Iretiola Doyle: the private star

Iretiola Doyle was the epitome of a multi-talented artist-entertainer, as she sat down for a chat with NEXT.

Born in Ebute-Meta, she began her journey into entertainment when she chose to study Theatre Arts at the University of Jos. This set her up for her explorations in acting, scriptwriting, presenting, writing, and production.

Married to a veteran in the movie industry, Patrick Doyle, Iretiola is not one to rest on her oars. Asked how she juggles her many roles, the ‘Tinsel’ actress replied, “I must confess all has been possible through grace. I have competent staff who are dedicated and have remained loyal over the years, who do what they are meant to do. I have also been able to prioritise my time. These have greatly helped.”

A project at a time

Despite some early forays into film, Doyle has in recent years pitched her tent firmly with television and stage plays. “We all took this journey of acting, but we chose different paths. Some people took the path of Nollywood films, while some of us travelled the path of TV. So most of my credits have been earned on TV and stage, as opposed to film,” she reflected.

“My career has been fashioned differently. I didn’t consciously design it this way. If I had my way, I would have done as many Nollywood films as my contemporaries… but God had different plans for me. All told, I have, give or take, 20 Nollywood films to my credit, seven that are worthy of note and three that fetched me nominations,” she said matter-of-factly.

“If I take credit for whatever distinction has been placed on me in the industry, then I will be taking the glory from God. There is a purpose and reason why my career has been crafted this way,” she added.

In addition to her work, living each day successfully as it comes is one main principle. While agreeing that long-term goals are good and necessary for growth, she believes the emphasis and focus should be more on the immediate task.

“Now I’m focused on acting. Whether it’ll be on TV, stage or film, I don’t know. My decision to be a part of any given project will be based on merit, the other people involved, and whether or not it is a vehicle that will take me further in my career.

“I can’t specifically tell you I will be focusing on Project A, B, C, D. I don’t plan my life that way. I stay focused and perform diligently the tasks and projects that are before me today. Presently speaking, that would be my family, the M-Net TV series ‘TINSEL’, writing, and thought processes that will eventually lead to the rebirth of my fashion show, ‘OGE’.”

Writing her way through

Writing will always be a passion. She picked it up early from her days in Jos when she wrote skits and short stories; and over the years she’s written dialogue and screenplays for film and TV, Amaka Igwe’s series, ‘Tempest’ being one.

Not limited to scriptwriting, Doyle is also a newspaper columnist of note. “I write a column in Vanguard (newspaper) called ‘Tiola’s Take’ that runs on Saturdays; and before that I penned ‘The Chatroom’ in the ‘Glitterati’ pull-out of ThisDay. I also have a blog.”

Doyle hopes to take her writing even further.

“A book is something I have always wanted to do; it will be an autobiography of sorts – faction. Bits and pieces of my life’s story mixed with a healthy dose of fiction. I would like to do this because I had a very interesting childhood, one that I know that other young girls can learn from. Writing this book is one thing I promised myself I’ll do, I just don’t know when, maybe when I’m retired from ‘active service’, with loads of money in my pocket.”

Been there, done that

Such a book would not be short of life experiences to draw from for the actress, who became a mother in her teenage years – a fact she doesn’t shy away from discussing.

“Anyone that tries to erase the past, whether good or bad, is foolish, because the past will always be a part of who a person is. I am not carrying around the baggage of the past at all. I remember my mistakes, especially when I see young girls doing the same and it bothers me a lot.

“My past does not define me but it has contributed a lot to the person I am today. It informs the high level of compassion I feel for young women because I’ve been there, done that, and I know that a lot of the mistakes are unnecessary and avoidable if there’s just someone there to answer their questions honestly, in love and not condemnation, and simply show them the way.”

Dignity and honour

Doyle is successfully building a career and nurturing a family without any of the scurrilous headlines that tail some of her contemporaries on the celebrity pages.

“Truth be told, I worry when one is referred to as ‘scandal free’, almost like putting one on a pedestal. Trust me, no one is that perfect… It is just by the grace of God. My husband and I are not a perfect couple; we have our own issues, but we live our private lives away from the public eye.”

Her advice to upcoming actors is: “It is very possible to live one’s private life in private, if you do not buy into the so-called celebrity status.”

The actress says some of her earliest inspiration and motivation came from those who thought she couldn’t make it. She set out to make a statement, to let them know that she had all it took to succeed. “God surrounded me with wonderful people including family and great friends and mentors. They helped to balance my ambitions and taught me that it wasn’t only and always just about winning but also and more importantly, maintaining one’s dignity and honour.”

The actress revealed that growing up, she wanted to be a composite of Amaka Igwe, Lola Fani-Kayode, Doyin ‘Lipstick’ of Vanguard, and Joke Silva.

“This was because these women represented the different aspects of what I wanted to be. Amaka Igwe is a brilliant producer; Lola Fani-Kayode was a wonderful writer, director; Doyin ‘Lipstick’ was a vast social commentator; and Joke Silva is a fantastic actress – everything I wanted to be.”

Her desire to be a fusion of these four has over the years come to some fruition.

“I presented and produced my own show for 10 years, before it was rested. I have acted and am still acting; I have also made a mark in writing. These to me are major blessings.” www.nigerian-movies.net