Stella Damasus Names Nollywood’s ‘Big 3’

Veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has stirred up a heated conversation online after declaring herself, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Genevieve Nnaji as Nollywood's "Big Three" during their peak years, a claim that has divided social media and reignited debates about the hierarchy of the industry's golden era.

In an interview with Pulse TV, Damasus reflected on her time in the Nigerian film industry, describing the trio as genuinely authentic performers who were not chasing clout or copying anyone else's style. She emphasised that social media did not exist during their era to show them how far they could go, and that their pursuit was not initially driven by fame or money.

"They called us the Big Three, Omotola, Stella and Genevieve. We were very authentic; we weren't trying to be other people, copy other people, or be who we aren't. Everything was authentic; we weren't doing it for fame or money. There was no social media to tell us how big we could get. We didn't know. After you see yourself on a poster, that's about it; people may recognise you here or there at that time. You saw young, beautiful, and talented women coming together to do the job with everything they had and so much determination to succeed," Damasus said.

The actress also acknowledged that fierce comparisons among fans created an unspoken pressure between the three actresses. Each of them was determined not to be seen as the weakest link. "It brought about a lot of comparisons. Fans who love one more than the others, and we had to keep proving ourselves. So we don't think we are the weakest. Nobody wanted to be the weakest," she added.

The interview quickly made the rounds online, splitting opinions right down the middle. Some social media users questioned Damasus's inclusion in the elite group, with some arguing that Rita Dominic was a bigger star during that era. One user commented, "Rita Dominic was way bigger than 'Stella.' Big 3 as how nau," while another wrote, "If there was a Big 3, third person was Rita Dominic in my own opinion."

However, many others came to Damasus's defence, insisting that anyone questioning her claim simply wasn't around to witness her era of dominance. "Anybody saying she's not part of the Big Three probably didn't really watch Nollywood in that era. If you're 38 and above, you'll understand exactly what I mean. Stella Damasus was HUGE! She was beautiful, she was the lead actress in so many movies, and she acted with Tony Umez, RMD, Zack Orji and so many of the big names at the time," one fan wrote. Another added, "All of you questioning the BIG 3 statement are obviously youngsters, cause what the hell is this disrespect I'm seeing in the comments? Stella Damasus, Genevieve and Omotola were the IT girlies."

The debate reflects the deep emotional connection that Nigerians have with the stars of Nollywood's golden era, a period when the industry was dominated by a handful of actresses who became cultural icons. Damasus, Genevieve Nnaji, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde were indeed among the most prominent faces of Nollywood in the late 1990s and 2000s, starring in countless films that defined the industry's formative years.

Damasus's claim also comes amid broader conversations about her legacy. Earlier this year, she opened up about one of the most challenging periods of her life, revealing how the death of her first husband, Jaiye Aboderin, coincided with a controversial ban that sidelined her and other top actors, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Genevieve Nnaji, and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde. The ban, she said, was implemented on the grounds that they had become "too big and too expensive" for producers at the time.

"I was trying to build a career that would have died because that was during the time that they did that ban, that was when my husband died. When they banned ten of us: me and RMD, Genevieve, Omotola. They said we became too big and too expensive," she revealed during an appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast.

Despite the setback, Damasus insisted that she remained committed to her craft, and her perseverance eventually allowed her to reclaim her career and continue her rise as one of Nollywood's most respected actresses. Her latest comments about the "Big Three" have once again placed her at the centre of public conversation, proving that even decades after her peak, Stella Damasus remains a figure who commands attention. Whether one agrees with her assessment or not, the debate she has ignited is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nollywood's golden era and the stars who defined it.