Toyin Adewale, the stage and screen queen, was bitten by the acting bug while in the primary school. However, her parents were poised at getting her educated above all things. 'I was the only child of my mother, so all eyes were on me,' she said. Today, Toyin has not only made success of acting, her dream, she is also one out of the few actresses whose marriages are still intact. She shares the secret behind this with Yemisi Adeniran.

Would you like to take us down the memory lane of your acting career? How did it all start? Why acting and not other professions like nursing that was popular then?

To be honest with you, acting is where my talent is. I have always loved it and I have always shown it. I have always derived comfort in it, it excited me and it was something I felt I could do no matter the stress. It all started while I was in the primary school. Whenever I had the chance to act any drama, I used to do it with all passion and some appreciable level of expertise such that one particular teacher of mine couldn't but commented on this. He advised that I should go into it professionally and that if I did, I would make huge success out of it. That comment really hooked me and I had nursed the idea since then. Amazingly, that has been the song with me and the career.

Were your parents taken by your decision when you first indicated your choice of profession?

Your guess is as good as mine. Who said? My father especially was against it like a hell. How could his daughter be dancing and acting around like some beggars when he was alive? He did not see any future in it and did not mince a word about it. No! He had told me, 'you had to face your academics. I don't want a child of mine to end up an illiterate'. And you know then, whatever a husband decides, the wife or wives automatically supports. My mother lined up instantly behind him. As far as she was concerned, I was her only child and she wanted the best for me. Like he wanted, I went to school, I am not an illiterate today but it is a pity that he died prematurely. I would have loved that he is alive to see the success I've made of his dreaded career.

What about your mother, is she alive?

Yes, she is and that is the consolation I have. It would have been worse and disheartening to have none of them around to share my joy with.

Where did you grow up and what was it like?

I grew up on the Island and you know what that could have spelt. It was much fun. We were exposed to a lot of fun but we were strictly guided. My parents were strict and very disciplined. They wouldn't allow us go to the extreme of whatever fun we were having. For me, it was extra tough. I was the only child of my mother and so, I was closely monitored. I am from a polygamous family and so, I was never lonely. I had people around me all of the time, Lagos Island is always characterised with activities, so, I really had a lot of fun.

You have proven yourself as a versatile actress more so as a cross over actress. What is your staying power?

I think I owe all to God and my husband who has been supportive all the way. He has this peculiar philosophy of life that has kept us both on till this time. For him, there is no down moment. He has always believed in what he does and that pride and belief in creative energy of the actor is, for him, a special gift from the Almighty. He is not easily discouraged and that has helped me a lot. There are times I would be down - no jobs and things are pretty grim and then, he would come up with an indifferent attitude saying, it is part of an actor's normal cycle. Besides, he does not believe in boxing yourself to a particular world when you are capable of doing more.

Having been part of the two worlds, what is your assessment like?

Both are good but have some peculiarities. In the Yoruba sector, we relate as one big family. We help ourselves where and when necessary. But in the English speaking sector, it is purely a professional relationship. You work for me, you get paid. Which would you prefer or recommend? I wouldn't recommend any because I belong to both. Whichever one people employ is definitely for a reason best known and thought best to them. I would not condemn anyone. The choice is simply for anyone who desires it.

You are married to an actor just like you and you have been married for some years now. How do you manage your home and career?

I thank God for the kind of husband and in-laws that I have. We both understand the nature of our job and we support each other. He has been wonderfully supportive and that I'm enjoying. That is not to say it is not tasking but God has been helpful. My mother in-law has also been helpful and I have a maid too who also assists. That was when the kids were younger. Now, they are grown up and can take care of themselves when we are away. That is if they are not in school.

How did you meet your husband?

We met in 1986 while we were at Rimax, a vocational school that we attended together. He was a year my senior before he went to the University of Ife. I also proceeded to Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH). The relationship took off then, we got married and by the grace of God, we are blessed with three children.

How would you describe the journey of your career so far?

It has been hectic and challenging but we thank God that it has been favourable. The Lord has been good. When I first started, it wasn't very rosy. There were no cars to move around and the efforts we put in were not as rewarded as we have it now. Thank God for the improvement we have now. Things are getting better and that is why challenges, no matter how terrible they may be, must never be allowed to discourage somebody. It is supposed to be a stepping stone.

Have you ever been sexually harassed before?

How could that be with my husband around?

But you can't always be with your husband all of the time?

Yes, that is true. But I don't come across as a single woman and they all know my husband, so, why would anyone try to harass me?

But you are a beautiful woman?

And I am not the most beautiful person around. Besides, being beautiful is no liberty for waywardness. My husband is the one taking care of me, if he had not been doing that; I wouldn't have been this beautiful.

What about those who claim they are being harassed sexually in the industry?

Is it a new thing that a man harasses a woman? It happens all of the time and it is not limited to the movie industry alone. For those who are victims, there must be a reason for it. If a woman doesn't position or parade herself in a way that could suggest being harassed, most times, it won't happen. Some ladies, at times, call for harassment, in the way they comport themselves. If you present yourself as a respectable woman, men will definitely respect you, if you don't, they will treat you otherwise. That's just it.

So, what will your advice be for the up and coming actresses?

Simple. They should believe and treasure themselves. There is a talent deposited in each person, they should endeavour to find out where theirs lie and build on it. They must not just do a thing just because some people are there. Once they are sure, they must be hard working and creative. They must not be stereotyped, they must learn how to be versatile and get educated. Above all, they must learn to put their trust in God because there is nothing anyone can achieve without the help of God.