Veteran actor Chris Iheuwa has had a remarkable career that spans both the entertainment and corporate worlds. In a candid interview with Orji Onyekwere, Iheuwa opened up about his journey, his transition between acting and corporate jobs, and the role played by two of his colleagues in encouraging his marital decision. He also delved into the impact of iconic television series like Fuji House of Commotion and shared the joys of being both a father and a husband for nearly two decades.
When asked about the long-running show The Village Headmaster, which he played the role of the village headmaster, Iheuwa explained why the show was paused. “We shot some episodes before we took a break, unfortunately, we lost our ‘Kabiyesi’ (Dejumo Lewis) during the break,” he said. “It now depends on what NTA and Wale Adenuga Productions intend to do to resuscitate the program and give it new life.” He reflected on how challenging it was stepping into the shoes of the late Justice Esiri, who had previously played the iconic role. “It was very challenging. But it was also a great honor, and I had the implicit confidence of the director and executive producer, Wale Adenuga, to take on the role,” he added.
Ihuwa’s foray into the entertainment industry began much earlier, as he was already a part of the original Village Headmaster series in 1988/89. “I was probably one of the youngsters then. I was just fresh out of high school,” he recalled. “Tade Ogidan saw me and invited me to shoot some episodes.” Despite being a part of the original show, his confidence grew with experience, and he would go on to become a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry.
Iheuwa also discussed his time working under the late Amaka Igwe, a trailblazer in the Nollywood industry. Though he initially worked as her assistant director, he shifted his focus to acting. He explained, “Amaka trained me, but over time I decided to focus more on acting. However, between 2017 and now, I have directed about six different films.” He also spoke about how his parallel career in corporate jobs limited his output as a director. “I spent about a quarter of a decade outside the creative industry, working in the banking, PR, and marketing sectors,” he said, admitting that while his corporate career was rewarding, his heart remained in the entertainment world.
Reflecting on Fuji House of Commotion, one of Nollywood’s most successful family sitcoms, Iheuwa credited Amaka Igwe’s attention to detail for its success. “She carefully selected actors who embodied traits that could be explored for comedy,” he explained. “But it wasn’t just about making people laugh; it was about teaching lessons and mirroring societal values. We dealt with issues like family respect, hierarchy, and even societal concerns like domestic violence and child abuse.” Despite the show’s success, he noted that replicating such a sitcom has been difficult in recent years due to shifts in programming philosophies and audience preferences.
Iheuwa’s personal life is also intertwined with his career in entertainment. He recalled how two of his colleagues, Gloriana Roberts and Ngozi Nwosu, played pivotal roles in helping him win over his wife. “Ngozi and Gloriana encouraged me to pursue her, and when I finally proposed, she rejected the ring,” he laughed. “But, it was only later, after some guidance from my friends, that she accepted.” He expressed gratitude for their intervention, acknowledging how their encouragement eventually led to his successful marriage.
Looking back on his 20-year marriage, Iheuwa shared the secrets behind its longevity. “We got married in 2004, and by November 20, we will be celebrating 20 years of marriage, blessed with five children,” he said. “It has been fun, though not without its ups and downs. Marrying someone you love and consider a friend is crucial.” He also highlighted the importance of having the ‘God factor’ in a marriage, explaining that this bond strengthens relationships through trials and tribulations.
Ihuwa, who proudly refers to himself as a father of five, emphasized that being a father goes beyond biological responsibilities. “Being a father is like a receipt of love,” he said. “It’s not just about providing, but about being there for your children at every stage, from infancy to adulthood.” He humbly acknowledged the blessing of fatherhood, expressing empathy for those who long for children and acknowledging the responsibility he feels in raising his own.
Finally, Iheuwa talked about his iconic role as the taxi driver, Mr. Wonder, in the drama series Mr. Wonderful. He revealed that the role came about through a recommendation from Zik Zulu Okafor and Emeka Duru. “I didn’t go into the audition expecting to land the role,” he admitted, “but the part of Mr. Wonderful suited me perfectly, and I’m grateful for it.”
Through it all, Chris Iheuwa has navigated both the glitz of Nollywood and the rigor of corporate life. He has remained grounded, often highlighting the blessings and humility that come with his achievements. “You should be humble and thankful for what God has done,” he concluded, “and pray that God uses you to bless others along the way.”
