Lizzy Evoeme (1 December 1942 – 5 May 2024), also known as Ovuleria, was a Nigerian actress who was active from 1982 to 1993 prior to the advent of Nollywood.

Lizzy Evoeme
Born(1942-12-01)1 December 1942
Died5 May 2024(2024-05-05) (aged 81)
NationalityNigerian
Other namesOvuleria
CitizenshipNigerian
OccupationActress
Years active1982–1993

Biography

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Evoeme was born in Calabar on 1 December 1942, to a sea worker father. She began her career acting in a drama group called ‘NdiIchie’ where she auditioned for the role of Ovuleria in the New Masquerade.[1]

Evoeme was prominent in the Nigerian television industry as an actress from 1982 to 1993 prior to the advent of Nollywood. She was originally named Elizabeth which was later shortened to "Lizzy". Evoeme was known for her role as Ovuleria, the wife of a no-nonsense television character called Chief Zebrudaya Okoroigwe Nwogbo also known as Chika Okpala on the TV show, New Masquerade.[2] The programme which used to feature on Nigeria's national TV station, NTA, has over the years been stopped.[3] She played the role of a petty trader and an assertive but obedient woman who never disagreed or argued with her husband's decision no matter how many others disagreed with him.

Evoeme once explained that she never knew the meaning of her stage name "Ovuleria".[4]

After her exit from television, not much was heard about Evoeme. In November 2019, death rumours about her were refuted.[5]

Evoeme died on 5 May 2024, at the of 81.[6]

Awards

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In 2020, she was recognised for her contributions to the entertainment industry.[7]

Filmography

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  • Circle Of Doom-1993

References

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  1. ^ Okosi, Izuchukwu (1 December 2021). "Legendary Actress 'Ovuleria' Lizzy Evoeme Turns 79 Today, December 1". Prime Business Africa. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Chief Zebrudaya, Ovuleria mourn death of Natty". Vanguard News. 11 February 2022. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Ovuleria of 'New Masquerade' star speaks!". Vanguard News. 8 November 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  4. ^ "I still don't know what my stage name, Ovuleria, means –Evoeme of New Masquerade". Punch Newspapers. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  5. ^ "'New Masquerade' star 'Ovularia' is alive despite reports that suggest she's dead". 6 November 2019.
  6. ^ Popular ‘The New Masquerade’ actress, Ovularia, dies at 81 Vanguard NGR
  7. ^ Creative Industry Group Honours ‘New Masquerade’ Star, Ovuleria