Ngozi Ezeonu

Ngozi Ezeonu (born Ngozi Ikpelue, May 23, 1965) is a veteran Nigerian actress and former journalist notable for her portrayal of archetypal matriarchs in Nollywood movies. In 2012, she starred in Adesuwa, a role that earned her the Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards A native of Ogbunike in Anambra State, Nigeria. Ezeonu was born in Owerri to Dennis and Ezenwanyi Ikpelue, and has six siblings. She was born in a low income household. Prior to finding fame as an actress, she studied Journalism at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and worked for Radio Lagos and Eko FM. The Actress had her Primary and Secondary Education in Owerri. She later enrolled for a Diploma Course in Journalism at Nigeria Institute of Journalism (NIJ) Lagos. Although best known for her maternal roles, She once worked as a hairstylist. Ezeonu was originally cast as younger characters at the start of her acting career. In 1993, veteran film director Zeb Ejiro offered Ezeonu a supporting role as Nkechi, the antagonist's best friend in the Igbo blockbuster Nneka the Pretty Serpent in 1994. This was followed by her role in Glamour Girls the same year as Thelma, a high society mistress. This movie proved that she can versatile in acting. She has acted in over 200 movies in Nollywood. She has been honored for her efforts towards the growth of Nollywood.[12] She is the Sun Nollywood Icon of the Year for 2023.[13]