Entertainment
Nollywood Vet Liz Benson-Ameye Returns to the Screen After Hiatus
Veteran Nollywood actress Elizabeth Benson-Ameye, famously known as Liz Benson, is making a remarkable comeback to the Nigerian film industry after a prolonged break. The 58-year-old actress, known for her iconic roles in the 90s, is set to feature in an upcoming movie titled ‘A Mother’s Son’, which is produced by the talented Mercy Johnson and directed by Vincent De Anointed. The cast of the movie, including stars like Mike Godson, Evia Simon, Ozioma Maurice, and George Inaibeh, expressed sheer delight in welcoming Liz back to the big screen.
Surprised by the warm reception, Liz Benson shared her feelings, stating, “All the big people in Nollywood are here. You guys are doing exploits; God bless you. It’s nice to see all of you in real life. I am meeting all of you for the first time. But I have come to see my daughter (Mercy Johnson).” Liz’s return has ignited excitement within the entertainment sphere and among fans eagerly anticipating her revival on screen.
Elizabeth Benson-Ameye was a prominent figure in the Nollywood scene during the 1990s, establishing herself as one of the leading actresses. Hailing from Akwa Ibom State, Liz began her acting journey as a child artist at the age of five, gaining widespread recognition for her role as Mrs. Agnes Johnson in the television soap opera ‘Fortunes‘ on NTA in 1993, when she was 27 years old.
She graced several classic movies in the 90s, like ‘Glamour Girls‘ (1994), ‘True Confession‘ (1995), ‘Diamond Rings‘ (1998), and ‘Scores to Settle‘ (1998). Despite her soaring career, Liz took a hiatus from acting in 1996, influenced by her faith. This pause led to her ordainment as an evangelist in 2006, stepping back into Nollywood’s limelight shortly after only to exhibit her acting prowess even more profoundly.
In 2009, Liz Benson tied the knot with Great Emeya, a Bishop, at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State, marking her second marriage post the demise of her first husband, Samuel Gabriel Etim. Embracing her status as a minister, Liz became selective in her choice of movie roles and appearances, taking on projects that shed light on societal issues like ‘Dry‘ (2015), ‘Child Not Bride‘ (2016), and ‘Living Funeral‘ (2013).
The veteran actress also starred in impactful films such as ‘Still Falling‘ (2021), ‘Mummy Dearest’ (2017), and ‘Children of Mud‘ (2017), amplifying themes of forgiveness, love, trust, and hope. Liz Benson-Ameye’s return to the silver screen heralds a new chapter in her illustrious career, infusing fresh excitement and anticipation among Nollywood enthusiasts.