Playing roles of seducing people, husband snatcher in movies easily comes to me because of my body – Lydia Usang

…Says, “I sold fried meat to survive during my early days in Nollywood’

Sultry actress Lydia Usang, joined Nollywood in 2022, but already she’s becoming a force to reckon with in the industry.

The actress is well endowed in the right places, and she does not miss any chance to flaunt her assets either in movies or on social media. In this encounter, she shares the story of her journey into Nollywood, and what turns her off in a man among others.

My journey into Nollywood

I came to Asaba without knowing anybody aside from my classmate in secondary whom I was squatting with, in her apartment. So, I was following people to the movie locations, and connecting with whoever would help me realize my dream of acting. From there, I started getting minor roles in movies. However, having nothing to hold onto as an up and coming actress, it was somewhat tough for me as I wouldn’t get paid except on good will. I resorted to going to joints to sell fried meat to make ends meet.

What gave me the courage

I studied Theatre Arts at the University of Calabar and I graduated in 2019. After my graduation it dawned on me that I had to go out there to pursue my dream. Then I used to imagine myself becoming a superstar. I met two people who were my mentors while I was in the university. One suggested that I should move to Lagos to chase my dream while the other suggested I should go to Asaba. Since I was born and raised in Lagos, I decided to move to Asaba. That was how I relocated to Asaba. While in Asaba, I came in contact with a female producer who gave me jobs back to back for one year. It was through her that I gained some recognition, but I didn’t know what happened until she stopped giving me jobs. That was how I entered the streets to hustle for survival. At that point, I discovered that speaking only the English language would not take me anywhere because everybody speaks the same English. I decided to delve into the comedy business by doing this ‘Calabar Accent’ skit. Then a lot of jobs started coming my way again. That’s how it worked for me.

Sexual harassment

I came into the industry as an adult. Yes, some producers wanted to sleep with me but I opted out. It wasn’t like somebody compelled me to do it . If I wanted to have anything to do with anybody, it’s not because I was compelled to do it. I think I was able to escape from experiencing sexual harassment because I started off with a female producer who was giving me back to back jobs.

Having a crush on movie set

Of course, before joining Nollywood as a greenhorn, I used to watch films and there were some actors I had been admiring for years. But I joined the industry with the orientation that most actors were not serious people to date or hangout with them. By the time you have anything to do with them, the whole world knows that you are having an affair with a particular actor. That way, I was able to control my crush.

My all-time in Nollywood

That’s personal to me. Though I have starred in movies with him several times. I am a very open person. If I like you, I will let you know about it. I told him to his face that I like him so much. And since then, we have been good friends.

Romance on screen