Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah's journey to stardom proves that there is no shortcut to success but through hardwork and determination.The actor who is currently a household name in Nigeria and widely loved abroad didn't always have it so rosy
contrary to popular beliefs and went through some terrible hardships before attaining the position where he is today.
Born Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah to an Israeli father and a Yoruba mother who hails from Owo, Ondo State in the year 1970. Ramsey grew up in Surulere,Lagos, where he attended Atara Primary School and Community Grammar School. He obtained a diploma at the University of Lagos, after which he pursued a career in acting.Ramsey arrived on the Nollywood scene as a relentless achiever when he starred
in the Nigerian TV soap opera Fortunes. But before hitting his big break, Ramsey Noah has tasted two
sides of a coin.The handsome actor who grew up with his mother once lived under the bridge,on the streets and in a store which could accommodate a mat with his mother after they lost all their properties to flooding.
In his words:
"Those were the times when things got really
bad for my mother and I and we had nothing.
It was so bad that we didn't have a home to
live in. We had to stay in a store, one that
could take only one mat. My mother and I
squeezed ourselves in that mat. We didn't even
have a cup to drink water, talk more of a stove
to cook on. My mother had to borrow, beg and
stuff like that.
those moments; those terrible moments when
we had nothing and we were living off people.
People were just helping us out. There were
times we didn't have food to eat three or four
days. You haven't eaten and your stomach is
rumbling but you don't have any place to go.
There was a time I lived on the street, in shops.
There was a time I slept under the bridge. It
was unfortunate that there were no records so
that we can have memories we could play back
now. To me, I am so extremely grateful that I
went through it. At that time I hated everybody
around me. In fact, I used to question why God
was doing this to me. But I think God knew
that I needed this for my future.
These were moments when I was young I didn't
realise the gravity of poverty we were in. I
couldn't tell, but it was good orientation for
me. Those were moments that I thank God for
making me pass through, because they have
sustained and helped me even as an actor. The
ability to deliver all the roles they give me
comes from having tasted both sides of the
coin."
But it seems Ramsey was destined for
greatness has he has since appeared in
numerous films starring as the lead
role. He has been called "Lover-Boy" for
his numerous roles in romantic movies.
Married to his long time heart throb
Emelia Philips Nouah with three
children, two sons and then a daughter,
Nouah won the African Movie Academy
Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for
his performance in the Best Picture
award winning film The Figurine and is
considered to be one of the most sought-
after actors in Nigeria.