television series, including Tales of Eve and So Wrong So Wright produced by Genesis Studios. She has also featured in popular TV productions like Super Story and Papa Ajasco Reloaded by Wale Adenuga Productions, and has worked with studios such as PrimeWorld Movies, Hammer Brook Productions, and Image Movies.

Known for her strong screen presence, Irene James is often cast in “bad girl” roles, a testament to her ability to convincingly portray tough and dramatic characters on screen.

What does acting mean to you?
Acting means many things to me, but simply put, it means touching lives.

What has your experience been like in the industry so far?
My experience so far has been good. I am hopeful about achieving greater things, making more impact, and leaving a positive mark in the industry.

How did you get into acting?
Acting has always been a part of me. From my childhood days, I was already acting in school and in church. I remember the day clearly, like it was yesterday. I was going out to buy something when I noticed a film production taking place close to where I lived at the time. I walked up to one of the people working there and got to know him—his name was Joseph.

I told him I would love to act, and he took me to the director. The director looked at me and said I fit the character they were looking to cast for the shoot at that time. He gave me a script and asked me to go through some lines and act them out right there to see if I could perform. That was how I got the role

Irene James

How did your parents react when you decided to pursue acting?

It wasn’t easy for me at first because my parents had other plans for me. However, I remained resilient. When I got the opportunity to act in a movie, I shared the good news with my aunt, and she encouraged me to go ahead.

I told my parents I was going to visit my aunt, and that was how I was able to pursue the opportunity. Later, when the first movie I acted in was released and they saw how passionate I was about acting, they eventually gave me their blessings.

What has been your greatest challenge in the industry so far?

While sexual pressure can sometimes be a challenge in the industry, my biggest challenge has been not having a car yet. Leaving a film set late at night and going home with a big bag containing costumes is not easy, especially considering the risks involved as a woman. Having a car would make movement easier and even increase opportunities for more acting jobs. So yes, transportation has been one of my major challenges.

Does sexual harassment exist in the industry?

Yes, sexual harassment does exist. There was a time when I was on a film location, and after the day’s shoot, the director asked me to come to his room. When I got there, he immediately started taking off his shirt and trousers. I told him I couldn’t do that because it would make it seem like I earned the role in that way.

He tried to persuade me, saying many things about making me a star, but I refused and left. Since then, he has not spoken to me or offered me any jobs. However, I thank God because the industry does not belong to one person. When one door closes, another opens.

Irene James

http://xposeafricamedia.blogspot.com

You were once shot and survived. Can you tell us about that experience?

Hmm… it was truly God’s grace upon my life. Back in 2007, when I was in my 300 level at the University of Benin, I was returning from church on a Sunday afternoon in a public bus. Suddenly, we saw armed robbers shooting sporadically into the air. Our driver quickly took another road to avoid them, but unfortunately they had already noticed us.

They chased after the bus and eventually attacked us. The robbers started shooting and took our valuables. Thankfully, a good Samaritan drove the bus straight to the hospital, where we received treatment. One of the victims had a brother who was a police officer, and he helped by writing a police report for all of us.

Despite the incident, I remained determined to continue my studies. I wrote some of my semester exams in the hospital after submitting a formal letter to the university. The school even sent some lecturers to the hospital so I could complete my exams there. It was a very difficult time, but I’m grateful to God for preserving my life.

What is your favorite local delicacy, and can you walk us through how it is prepared? 

Pounded yam with Egusi

Wooow! I love anything swallow, I mean Eba, Fufu, Amala, Semo but my favourite is pounded yam and Egusi soup (not poundo ooh) my mortar and pestle are begging for holiday hahahaha, with any good soup.

What do you do when you are not acting?

I do my hair business when I'm not acting, learning something new on the internet, go for swimming and unwinding with friends. Going into script writing soon.

 Tell What's your first experience on set?

Hahahaha I can never forget my first experience on set! You know, I didn't have any formal trainings so I really didn't know the terms like "cut" "action" "close up" etc. I remember I was supposed to deliver my lines after the director mentioned "action,"  I w seeas looking at Zark Orji and in my mind I was like ' so this is the man I always see on television!" The director had to shout and called my name, and then I realized everyone was looking at me, waiting for me to deliver my lines. It was a very awkward moment but funny though!

Thanks so much for taking your time out to read this. Thanks once again and God bless!!!

Cheers!

Contact us on +2349057602999