Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese
An actress and producer, Rosaline Meurer-Churchill is one of Nollywood’s shining stars.

The Gambian-born Nigerian actress most known for her role as Kemi Alesinloye in Ayo Makun’s Merry Men, had courageously left the shores of The Gambia where she grew up, relocated to Nigeria following invitations to the uncertain waters of the Nigerian movie industry over a decade ago.

Spurred on by faith, an exceptional talent and armed to the teeth with a strong determination to succeed in an industry that almost instantly became her first love, Rosy, as she is fondly called, has, so far, proven beyond doubts her mettle.

Over a decade down the line, the mother of two discusses her years in the Nigerian movie industry in this exclusive chat with Allure.

The award-winning actress also debunks the recent rumour surrounding her marriage, which had ravaged cyberspace like wildfire. She also talks style, fun moments and relieves childhood memories.

You grew up in The Gambia; why did you choose Nollywood when you decided on an acting career?
Let us say Nollywood chose me first. Nollywood came to The Gambia to film, they saw me and approached me. I featured in the movie they shot in Gambia alongside some Gambian actors and from there, I was invited to Lagos to feature in one of Emem Isong’s movies. That was how I started my career in Nollywood.

What was it like trying to launch into the Nigerian film industry when you finally relocated, and what antecedent gave you the confidence you would do well?
I think I was just blessed not to have had a hard time entering the industry. It wasn’t a do or die for me. Opportunity presented itself and I gave it a shot. Honestly speaking, I never imagined being an actor. If I ever imagined being in the limelight at all, I always pictured modeling. I did modeling while growing up for some Swedish magazine and some kiddies clothing brands but never acting. When I acted for the first time, people were saying “Oh, she’s good; she has it in her. She’s natural.”
Some would say “A star is born.” So, all of that really encouraged me and made me know I was actually doing something right. I enjoyed playing different roles, dressing up, the glam and glitz of it all, and from there, it just grew on me. I loved it more than any other thing now.

What movie gave you your first break and what did it take to land that role?

The TV Series titled OASIS produced by Zik Zulu Okafor. It featured the likes of Monalisa Chind and Segun Arinze amongst others. Funny story, he met my younger sister on the street and approached her to come over for an audition, saying that she fitted a certain role. When she went, he said she was too young and asked her if she had an older sister that looks like her. She said yes. My sister has featured in a couple of Nollywood movies. So, he was like “Oh, wow. Okay, can you give us her contact?” They contacted me and invited me over for a reading and just like that, they loved me and I was given the role. He said to me: “I believe you can give us what we want.” It was Mr Zik, Mike Nliam and Abiodun Esho that said to me for the first time “A star is born.”

How did you handle sexual harassment in the early days of your career?
Luckily for me, I was never harassed in the industry. I am always grateful to God for that.

What kind of role won’t you ever be caught in?
That would be sexual roles because I am a married woman.

Which character among the many you’ve played are you the most proud of?
I would say my role as Kemi Alesinloye in Merry Men: Yoruba Demon’ by Ay Makun.

…and your most cherished movie project so far?
I have a lot I featured in that I really cherish. I can’t really pick one. They are all special to me in different ways.

How do you practise resilience when life and work get tough sometimes?
At such times, I particularly love to just travel and refresh my mind, spirit and body. Traveling really helps a lot.

Who inspires you?
My mother. Because of her, I am who I am today. She is the definition of a strong woman. She has made a lot of sacrifices for me. At every turn, she pushes me to be better. She is my greatest support system, my number one fan and cheerleader.

How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood is one of the best feelings ever. It is magical. It has fueled me in ways I can’t explain, to keep going no matter how exhausted I am. It has made me learn the strengths I didn’t know I had. I am more patient, I am more forgiving and I am more prayerful. Motherhood has molded me into a more responsible woman.

Tell us about growing up and where you grew up in…
I was born and raised in The Gambia to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother from Delta State. I am the first child in a family of three children.

Did you have any touch with Nigeria as a child?
Yes. A little bit. I spent some summer vacations in Nigeria. I would usually spend a month and then back to The Gambia. So, it was practically like once a year or once in two years.

What Nigerian language can you speak fluently?
(Laughs). None, sadly.

Has your inability to speak any particular Nigerian language cost you a major movie role?
Funny enough, it hasn’t cost me any role.

What would your life have looked like or who would you be if you weren’t in Nollywood?
I wanted to be a pilot. So, Maybe I would have been practising to fly. But, most likely, I would have owned my own business. I hate to work for people. I love to be my own boss and I’m definitely not a 9-5 kind of person.

Tell us about projects you are currently working on?
At the moment, I have a couple of scripts I want to film once I’m back to Nigeria. Jobs have been calling but I am currently still out of the country since I gave birth to my second child.

There’s been rumours of divorce lately between you and your husband Olakunle Churchill; what’s the true story?
I have no idea where the idea generated from. It still surprises my husband and I (Laughs). My husband and I are happily married by the grace of God.

Would you do marriage with Olakunle Churchill again if you got a second chance at life to do so?
Definitely. He is my soul-mate. My ride or die. I would choose him over and over again.

Let us into your morning and night beauty routines?
I wake up in the morning, shower and use my Simple Moisturising Face Cream, and I’m off. Same at night. Nothing serious.

What won’t you ever be caught wearing?
I am spontaneous and love trying new stuff as long as I’m not naked. That would also depend on different people’s definition of being naked though (Laughs).

What do you do for fun?
I love traveling and learning different cultures. But if I am not traveling, it’s the beach. I love the sound of waves crashing against the shore, feeling sand between my toes, and watching a beautiful sunset over the horizon. There’s something so calming about being near an ocean that makes me feel relaxed and at peace with myself. I love playing monopoly, boat cruise with my husband and very few family friends. But the best is always movie time with my husband or when we just spend time at home, gisting and grilling. I enjoy alone times as well a lot.

What’s your preferred holiday destination and why?
It is difficult to determine a single favourite destination as the world is so beautiful. But if I have to choose, I would say Santorini. It is an Island in the blue Aegean Sea with white buildings and complementing blue domes. If you are looking for paradise here on earth, you have found it. You can find both peace and fun on this island at the same time.