Wumi Toriola revealed in an interview that one of the funniest experiences she had with fans was when a man left his wife on a plane and came to her seat. He asked her to stand up, that he wanted to check if her butt was real. I didn’t find it funny initially but I later laughed over it. I used to be embarrassed by my backside but now, I consider it my trademark.
Read full interview below.
Background
I grew up in a disciplined home. My father was a very tough man and I lost my mum when I was very young. I actually grew up with my grandmother. As a child, I wanted to become a lawyer and tried to pursue it. I went to the Lagos State University, Ojo, where I obtained a diploma in Law.
Education
For my elementary education, I attended Providence Primary School. I went to Providence Secondary School for my post-elementary education. Both schools are on Iju Road, Fagba, Lagos State. I studied Linguistics at the University of Ilorin.
Career
I got into the industry through an audition for a movie titled, Ise se Lagba, put together by Funke Akindele-Bello and produced by Taiwo Ajisefinni. I was selected to partake in it and that was how my acting career began. Over the years, I have acted in over 200 movies. The newest are Sugbon Kan and Wedding Ring; they’re doing well in the market right now. There is no role I would love to play that I have yet to. However, I would love to work on bigger projects.
Parents’ reaction
My father didn’t support my acting career. However, along the line, he saw the interest and passion I had for my career and he had to support me.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges we face in the movie industry is piracy. As a young movie producer, piracy is really giving me a tough time. It was also difficult breaking into the movie industry. The biggest sacrifice I have made in my career is featuring in movies without being paid. I used to do a lot of that in the early days. It is also tough remaining calm in the face of cyber bullying. Sometimes, I really want to respond but I just have to let go. It took a whole lot to get to where I am today.
Lessons
I have learnt not to listen to side talks. You also have to be consistent in whatever you do because people are noticing. I have fans that have been following me from the days when I only played one scene in movies till now. People pay attention to details but you may not know.
Breakthrough
My breakthrough came in 2015 when I produced the movie, Ajewunmi. The movie industry has also helped me in a lot of ways. Before I started acting, I was not a fashionable person but that has changed. The ability to play my roles well has also helped me a lot. I bury myself in whatever character I’m playing and that has helped me a lot.
Production
Already, I have produced about seven movies including Eto, Obinrin, Ajewunmi, My Past, Ayo Ife, Sugbon Kan, Omo Better. I am presently working on Iyawo Alaseju.
Production is not really my thing and that is why I adopt division of labour on my projects. I usually delegate responsibilities to people who are competent to handle them. Most times, I don’t even handle the finances; I let someone else do that. I do all these so that I can concentrate on my acting. It takes a lot for you to be a producer and actor on the same set.
Fame
Fame has robbed me of my freedom. Sometimes, I cannot decide to just do whatever I want.
Personality
I believe that I am fun to be with. I am not what I portray on screen. I have a calm personality and I am very private.
Other interests
Apart from acting, I’m involved in skincare and I have a business called WT Glow.
Role models
Everybody that has done great things in their industry are my role models. I particularly like Joke Silva.
Marriage
I don’t want to talk about my man. However, I have no fears that marriage would reduce my fan base. As a matter of fact, I have never really had many male fans. Most of my fans are females; so, I don’t have too many problems.
Hobbies
I love to shop, read, travel and watch movies. Whenever I want to relax, I like to be indoors.
Fashion
My style can be defined as simple and classy. I don’t follow trends.
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