Nollywood actress Uche Jombo has revealed that filming with the late Mr Ibu and veteran actor Francis Odega was always full of surprises because the two rarely stuck to the script.
Speaking during an interview with Pulse, Uche said she quickly realised that acting with them meant expecting the unexpected. According to her, they often changed their lines or added new ones during scenes, making it impossible to rely only on what had been written.
She said her ability to think on her feet helped her keep up whenever they took a scene in a completely different direction.
Recalling the experience, she said:
“First of all, those two actors don’t follow the script. On this set, I was so happy I am a spontaneous actor because half of the time, they were throwing me off. Like saying what was not written, and if you’re not prepared, you’ll be like, ‘Where are we?’ What are we doing?
“If you’re working with Frank Odega and the late Mr Ibu, you’ll prepare yourself most times.
“If you are working with Francis Otega and the late Mr Ibu, you would come prepared.”
She added that anyone sharing the screen with the duo had to stay focused and be ready to adapt at any moment because their performances were often unpredictable.
Mr Ibu, born John Okafor, passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62 after battling a prolonged illness. The Nollywood legend, celebrated for his unforgettable comedy roles, was laid to rest in his hometown of Amuri in Enugu State in June 2024.
