Grace-Charis Effah (formerly Belinda Effah) is a Nollywood actress and now member of the United States Navy. She speaks to OGHENOVO EGODO-MICHAEL about rediscovering herself and the unexpected path that led her from movie sets to military drill
Your decision to join the United States Navy after years in Nollywood came as a surprise to many. What led you down this new path?
Change is constant but embracing it is never easy, especially when fear of the unknown creeps in. After over 15 years in the film industry, I hit a point where I felt stuck. I craved more, not just visibility, but impact. Acting had become a routine of “Who’s the busiest?” and that didn’t fulfill me anymore. It became clear that I’d rather act in one meaningful film a year than jump from set to set repeating the same uninspiring cycle. In Nollywood, you’re only as relevant as your last project. I asked myself: Can my last film open doors for me? Can it speak for me? My honest answer was no.
The landscape changed too. We now have tags like ‘Cinema actors,’ ‘Netflix actors,’ ‘YouTube actors,’ ‘Asaba actors’ and I found that exhausting. I didn’t want to be boxed in by people’s labels. I wanted to simply be an actor. But beyond that, I realised I didn’t even know who I was without acting. That was a scary discovery.
I had to step back for a journey of self-discovery to reclaim myself beyond the screen. In that transition, I began exploring new interests. That’s when the Navy came into view. I didn’t leave acting. Once an actor, always an actor. I simply opened a new chapter.
How did your family and inner circle react to your decision?
My family was very supportive from the start. Some of my friends had mixed feelings. But to be honest, I don’t seek validation from people when it comes to my purpose. I only informed my close circle so they wouldn’t stumble on the news by surprise. Their approval wasn’t the point. I make my own choices and take full responsibility for whether they turn out great or serve as life lessons.
Now that you’ve completed your training, what are your long-term goals within the Navy?
To serve to the best of my ability. I joined the best Navy in the world, and I’m eager to absorb all it has to offer. I needed the discipline that comes with military life. It’s called military bearing. I needed a new direction and I found one in the military. My dad was in the Navy and I attended Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Borokiri, Port Harcourt. I have always wanted to serve and here is an opportunity for me to do that.
Your YouTube channel is still running. How do you juggle your creative passions with your Navy duties?
The actor in me is alive and well. When I find the opportunity, I’ll definitely tap into that side of me again. But for now, my focus is on service. That said, my YouTube ecosystem is still active, and I have structured things to keep it going. So my fans can relax. I’ll keep them entertained.
Has your Navy experience changed the way you tell stories or view filmmaking?
Absolutely. I am now more empathetic and grounded in the realities of life. I want to tell stories that uplift, challenge, and give people hope. I think I’m more intentional now.
You once posted a video of yourself playing basketball. What sports do you enjoy?
I am versatile with sport. I try my hands on different sports like volleyball, table tennis, lawn tennis, swimming and others; but basketball is my favourite.
You changed your name to Grace-Charis Effah some years ago. What has that meant for you personally?
I am living my name now— Grace. I see grace working in my life every day. Sometimes, I watch things unfold and just say, “God, you really said this would happen. I’m deeply grateful.”
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