5 things you need to know about Mercy Johnson

Her rise in Nollywood can be described as unusual as she went from a secondary school leaver to a movie star within the twinkle of an eye.

Dubbed as one of the best actors to have come from Nollywood in the early 2000s, Johnson has remained an A-lister and it doesn't look like she'll be going anywhere anytime soon.

Here are some interesting facts you need to know about the movie star.

1. Early Life

Mercy Johnson ece-auto-gen

Johnson-Okojie hails from Okene in Kogi state but was born in 1984 in Lagos state to retired Naval officer father and mother. She is the fourth child in a family of seven.

The movie star had her primary and secondary school education in different parts of the country because of her career officer father's job.

2. Career

Mercy Johnson-Okojie at pulse Nigeria, July, 2019. Mercy Johnson-Okojie at pulse Nigeria, July, 2019. Pulse Nigeria

After finishing secondary school in Portharcourt, Rivers state, the actress decided to audition for a movie role after failing JAMB. According to her, she didn't want to remain idle at home.

Regina Daniels and Mercy Johnson on the set of 'Royal Dancers' [Instagram/Regina Daniels] Regina Daniels and Mercy Johnson on the set of 'Royal Dancers' [Instagram/Regina Daniels] Pulse Nigeria

She landed her first role as the possessed maid in 'The Maid.' Her outstanding performance in “The Maid” marked the beginning of her success story as an actress. She has since gone on to star in over 200 movies.

Aside from her successful movie career, the actress recently set her eyes on becoming a chef. During an exclusive interview with Pulse, she revealed that she was starting a new food show called 'Mercy's Menu.'

"Two things I like to do, I like to cook, I like to gist, not gossip I like to cook and I like to talk while at it. You know when you are grinding pepper that is when the gist comes. So because I love to cook and I love to talk, I set that into good use, talk about issues, talk about vices, talk about stuff that would benefit people., get very interesting people around, we cook, we eat and then we talk," she said.

3. Awards

The reward for excellence in the movie industry across the globe is recognition. Johnson Okojie has won several awards since joining Nollywood in 2003.

In 2009, she won an award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 African Movie Award ceremony for her performance in the movie 'Live to Remember.'

She also won the Best Actress award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role in the comedy movie Dumebi the Dirty Girl.

4. Family

Mercy Johnson-Okojie and her husband, Prince Odi Okojie. [Instagram/MercyJohnsonOkojie] Pulse Nigeria

Mercy Johnson-Okojie and her husband, Prince Odi Okojie are expecting their fourth child. [Instagram/MercyJohnsonOkojie] Pulse Nigeria

Johnson got married to Prince Odinosen Okojie in 2011. The couple are blessed with four beautiful children; Purity, Henry, Divine and Angel.

5. Social media queen

Johnson Okojie is currently the tenth most followed Nigerian celebrity on Instagram. Her steady growth on Instagram can be attributed to her cult-like fans.

One interesting and very unique feat about this actress is the speed at which her 10 million followers are quick to click on anything she shares on the social media platform.

A typical day on Okojie's Instagram page showcases all the goofy activities that take place in her home. If you want to have a good laugh on Instagram, be sure to have the actress as one of those accounts you follow.