Elizabeth Benson

Birth Name: Elizabeth Benson

Stage Name: Liz Benson

Birth Date:   April 5, 1966               

Occupation(s): Actress, Television Personality, Philanthropist

Genres: Nollywood Drama

Years Active: 1993 - present   

Net Worth: Unknown

 

Personal life

Liz Benson is a Nigerian actress, television personality, and philanthropist born on April 29, 1966, in Etinawa, Akwa Ibom State.

Education

She completed her West African Senior School Certificate after attending junior and senior learning institutions in Ghana.

Liz moved to the United States of America after graduating from high school to further her studies. The talented actress studied drama at Sylvania State College in the United States, where she earned a bachelor's degree.

Career

During her high school years, Benson was very interested in theatre, stage plays, and performing arts. She began acting at the age of five, but she never had a leading part. However, she continued to hone her skills while studying. 

In 1993, she starred in Fortunes, a television soap opera which aired on the NTA Network for about two years where she portrayed the character of 'Mrs. Agnes Johnson'. In 1994, she made her breakthrough as Jane in the hit film 'Glamour Girls,' directed by Chika Onukwufor. 

Benson's career abruptly came to a halt at the pinnacle of her success after she lost her husband in 1996. During this time, she discovered a new sense of meaning in life, and years later, she reappeared as an evangelist.

She has revealed that she is a born-again Christian and now preaches the gospel full-time upon her return to Nollywood. She mentioned in an interview that she would only participate in films that she felt were consistent with her religion.

Benson made a brief comeback in 2013 for her AMVCA-winning supporting actress performance in Udoka Oyeka's short film 'Living Funeral'.

Prior to her hiatus, the actress had starred in blockbusters such as "Diamond Ring," "Izaga," "Shame," "Oath," and "Witches."

Recently, the Delta state-based actress has been dividing her time between acting and full-time evangelism. Rok Studios has included her in a few of their films. 

Awards

2013 - Afro Hollywood Awards, Best Outstanding Actress

2013 - Supporting Actress Performance 

2013 - Best Actress in Nigeria

2012 - Best of Nollywood Awards, Most Promising Actress in Nigeria

2010 - Nigeria Entertainment Awards, Best Actress in Television

Marriage

Benson's first husband, Samuel Gabriel Etim, died while she was in her twenties. She said that she drew strength from his character, which enabled her to carry on with her children despite the loss.

After her conversion, the Efik-born actress tried again at marriage. She married Bishop Great Ameye of the Freedom Family Assembly in a peaceful court ceremony in Abuja in 2009 at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State. The pair were active members of a Christian Evangelical Ministry. Her husband, Ameye, is a pastor in Warri, Delta State, and Benson is an evangelist.  

Movie(s) 

Still Falling

Lotanna

Children of Mud

Lizard Life

Hilarious Hilary

Dearest Mummy

Dry

Day of Atonement

Inheritance

Melody of Life