Elizabeth Benson, popularly known as Liz Benson Ameye, is a celebrated Nigerian actress whose illustrious career in Nollywood has made her a household name. Born on April 5, 1966, in Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Liz Benson rose to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s with her exceptional talent and compelling performances in various Nigerian films and television series.
Benson started acting when she was just a kid. She was born in Etinan, Akwa Ibom State in southern Nigeria.
Here is a look at her journey through acting and ministry.
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Her breakthrough role came with the popular television soap opera "Fortunes," which aired in 1993. Benson featured in Fortunes, a television soap opera in 1993. Her portrayal of the character Mrs. Agnes Johnson captivated audiences and established her as one of the leading actresses in Nigeria.
Some of her more popular roles include her role as Titubi in Femi Osofisan’s Morountodun and as Mrs. Agnes Johnson in Fortunes, a soap opera that ran for about two years on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10. She played the part of Mrs. Agnes Johnson in the soap, which ran for about two years on NTA Network.
Read also: A Look at Chad Benson
In 1994, her role in Glamour Girls, a successful home video film that focused on escorting, cemented her status as a film actress. The movie shot her into prominence and gradually she warmed her way into the minds of millions of Nigerian movie fans.
Some of her more popular roles includes her role as Titubi in Femi Osofisan's Morountodun and as Mrs. Agnes Johnson in Fortunes, a soap opera that ran for about two years on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Channel 10.
She followed this success with standout performances in films such as "Glamour Girls," "Diamond Ring," and "Witches," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. Diamond Ring follows the story of conflict between the spirit of Mrs. Gladys and members of Chidi's cult group, XG.
In a bid to display his fitness for a life in the secret cult, Chidi, a freshman in the university and the only child of his parents; Chief and Mrs. Ijeoma Dike steals a diamond ring from Mrs. Gladys' corpse. The spirit of Mrs. Gladys in turn haunts Chidi and his friends. The members of the cult begin to die successively. Chidi is struck by a peculiar sickness which could not be treated by orthodox medicine. The journey to find his healing culminates in the return of the diamond ring to Mrs. Gladys' corpse.
In the course of her career, Liz Benson became known for her ability to embody diverse roles, from sophisticated urban women to traditional village characters, earning critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Her contributions to Nollywood were recognized with several awards and nominations, cementing her status as one of the industry's most respected figures.
Read also: A Fresh Voice in Talk Radio
Transition to Christian Ministry
Surprisingly, just when her rating as a leading actress had begun to rise even higher than expected, Benson suddenly quit acting in 1996. In the mid-2000s, Liz Benson took a hiatus from acting after she became an evangelist. She dedicated herself to Christian ministry work alongside her husband, Bishop Great Ameye, whom she married in 2009.
The Ibibio-born actress, took another shot at marriage after her conversion. The Efik-born actress, took another shot at marriage after her conversion. In a quiet court ceremony in Abuja in 2009, She married Bishop Great Ameye of Freedom Family Assembly at the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State.
The couple is actively involved in spreading the gospel and serving their community through their ministry, the Freedom Family Assembly, located in Delta State, Nigeria. While Benson is an evangelist, her husband, Ameye, is a pastor in Jesse Town, Ethiope West, Delta State.
The couple are deeply involved in a Christian evangelical ministry.
Liz Benson currently is an evangelist and lives in Delta State with her husband.
Read also: Exploring Benson's Radio Success
Liz lost her husband (Samuel Gabriel Etim) while around her mid-twenties. Benson lost her first husband (Samuel Gabriel Etim) while around her mid-twenties.
Occasional Return to the Screen
Despite her shift towards ministry, Liz Benson occasionally returns to the screen, delighting fans with her continued passion for acting.
A SEASON FOR LOVE - New Nigerian Movie starring Daniel Effiong, Chinonso Arubayi
Filmography
Here are some of the films Liz Benson has featured in:
| Title | Year | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 2015 | Matron | An inspiring true story of Zara, a successful doctor, and Halima, a young girl facing a life-altering disease. |
| Lotanna | 2017 | Efya | A story about a young man who must offset a huge debt owed by his father to a loan shark. |
| Still Falling | 2021 | - | - |
| Dapo Junior | 2000 | - | - |
