Media Team
Nollywood star Sunshine Rosman opens up about her multifaceted journey—from childhood dreams to cinematic triumphs—in an exclusive conversation with Oghenovo Egodo-Michael.
Walk us through your roots.
Born to an Imo-born mother and Canadian father, I grew up navigating Lagos—from Ijeshatedo to Magodo, Bode Thomas, and back. My dad wasn’t just present; he was the chef of our hearts, whipping up meals between applauding our childhood performances. Those Surulere days forged my artist’s soul.
When did acting first call your name?
The stage found me early. Picture this: three sisters staging living room productions, dragging our weary father into rapturous ovations. Cinema Sundays introduced me to Marilyn Monroe’s magic—not just her ethereal beauty, but how she commanded the screen. That’s when I whispered to destiny: “That’ll be me.”
How does Monroe’s legacy dance through your craft?
While our acting techniques differ, her luminous presence taught me about star quality. Fashion-wise? She’s forever my style compass—each outfit choice nods to her timeless elegance.
‘To Kill a Monkey’ arrived unexpectedly. How did you wrestle with that crossroads?
Divine timing! After an initial audition faded, I’d resigned myself to exam preparations. But destiny had other plans—a prophetic dream of Kemi Adetiba’s set, then the miraculous callback during my radio interview where I’d boldly claimed the role. When providence calls, you answer.
What paradigm shift did the film ignite?
It shattered binary thinking. Like real life, characters existed in moral twilight—neither saints nor pure villains. Amanda Sparkles became my anthem: when life floors you, rewrite the narrative.
You morph effortlessly between genres. What’s your transformation secret?
Observation is my superpower. For Sparkles, I studied Lagos’ elite socialites—their mannerisms, their survival calculus. Sometimes I’ll lounge at upscale bars, mentally cataloging human behaviors. But ultimately? Grace does the heavy lifting.
Does your bilingual journey reflect in your roles?
*laughs* Let’s clarify—my French fluency got wildly overestimated! Alliance Française gave me basics, enough to navigate a Parisian café menu. But I’m ravenous for languages—throw me into Punjabi villages or Madrid plazas if a role demands it. Linguistic versatility is power.
How does living between cultures inform your characters?
Casting directors often pause—I’m neither ‘fully Nigerian’ nor ‘foreign enough.’ This limbo forces creative solutions, like reimagining entire fictional families. But this in-betweenness gifts me with unique perspective lenses.
Does off-screen camaraderie with Bucci Franklin elevate your on-screen magic?
Bucci’s artistry is masterclass material. Beyond his formidable talent, he carries profound humanity—a rare combo. Our collaborations feel less like work and more like creative communion.
Your philanthropic work seems deeply personal.
It’s family legacy—my mother’s orphanage in Abia shelters eight beautiful souls now. This isn’t celebrity charity; it’s generational commitment written in my DNA.
Where do you see your global footprint?
Everywhere cinema breathes! Hollywood boulevards, Bollywood sets, East Asian studios—I crave roles that terrify me. Why limit myself to one ‘wood’ when the entire forest awaits?
Sharing a birthday with your mum—blessing or identity challenge?
Childhood me sulked as sisters got solo celebrations. Adult me treasures this cosmic tether—our synchronized candles symbolize unbreakable bonds.
Any red lines in roles you’ll consider?
Gratuitous intimacy scenes get hard passes unless they serve narrative depth. Amanda Sparkles wasn’t just flesh—she was manna from hell, serving poetic justice.
Beyond acting, what entrepreneurial ventures call you?
The beauty industrial complex thrills me—skincare alchemy, textile poetry. Soon, they’ll meet Sunshine the mogul.
How does Sunshine truly relax?
Two words: aquatic therapy. Whether Lagos beaches or Canadian lakes, water resets my soul. That, and laughing with my ride-or-die circle.
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Source: The PUNCH
