In a recent interview, Nigeria’s most
sought after actress, Mercy Johnson talked about her family background and her
journey into fame.
“Sometimes when I cry in movies, it isn’t the script that makes me cry. When I
recall my humble beginning, I give thanks to God. When I remember how we moved
into an uncompleted building and had to take cover whenever it rained because
of the condition of the house; how my brother did a menial job as a bricklayer
to earn a living and those days when we rolled over a stick to cover the
windows up till the point when I started acting and raised money to cover the
roof… I recall those days we were living with lizards because the floor and the
walls of the house were not plastered, or when I had scars as a result of my
several falls.” She disclosed. On her journey into acting, Mercy said “After my
secondary school education, I failed the University Matriculation Examination
(UME) and came back to Lagos to get a degree. While that was on, I watched
Genevieve Nnaji in a movie entitled: Sharon Stone. I later approached a friend for assistance to
feature in a movie. He said I had a great body and that I would make a good actress.
He later took me to the National Theatre, but a role did not come until a year
later, when I had my first lead role in a film entitled: The Maid. “
On what Marriage has taught her,
she said “Marriage has taught me lots of things
and I’ve learnt a lot since I got married too. I know that if I had gotten
married earlier, I wouldn’t have made most of the errors I made. It’s good to
be married to somebody who is so organized; he brings you up the right way and
reminds you of whom you’re supposed to be. Marriage has been sweet for me because I have the
best husband and daughter in the world. Being a married woman, I have learnt to
tolerate things more. It has changed my perspective of life and the way I react
to things.
When I’m not at location, I spend quality time with my family. And guess what?
My husband has always been there for me and Purity. It’s obvious we are his
priority. He’s a loving husband and father. He understands the nature of my
job. He’s the best thing that has happened to me. People usually say men are
not reliable. In the case of my husband, he’s a blessing. “
Narrating
how they met, she said…“What
attracted him to me was his fearless approach. You know sometimes, you meet
some guys and they get intimidated about you, but not with him. The first time
we were supposed to have a date, he said ‘Let’s go to my house so you can cook
for me’ and in my mind, I was like “Seriously, this guy doesn’t know my name.”
So, I said “My name is Mercy Johnson” and he said ‘Yes I know.’
On how she pampers her husband,
she said “Sometimes I take him out on a date,
surprise him with gifts and so on.
What
has been the most negative report that you have read about yourself?
A lot of untrue things have been said about me, but I have come to realise that
it doesn’t cost people anything to cook up lies about me. The one I remember
vividly is the one they said I stole money and also snatched people’s husbands.
I lost a deal worth N50 million from a telecommunication company because of
that.
There was an issue with you and Tonto Dike recently.
She dissed you on Twitter for saying you would go back to the labour room
immediately Purity was mature enough. Why didn’t you reply her?
I’d rather not talk about it.
What does style mean to you?
Style to me is putting on anything that makes you feel comfortable. My husband
is a huge critic, so when he compliments my dressing, I feel so good. He
doesn’t believe that exposing anything makes you look better. He feels when you
cover up, you look real nice.
What is that accessory that you continuously fill your wardrobe with?
That will be my wrist-watches.
And how many of it (your favourite accessory) would you say you have?
Close to 10.
In a few years to come, what would you love to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered as someone who accomplished useful deeds. I would
like to leave with the memory of someone with a good heart, who did her best to
help others.
There is a very strong competition among actresses. How have you managed
to maintain your position as one of the most popular?
I would have to give all glory to God how far He has helped me. I have tried as
much as possible to give my best to the industry and I cannot say that I have
arrived, but it is obvious that I am not where I used to be. I will continue to
do more.
It doesn’t look like you would go back to putting on those sexy clothes
again after you wean Purity. Or would you?
No I don’t plan to. Motherhood and marriage have changed me. I am over that
because I am now a married woman, a mother at that
