Actor, Microbiologist, Reality Star, Influencer
I was born Ade Emmanuel Ibikunle, but known professionally as Emmy Williams. I am a Nollywood actor, content creator, microbiologist, Brand Influencer and the founder of Planet Emmy - a marketing and advertising company. I won the 2019 KOPAwards Actor Of The Year, as well as Actor's Guild of Nigeria (AGN) 'Mr Nolly 2020'. I peaked as one of the 13 finalists in the second season of the Next Superstar Reality Tv Show, 2020.
ACTING CAREER
I started acting at an early age of 7, in the creeks of Warri, Delta State, where I grew up. My passion for the Movie Industry sprang forth when I was given the sum of 5,500 Naira by a friend (named Ella), to register for a movie course.
Ella saw greatness in me. She said; "Emmanuel, I believe that one day you'll become a superstar. Let me invest in your talent"
Seeing someone who believes in your talent is so rare to find, and this singular act rejuvenated my passion for acting.
In 2016, I met a well known movie producer, whom I narrated my dreams of becoming a movie star. The next reply I got from him changed my whole life: "You're not fit to become an actor! See how you look like a strand of noodles. Please leave my office!" Yelled the producer. I soaked my bed in tears and attempted suicide twice. His words cut me deep like a thousand knives. In spite of this negative energy, I got energized by a friend, who encouraged me to TURN my PAIN INTO POSITIVE GROWTH. I pressed forward and continued hunting for movie roles across Nigeria.
I got my first movie role in 2017 from the NTA/JEP soap opera, '100 Ways to Win a Husband', where I played the character 'Old dog' In 2018, I obeyed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, and was posted to Ministry of Health, Lokoja, Kogi state. There in Lokoja, I played a security guard in the Movie Oma Ofé (2018). I got my first lead role in the short film 'Insecure' (Directed by Oluwatobi Samuel). This movie brought me to the eyes of producers. In 2019, I secured a sub lead role in the Northern movie 'Love and Poverty'. My role as 'Salim' received positive praise from pundits. In 2017, I won the Conquest as 'Radiodurans Mr Macho' as well as the 'Face of La Pregunta'. In 2019, I received an honorary award from Kogi State as "Actor of the year" In 2020, I joined the Actor's Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Kogi State Chapter. In September 2020, I contested for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (Kogi State Chapter) "Mr Nolly". I ended up winning the competition by pulling a massive vote of 95 against my opponent (Usman Hamisu) who had just 24 votes.
MY BIGGEST INITIAL HURDLES AND HOW I OVERCAME THEM
The greatest hurdles I battled with, was low self esteem, negative energy and the fear of failing. At some point, I felt I was worthless - a salt without flavour. When I realized that failure is a condiment that makes the soup of success to taste sweeter, I became bold. Nothing could stop this moving train, not even negative vibes from friends.
BOOKS I AM CURRENTLY READING
1. An Actor Prepares (by Konstantin Stanislavski)
2. I Dared to Call Him Father: The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman's Encounter with God (by Bilquis Sheikh and Richard H. Schneider)
3. The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness (by Morgan Housel)
WHAT I KNOW TODAY THAT I WISH I HAD KNOWN EARLIER
I so wish I had started LinkedIn earlier than I did.
Many of my greatest feats can trace their ancestral home to LinkedIn
MY ADVICE TO YOUNG TALENTS BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL
Turn your PAIN into POSITIVE GROWTH. If I had let the words of the producer to kill my dreams, I wouldn't be where I am today.
Never see less of who you are. There's a billion potentials deposited in you - discover them and harness them. The world will come for you. Stop chasing butterflies. Mend your garden - the butterflies will come by themselves.
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