Zack Orji is a veteran Nollywood actor, director, producer and filmmaker. The actor shot into prominence when he featured in the movie, ‘Glamour Girls.’
In this post, you’ll discover many things about Zack Orji and his journey so far in the movie industry.
Early life
Orji was born in Libreville in Gabon. He grew up in Cameroun, Benin and Togo. The actor is a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He speaks both English and French fluently.
While growing up in Cameroon, Orji used to fetch firewood. He also assisted his mother with her soft drinks business. At some point he even sold oranges just to support his family.
Orji’s father wanted him to study Medicine but he failed to show up at the examination venue on the day of his paper which led to his automatic disqualification.
Eventually, Orji settled for a degree in English and French which his father was unhappy about.
Orji delved in to shoemaking after his graduation from the University but the business ended when his shop was burgled
Career
Orji featured in his first Nollywood movie in 1991 which was titled, Unforgiven Sin. He shot to limelight when he featured in Glamour Girls. Since then, Orji has starred in different movies and has grown in the industry to become an icon.
Zack Orji was the former president of the Actor Guild of Nigeria. He is also an ordained minister.
He recently featured in a movie, King of Boys which was produced by Kemi Adetiba.
The movie starred Zack Orji alongside the likes of Sola Sobowale, Adesua Etomi, Omoni Oboli, Toni Tones, Akin Lewis, Osas Ighodaro, Paul Sambo, Samuel Adedoyin, Nedu, and Sani Muazu. Rappers like Reminisce and IllBliss also made their debut with this movie
Movies
Zack Orji has featured in over 200 movies since his acting debut. Here are some of the movies:
- Half of a yellow sun
- Games Women Play
- Above Death: In God we trust
- Women’s Cot
- Head Gone
- Christmas is coming
- The Blues Kingdom
- Three Wise Men
- Benson’s Villa
- Sacred Heart
- Brave Heart
- Bridge of no return
- Sink or Swim: The Perilious Journey
- Mama Africa
- Heritage
- Hatred
- The Bridge
- Descent
- Zonal Leader
- All my life
Marriage
Prior to meeting his wife, Orji had a long list of qualities that he was looking for in his potential wife.
According to the actor, he wanted a woman like his mother, a beauty to behold and a woman he was older than by 6 years. Orji also wanted someone from his hometown.
After his youth service, he met Ngozi and she met all the requirements. He got to know her better and they dated for 3 years before eventually getting married. Their marriage has produced three children.
The actor disclosed that there’s an abundance of creativity in his family as his wife, son and daughter have a music talent.
His son recently returned to Nigeria after his studies in England to launch his music career while his teenage daughter is a lead singer in the church choir.
Ngozi Orji
Zack Orji’s wife, Ngozi is also an actress. She has featured in over 100 movies. She studied Secretarial Studies at the Institute of Management and Technology in Enugu before proceeding to the University of Lagos where she bagged a degree in English in 2000.
Ngozi is also a qualified costume designer and she has put her skill to good use in Nollywood.
Lionel Chukwuemeka Orji
Lionel studied Media Studies and Television at the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom.
Lionel had always loved music but his father insisted that he completed his education before focusing on his music career.
His stage name is Leo’nel. He wrote his first song when he was in junior secondary school.
The younger Orji has released songs like Baby Joo, Rockstar, Uju and Roll and he has performed at shows featuring popular entertainers like Wizkid and Davido.
Ministry
Orji was ordained as a reverend at the Power Line Bible Church by the popular Bishop Lawrence Osagie. The actor revealed that even before he became an ordained minister he had been receiving invitation to come speak at various churches.
Nollywood
As a past President of the AGN, the actor has always being vocal about how the Federal Government can improve the state of Nollywood.
In August, 2017, the actor urged the President Buhari to sanction the signing of the international co-production treaties with other countries in order to generate funds for international feature films.
Music
Orji revealed that he has always had an interest in music. According to the actor, he has been recording songs as far back as 1987. In fact, he has done the musical soundtrack for several movies.
The actor revealed that he intends to work with his son, Lionel on some of his tracks. According to Orji, he has even written some songs for Lionel.
Acting and Faith
Unlike some other Christian actors that will turn down certain roles because it doesn’t go well with their faith, Orji doesn’t think the same.
According to him, an actor is an interpreter of drama as a result, there’s no role he cannot play unless he isn’t in the right frame of mind to do it.
The actor has also collaborated with his wife to produce one of his wife’s tracks which has been released and it’s doing quite well.
Success
The actor attributes his success and longevity in the industry to his ability to focus on his craft. He also associates his success with the grace of God because when he believes the reason producers choose him over other is because of God’s favour.
Orji also mentioned humility and discipline as integral factors to his success in the industry.
Retirement
The actor revealed that most actors have a weakness which is the addiction to our craft. According to Orji, he has no reason to retire although he concedes that he may not be as active as he used to be after some time.