My real name is Magaret Olatunde, but I go by the moniker Jumoke George. My parents had three children. My father was a Lieutenant Colonel when he retired. My mother taught, but my stepmother is a retired Major. My father and stepmother were the ones who raised me.
Education
I received my primary education at Command Children School in Yaba, Lagos. I then went to the Anglican Grammar School in Orita Mefa, Ibadan.
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The beauty of being an actor is in stage performance, whereas movies tend to follow trends. On the stage, an actor’s quality is displayed.
I prefer performing on stage, especially when all of the audience members’ heads can be seen. It provides a positive ‘vibe’ to perform well.
Career
By God’s grace, I’ll have worked in the entertainment industry for 50 years by 2024. I’ve been performing for 48 years. The Nigerian Television Authority was the one who discovered me. I was requested to play a child in a play that was going to be broadcast on NTA at the time. My father’s friend suggested that I try out for the role after the person who was meant to play it became ill, and I did well.
Meanwhile, there was someone who lived in my neighbourhood called Ukwa. I told him that I loved acting and he introduced me to Laolu Ogunniyi’s theatre team and registered me there. It was Victor Ashaolu who trained me properly for 11 years.
Break
I did not leave (the industry) voluntarily. Some people in the industry wanted to sleep with me, but I held firm in my refusal to do so with anyone in the industry. For the next 14 years, I was not used or called for acting gigs.
Comeback
Kazeem Afolayan (Epsalum Movies) engaged Okiki Afolayan, a movie director, and it was Okiki, who started pushing jobs my way when he realised how good I was, and I told him the reason for my absence from the industry.
Broadcasting
I have plans to still do more in that area. The programme I will like to bring back is Gele O Dun, because it is educational and centres on how lovers can meet, and what couples should do together to live in peace.
Fame
Fame has its price and if managed properly, there is no door it cannot open for one.