14 actors who got their start from reality series

OC Ukeje, Bayray Mc Nwizu, Tonto Dike and Bisola Aiyeola are just some of the many Nigerian actors who kicked off an acting career through a reality show.

Everyone starts somewhere and for some Nigerian actors, their acting career kicked off after they participated in a reality series.

OC Ukeje, Bayray Mc Nwizu, Tonto Dike and Bisola Aiyeola are just some of the many stars who have used reality series to propel a successful acting career.

Check out 14 actors who got their start from reality series.

Uti Nwachukwu

 

1. Uti Nwachukwu - Big Brother ​Africa​

In 2008, Uti became the third housemate to leave the Big Brother Africa reality show. In 2010, he contested in Big Brother: All Stars" and emerged the winner.

He has since featured in movies including "In the Cupboard," "Weekend Getaway," "Finding Mercy" among others.

Gideon Okeke at "Gidi Blues" Movie Premiere

2. Gideon Okeke - Big Brother Nigeria

The Africa Magic Viewers Choice nominee was on the 2006 Big Brother Nigeria reality show.

After his stay in the house, Okeke landed his first major acting role in "Tinsel," and has since become a household name as the bold and arrogant Phillip Ade-Williams.

He has since featured in Steve Gukas' "93 Days," "A Place in the Stars," "When Love Happens," "Gidi Blues" among others.

Kenneth Okolie

3. Kenneth Okoli - Mr Nigeria

In 2010, Okolie won the Mr. Nigeria and Second runner-up, Mister World title. He has since featured in movies including "House Husband," "Mrs Somebody," "Keeping My Man" among others.

Alexx Ekubo

4. Alexx Ekubo

Ekubo who emerged the first runner up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest, made his Nollywood debut in 2005. However, he landed his first major role in the 2011 movie, "Ladies Men."

He has since then featured in "Weekend Getaway," "ATM," "The First Lady," "Golddigging" among others.

Tonto Dikeh

5.  Tonto Dikeh - Next Movie Star

In 2005, the actress emerged the first runner-up on the Next Movie Star Reality show. Her participation in the reality series kicked off her acting career.

Dikeh has featured in movies including "Damaged," "Native Son," "Before the Rain," "Men in Love" among others.

Nollywood actress Ivie Okujaye rocked sneakers for her wedding

6. Ivie Okujaye - AMBO

While she had been performing on stage before he screen debut, winning the Amstel Malta Box Office reality series in 2009, kicked off her acting career and paved the way for her first feature "Alero Symphony."

She has since featured in movies including "Something Wicked," "The Department," "Make a Move" among others.

OC Ukeje

7. OC Ukeje - AMBO

The two-time Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award winner came into prominence after winning the 2006 Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show.

He has since won awards and featured in critically acclaimed movies including "Confusion Na Wa," "Ayanda," "When Love Happens" among others.

Bayray McNwizu

8. Bayray McNwizu - AMBO

The actress came to the limelight after winning the third Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) reality show.

Since her win, the actress has featured in "Hire a Man," "Cindy Notes," "The Visit," "Lekki Wives 3" among others.

Tamara Eteimo
(Instagram )

9. Tamara Eteimo

In 2011, Eteimo won the Next Movie Star reality show, and has since featured in "Desperate House Girls," "Dry," "Somewhere Down the Line," "Falling" among others.

Kunle Remi

10. Kunle Remi

In 2010, Kunle Remi won the 7th edition of the Gulder Ultimate Search and has since then become a popular face in the Nigerian film industry.

Since his win, Remi has featured in notable movies including "Falling," "Any Other Monday" among others.

Bisola Aiyeola

11. Bisola Aiyeola

In a 2015 interview with Pulse Nigeria, Bisola revealed that her participation in the 2008 edition of the MTN Project Fame helped kick off her acting career.

She has since featured in "Life of a Nigerian Couple," "Skinny Girl in Transit" among others.

Her participation in the 2017 Big Brother Naija show is one that is guaranteed to take her career to a higher level.

Ayoola Ayobami

12. Ayoola Ayobami

After winning the 2012 Project Fame West Africa, Ayoola landed a role in the web series "Skinny Girl in Transit" as the charming Mide.

He has also featured in notable productions including "Isoken" and "Bankers NGR."

A'rese

13. A'rese

A'rese who won the first season of "The Voice Nigeria" oined the hit TV series, "Tinsel" as Bisola Beko-Williams after her win.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

14. Ebuka - Big Brother Nigeria

 Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was a housemate in the maiden edition of Big Brother Naija, and while he isn't acting in Nollywood movies, he has hosted and co-hosted TV shows including "Friend or Foe," "Rubbin’ Minds," "The Spot," "Men's Corner,"  "Naija Politics" and Big Brother Naija.