Ekeobong is keeping the faith as she pursues her dreams

Cox: So how do you feel? 

Ekeobong: I feel like I’m just getting started. It’s been an honor being on a show that has a devoted following and has been on for several seasons. This show knows where it’s going! The direction and characters are clear.

Ekeobong loves playing the role of Laura in Ruthless. This is an opportunity where she gets to explore so many emotions and scenarios which more than likely won’t happen in her normal life. But it’s being around other actors who are seasoned and on their A game that keeps her motivated to develop an excellent performance. 

Cox: What else about this experience excites you?

Ekeobong: Working with Tyler Perry! My family and I used to watch his plays growing up. We have all heard his story, so it blew my mind that this was the first major door to open for me.

Ekeobong (contin): Getting to work with him as a director, and seeing all the hats he wears inspired me to see that there is no real cap to this. You can start off as an actor and own a whole studio at some point if you are really willing to put in all the hard work and sacrifices to get there. 

Cox: This is the type of show that illustrates your range as an actress.

Ekeobong: Yes, that’s a great point. I don’t know if you are aware of how Tyler Perry shoots but we just get one take.

Cox: Wait what just one take and that’s it?

Ekeobong: Yes, he does retake only if necessary. But this stretches you as an actor because you have to show up in that moment right there. Whatever you deliver is what it’s going to be. I like it because it’s that rush of adrenaline that this is my one shot. I have to be in this fully because there is no ‘let me try this again.’

This pressure cooker system is something she attributes to helping her grow tremendously as an actress in a short amount of time. She didn’t know the profound effects it would have on her because now she approaches projects and roles differently.

“Now, if a role isn’t requiring me to be locked up in a dungeon somewhere, it’s a piece of cake,” said Ekeobong jokingly. 

Cox: Now that we got through speaking of your breakout role. I want to know more about Ekeobong and how she got started in acting. 

Ekeobong: I can’t talk about my origin story without bringing in my faith as a Christian. It all started when I was 10 years old watching the Disney Channel. I was watching the video where all the teen stars sang the Circle of Life and I don’t know what happened but I started tearing up and crying. My mom came into the room to check on me. Through my heavy breathing I told her I want to be there and with them. I remember this like it was yesterday because it was a defining moment for me. 

Ekeobong (cotin): I didn’t know what this meant, but I just had this feeling inside of me. It directed a lot of my journey and affected many of my decisions after that. This is the reason I’m here now and came to California.  

Ekeobong was very honest with the hardships of this industry. There was even a moment where she almost wanted to give up and move back to the islands. 

Cox: You mentioned almost giving up. What kept you from doing that?

Ekebong: It was 2020 and there was a lot going on in the world. I was going back and forth to the islands, and was starting to consider just staying there. You always hear those stories about artists getting a break right at the brink of giving up. That’s what happened to me. 

Ekeobong (contin): It was God’s promises and me knowing that I have a bigger role to play in the grand scheme of things that kept me from giving up. I had to see everything He promised me would come to pass because if I gave up then I could never see it. 

Ekeobong (contin): I think anything you want to get in life is going to require sacrifices and hardships. I had to tell myself if I’m going to be miserable doing anything in life then it might as well be the thing that I really want for the chance that it can work out than to be miserable pursuing something else that isn’t my dream. 

Ekebong said something that stuck out to me. She said, “At this point with how much you invested you have to see it through.” I think that is such a powerful statement because when you look at how much we invest in things be it time, money, or energy we should see it through to see what the possibilities are. 

Cox: Along with your faith you have an excellent support system which is essential to anything in life.

Ekeobong: Yes I do! I have my pastor, my family, and in particular my mom. I’m grateful for everyone, especially my Nigerian family. It’s rare in a Nigerian household that they would support you going for a career in the arts. Support usually goes for the more secure paths such as medicine, law or engineering. 

Ekeobong (contin): Even outside of my family support I have always had people who have been in my life for seasons who were there just to encourage me. I’m also thankful for those who have been in my life for a lifetime because they are the ones who remind me of who I am and my identity. They keep me grounding, going, and focused.