In this post, Platinum Times Nigeria chronicles the biography and career achievements of veteran Nollywood actress, Liz Benson.
Elizabeth Benson, popularly known as Liz Benson is a veteran Nigerian actress, television personality, philanthropist and evangelist.
She is well known for her roles in movies like World Apart, Karashika, Witches, amongst others.
Profile summary
Name: Elizabeth Benson
Date of Birth: April 5th, 1966
State of origin: Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Education: Sylvania State College USA
Marital status: Married
Religion: Christianity
Career: Actress, Evangelist
Background
Liz Benson is an indigene of Etinan, Akwa Ibom State in southern Nigeria, she was born on 5th April, 1966.
She attended Sylvania State College in the United States of America, where she got a degree in Dramatic Arts.
Career
Benson began acting when she was 5 years old.
She featured in Fortunes, a television soap opera in 1993 where she played the part of Mrs. Agnes Johnson in the soap, which ran for about two years on NTA Network.
In 1994, her role in Glamour Girls, a successful home video film that focused on escorting, cemented her status as a film actress.
Despite her success in the movie industry, Benson suddenly quit acting in 1996 and this marked a pivotal moment of transformation in her life.
She experienced a profound spiritual journey while she was out of the spotlight, which inspired her to ardently embrace Christianity.
Her newfound faith became the guiding force in her life, influencing not only her personal choices but also her professional path.
Upon her return to the Nigerian film industry, Liz Benson underwent a significant change.
She came back with a fresh sense of purpose, accepting her newfound role as a born-again Christian.
She made it clear that her acting choices would be aligned with her faith and values, a decision that showcased her unwavering commitment to her beliefs.
Benson’s return to Nollywood was not just a resurgence of her acting career, it was a proclamation of her identity and a testament to her resilience.
She is known for her exceptional acting skills and has starred in numerous Nigerian movies.
Since returning to Nollywood, it was disclosed that she is a born-again Christian and now preaches the gospel on fulltime-basis.
In an interview, she explained that she would only act in films that she believed was in line with her faith.
Movies
The veteran actress has starred in several Nollywood movies including;
- World Apart
- Èèkù-idà
- Wisdom and Riches
- Diamond Ring
- Karishika
- Scores to Settle
- Witches
- Back to Life
- Glamour Girls
- True Confession
- Silenced
- Hour of Grace
- Lady Bianca
- Evil Men
Personal life
Benson was in her mid-twenties when she lost her first husband, Samuel Gabriel Etim.
She claimed that her ability to persevere with her children through the loss was a result of the strength she derived from his character.
The Ibibio-born actress, took another shot at marriage after her conversion.
In 2009, she wed Bishop Great Ameye of the Freedom Family Assembly at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State, in a low-key court ceremony in Abuja and they are both deeply involved in a Christian Evangelical Ministry.
Although Benson is an evangelist, she resides in Delta State with her spouse, Ameye, who serves as a pastor in Jesse Town, Etheop West.
Together they run a ministry, Freedom Family Assemby.
Liz Benson’s contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry and her philanthropic work have earned her widespread recognition and respect.
She continues to inspire and impact the lives of many people through her work on and off screen.
Awards
Her contributions to the Nigerian film industry have garnered recognition and honors including;
The Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) for her role in “Izinza.”
She also won the Best Supporting Actress award at the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for her performance in “Confusion Na Wa.”
The industry further acknowledged her with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the AMVCA in 2017.
Net worth
The veteran actress has over the years accumulated a net wealth of about $500,000.