Legendary Nollywood Divas Barbara Soky, Liz Benson-Ameye and Ego Boyo Celebrate Golden Era of Nigerian Cinema

Nigeria’s film industry owes much of its early success and enduring charm to a trio of screen icons—Barbara Soky, Liz Benson-Ameye and Ego Boyo—whose unforgettable performances helped define Nollywood’s golden age. From trailblazing TV dramas in the 1980s and ’90s to blockbuster features, these actresses captivated audiences with their talent, charisma and range, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today’s filmmakers and fans.

Barbara Soky: TV’s Original Siren
A household name in the late 1980s, Barbara Soky first turned heads as the alluring Yinka Fawole in Mirror in the Sun, before cementing her star status playing receptionist Rosemary Hart in Inside Out. She later stole the spotlight as lawyer Daphne Wellington-Cole in Zeb Ejiro’s hit series Ripples (1988–1993), a role she reprised in 2022’s Ripple: The New Generation. Though her screen appearances have waned, Soky’s early performances helped set a high bar for Nigerian television drama, her blend of glamour and gravitas still celebrated by cinephiles.

Liz Benson-Ameye: From Child Star to Screen Queen
Liz Benson-Ameye’s acting journey began at age five, but it was her portrayal of Mrs. Agnes Johnson in the 1993 soap Fortunes that made her a 1990s icon. Renowned for commanding roles in classics like Glamour Girls, True Confession, Diamond Rings and Scores to Settle, Benson-Ameye’s magnetic presence dominated both TV and film. After a hiatus dedicated to her faith and family, she surprised fans in 2024 with a powerhouse comeback in Mercy Johnson’s A Mother’s Son, proving her talent remains as potent as ever.

Ego Boyo: From ‘Checkmate’ Leading Lady to Creative Producer
Best known as Anne Haatrope in Amaka Igwe’s Checkmate (1991–1995), Ego Boyo parlayed her on-screen acclaim into a thriving behind-the-scenes career. After starring alongside Francis Agu and Richard Mofe Damijo, she co-created the acclaimed film Violated (1996), then founded Temple Productions. Under her leadership, Temple Productions has delivered hits like The Ghost and the House of Truth, showcasing Boyo’s evolution from screen star to industry innovator.

As Nollywood continues to evolve, the contributions of Barbara Soky, Liz Benson-Ameye and Ego Boyo stand as testament to the power of pioneering vision and enduring talent. Their performances not only shaped the industry’s formative years but also laid the groundwork for future generations of Nigerian storytellers.