Why I joined the Nigerian movie industry —Actress Mary Lazarus

Nollywood actress, Mary Lazarus, has opened up about her decision to join the Nigerian movie industry.

The actress, taking to her Instagram page on Friday, stated that the she joined Nollywood for money and not for fame.

She said, “I told my friend that I set a monthly target and she was surprised. Let me tell you a story.

“Years ago after National Youth Service Corps, I got a job that paid N48k monthly. I wasn’t really happy. Not just because of the money, but that wasn’t the career path I wanted.

“I cried most times as I drove to the office and sneaked out sometimes to attend auditions.

“One day, I made up my mind to resign without having another job; very risky.

“I told my dad about it and he didn’t object as long as I knew what I was doing. Idecided to join the movie industry. I told God that if it was his will, then let me be successful. I set a monthly target for myself to double the salary I was being paid in my former job.

“So I set N100,000. Amazingly, that month I got a role in a TV series. The period of shoot was three weeks and my pay was N130k. Guys, I met my target for that month.

“After that month, I got another job that paid almost N100k. I didn’t meet my target but I knew God’s hand was involved. Fam, this was years ago and I can’t tell you what my target is now. It’s large!

“Oh yeah, I increase my target yearly, so I know if I’m doing well or I dust my certificate to get white collar jobs.

“I didn’t join Nollywood because of fame or to be posting pictures for people to like while my mates in other sectors are cashing out. I am a pure Igbo girl I love money.”

Advising new actors, Lazarus added “Dear up and coming actors, Nollywood money comes in bits kinda; daily, weekly, monthly. Cultivate the habit of saving/ investing. Years will pass by and you will be shocked at what you used your money to do.”

In July, Lazarus announced the passing away of her mother.

Taking to her Instagram page, she wrote ” Rest well mum. My mind knows you are in a better place where there is no pain. You are at peace, I understand that. 

“I just wish I could explain that to my heart. My heart bleeds.”

Lazarus debuted first as a model in 2002 before venturing into the Nigerian movie industry in 2009 with a movie titled “Waiting Years”.

However, She made her directorial debut with a movie titled “Dance To My Beat” of which she also produced in 2017.

Lazarus also as a model has made appearances in commercials by Airtel and MTN.