Born in Ekwere, Port Harcourt, Rivers state on June 9, 1985, Tonto Dike is one of a family of seven. Her father is still alive, but her mother is dead. However, she says: “I have a wonderful stepmum. In general, I will sum it up to say that Tonto Dike is a young girl who strives hard to succeed and makes the best out of life.
“Growing up was wonderful because I had everything I wanted and wasn’t deprived of anything. My father was well to do so he did everything possible for me. I went to the best schools in my state, I graduated with good results from my primary and secondary school.” Tonto also graduated from the University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, last year with a degree in petro-chemical engineering.
So how does a petro-chemical engineer become an actress? In 2005, Tonto was part of a TV reality show ‘The Next Movie Star’. She emerged first runner-up.
“I got involved in the reality show first because I saw it as a way of getting close to the industry, a starting point. I had hoped that from it I would move into the industry and it happened,” she said.
“I don’t think I have had to go through any challenge. This is because I don’t see them as challenges; I am a very prayerful person. I believe so much in God, it seems like everything just falls at my feet.
“Right from my second movie I was already playing a lead role. The movie was Holy Cross that I did with Nonso Diobi, Uncle Pete Edochie, Jim Iyke, producers; directors after watching it wanted to use me on their own films.” Tonto sees Nollywood as a fruitful industry. “All we need is hard work, perseverance, prayer. The industry is like a newborn baby that has to be nurtured and well taken care of. I still think that we really need to work hard because we are way backward.”
While she will not give his name, Tonto says: “I am in a relationship, which I am very proud of. He is okay for me. I took what God gave me. He gave me a package in a man, all I want in life He gave to me in one person.”
Asked about her beauty routine, she said: “I wake up in the morning, use a facial scrub, then use a very good soap and cream – Makari specifically, and that’s all for the day till evening. I actually take a shower like two three times a day, which helps polish my skin. Aside that, when I have the time I go to the spa.”
She said her lips are the sexiest part of her. “My lips! I love them and people have told me that they love them too.”
She said her philosophy in life is, “if you have your eyes on something, on a particular level in life when you get to that level, always know that there are so many other levels left to climb. Try to be on top, even when you are on top, try to be on top the top.”
Tonto admires Nollywood actresses Joke Sylvia and Rita Dominic and in the international arena, “I love Al Paccino and Julia Roberts, they are inspiration to me,” she said.
“In five years I really have faith and hope that I will be better than I am now. I am not striving to end in Nollywood, I intend to get into Hollywood, I don’t know how I will do that but I know that God will make a way for me.”
Some of her films are: Missing Rib, Last Mission, Secret Mission, Rush Hour, Final Hour, Fatal Mistake, Family Disgrace, Plain Truth, Miss Maradonna, Divine Grace, Tea or Coffee, 7 Graves, Crisis In Paradise, Insecurity, and Mortal Desire.
(Nollywood.com Adapted)
