In over a decade on screen, actress Queeneth Agbor has built a career on versatility and purpose. Initially pressured into acting, she honed her craft at the Royal Arts Academy and made her professional debut in 2014. Since then, she has become a household name through films like Hooked, Namaste, and The Movement.

In a recent interview, the University of Calabar Microbiology graduate opened up about her journey, the evolution of Nollywood, and the philanthropic work that recently saw her feed 1,000 inmates at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

From Dramatic Child to Versatile Star

Agbor traces her passion for performance back to childhood. “I was a very dramatic child. I could literally fake and make-believe my way through anything,” she recalls. Despite her early talent in school and church plays, her mother insisted education came first.

That foundational discipline has served her well. She reflected on how her drive has evolved: “My passion has evolved through consistently honing my craft… I also know that raw talent is not enough.”

A key to her longevity has been avoiding being pigeonholed. Early in her career, she was almost stereotyped into crying roles because of her ability to summon tears instantly. However, two roles became pivotal milestones that showcased her range: playing a Ghanaian character in Hooked and an Indian woman named Roschini in Namaste.

“Till date, I am mostly called Roschini… by fans when they see me,” she shared.

On Nollywood’s Evolution and Challenges

Agbor has witnessed Nollywood’s dramatic transformation firsthand. She contrasts the early days of improvised “addendums” and long, unpaid shoots with today’s industry, which she describes as “built on professionalism, where everything is done right and on point.”

Her journey hasn’t been without hurdles. She revealed one of her biggest challenges was being blacklisted by certain productions for declining roles due to scheduling conflicts. “God showed me serious mercy that period… What was meant to break me lifted me,” she said.

Artistic Integrity and Future Projects

To balance artistic integrity with commercial demands, Agbor adheres to a clear set of core values. “I chose my project wisely. I have learnt to never compromise,” she stated, emphasizing her focus on quality over quantity.

While she remains tight-lipped about specific upcoming projects to preserve the “anticipation magic,” she teased that there are “lots of fantastic projects far from what I have ever done lined up.”

A Heart for the Inmates: Strength Beyond Walls

Beyond acting, Agbor’s passion for philanthropy recently made headlines when she fed 1,000 inmates. The experience birthed a movement she calls “Strength Beyond Walls.”

“Saying I feel fulfilled… is an understatement. A scary dream that became a huge reality has suddenly immersed a new me,” she expressed. She now refers to herself as the “Queen Mother for the Inmates” and clarified that the system is now correctional, not punitive, with inmates being called “Students.”

“True correction starts with compassion, and every little act of kindness can transform one’s life,” she urged, inviting others to support the cause.

Advice and Personal Glimpses

For aspiring actors, her advice is simple: “Set your goals and core values… Never be on the fast track… Above all, put God first.”

On her love life, the outspoken actress, known for her views on relationships, opted for privacy. “My love life is very private. But one thing I will share for free is that I am seriously into self-love,” she concluded, cementing her image as a woman focused on purpose, both on and off the screen.