GlenElizabeth Benson, popularly known as Liz Benson, is a veteran Nigerian actress, television personality, evangelist, and philanthropist. Born on 5 April 1966, she stands as one of the pioneering figures in Nollywood, the Nigerian film industry. Her journey from child performer to household name in the 1990s, followed by a profound personal transformation and return to selective acting, reflects resilience, talent, and faith.
Liz Benson has appeared in numerous films and television productions that shaped early Nollywood. Beyond entertainment, she has dedicated much of her life to Christian ministry and community support. Her story inspires many through its blend of professional success and personal depth.
Liz Benson Early Life and Background
Liz Benson was born Elizabeth Benson on 5 April 1966 in Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, in southern Nigeria. She comes from an Ibibio (Efik) background and grew up as the second of four children in a Christian family. Much of her early years were spent in Lagos, where the vibrant environment nurtured her creative side.
From a young age, Benson showed a natural talent for performance. She began acting at the age of five, participating in school plays and informal drama sessions with friends. At Lady Lak School in Yaba, Lagos, she would organize sketches and singing activities for her peers. Her secondary education took place at Edgerley Memorial Girls Secondary School in Calabar, Cross River State, where she continued to engage in stage activities that strengthened her passion for the arts.
Her family initially hoped she would pursue a career in law. However, her love for drama led her to study Dramatic Arts abroad. This early foundation in performance arts, combined with her cultural roots in Akwa Ibom, played a key role in shaping her expressive style on screen. Growing up in a modest household, she learned values of hard work and resilience that later helped her navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry and personal loss.
Liz Benson Education
Benson attended primary school at Lady Lak School in Lagos. She completed her secondary education at Edgerley Memorial Girls Secondary School in Calabar. Seeking professional training, she traveled to the United States and earned a degree in Dramatic Arts from Sylvania State College (sometimes referenced in connection with studies at Savannah State University in Georgia). This education provided her with formal skills in acting, stage interpretation, and screen performance, which proved valuable throughout her career.
Her time abroad exposed her to different theatrical traditions and helped refine her craft. Upon returning to Nigeria, she applied this knowledge to both stage and screen work, contributing to her ability to portray complex characters convincingly.
Liz Benson Career
Liz Benson’s professional acting journey began in childhood, but she gained widespread recognition in the early 1990s. Her breakthrough came in 1993 with the television soap opera Fortunes on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) network. She played the role of Mrs. Agnes Johnson in this popular series, which ran for about two years and made her a household name across Nigeria.
In 1994, she solidified her status in the film industry with her role as Jane in Glamour Girls, a successful home video that addressed themes of escorting and urban life. This film was among the early hits of the emerging Nollywood video-film era. She appeared in many other productions during the 1990s, including True Confession, Glamour Girls 1996, Back to Life, Diamond Ring, Karishika, Witches, and Evil Men. These roles showcased her versatility in dramatic and character-driven stories.
At the peak of her popularity around 1996, Benson stepped away from full-time acting. She focused on her faith after becoming a born-again Christian. During this period, she engaged in full-time gospel preaching, traveling to various parts of Nigeria to share her message. Her return to Nollywood was selective, with a preference for roles that aligned with her values and promoted positive messages.
Comeback
Since her comeback, she has taken on roles in films such as Dry (2014), where she played a matron in a story addressing VVF (vesicovaginal fistula); Living Funeral; Lotanna (2017) as Efya; Children of Mud (2020); Still Falling (2021) as Mrs. Kuku; and more recent projects like Matter of Choice (2024) and Something About the Briggs (2024). She has also appeared in Hilarious Hilary, Miss Teacher, Idahosa Trails, and Behind the Wheels. Her later work often emphasizes themes of family, redemption, and social issues.
Benson has also worked as a producer and television personality. Her career spans stage productions, including notable roles like Titubi in Femi Osofisan’s Morountodun. She remains active in projects that allow her to combine acting with meaningful impact.
Liz Benson Notable Movies and Filmography
Liz Benson has featured in a wide range of Nollywood productions. Here is a selection of her notable works:
- Fortunes (1993) – Mrs. Agnes Johnson (television soap opera)
- Glamour Girls (1994) – Jane
- True Confession (1995)
- Diamond Ring (1998) and sequel
- Karishika (1998)
- Witches (1998)
- Dry (2014) – Matron
- Living Funeral (around 2013-2014)
- Lotanna (2017) – Efya
- Children of Mud (2020) – Annie
- Still Falling (2021) – Mrs. Kuku
- Idahosa Trails (2017) – Sarah
- Behind the Wheels (2017) – Mama Elijah
- Miss Teacher (2015) – Principal
- Matter of Choice (2024)
- Something About the Briggs (2024)
Other films include Evil Men, Body of Vengeance, Political Control series, Bridge-Stone series, Wisdom and Riches, and many more from the 1990s and 2000s. Her filmography highlights both commercial successes and socially conscious stories.
Liz Benson Achievements
Liz Benson has earned recognition for her contributions to Nigerian cinema. She received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards in 2014. She earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) for Living Funeral. Other honors include Best Actress in a Leading Role at City People’s Entertainment Awards and recognition at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).
Her work in films addressing social issues, such as Dry, has brought attention to health and humanitarian concerns. As a pioneer of Nollywood, she helped establish standards for storytelling and performance in the industry during its formative video era. She has also been honored for her evangelism and community service.
Liz Benson Ministry and Philanthropy
After her spiritual transformation, Benson became an ordained evangelist. She preaches the gospel full-time and focuses on films that promote moral values, love, and humanity. Together with her husband, she runs the Freedom Family Assembly, a Christian ministry based in Delta State. The ministry engages in evangelism, outreach, and support programs.
Her philanthropic efforts include support for widows and orphans, education initiatives for underprivileged children, and community health awareness. Drawing from her own experiences, she provides mentorship and aid to women facing loss or hardship. She has participated in charity drives, feeding programs, and medical outreaches, using her platform to impact lives beyond entertainment.
Liz Benson Personal Life
Liz Benson was first married to Samuel Gabriel Etim. The couple had three children: Lillian (also known as Chef Leelee), Richard, and Roseline. She lost her first husband in the mid-1990s while in her twenties or early thirties. She raised her children as a single mother and has spoken about finding strength to move forward.
In 2009, she married Bishop Great Ameye in a quiet court ceremony in Abuja. The couple resides in Delta State, where they co-lead the Freedom Family Assembly ministry. Benson is a grandmother and continues to balance family life with her calling in ministry and selective acting projects. Her faith remains central to her personal and professional decisions.
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Liz Benson Legacy
Liz Benson’s career demonstrates the power of adaptability and purpose. From pioneering Nollywood roles to embracing evangelism, she has influenced generations of actors and audiences. Her selective return to acting shows a commitment to using talent responsibly. Through ministry and philanthropy, she extends her impact into spiritual and social spheres, making her a multifaceted figure in Nigerian public life.
Conclusion
Liz Benson continues to inspire through her journey of talent, transformation, and service. Her contributions to entertainment, faith, and community highlight a life lived with conviction and compassion.
FAQs
What is Liz Benson’s full name and date of birth?
Elizabeth Benson, born on 5 April 1966.
Where was Liz Benson born?
She was born in Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
What is Liz Benson known for in Nollywood?
She is known for pioneering roles in films like Glamour Girls and the soap opera Fortunes, as well as later socially conscious movies.
Is Liz Benson still acting?
Yes, she acts selectively in projects that align with her faith and values.
Who is Liz Benson married to?
She is married to Bishop Great Ameye since 2009. Her first husband, Samuel Gabriel Etim, is deceased.
How many children does Liz Benson have?
She has three children: Lillian, Richard, and Roseline.
What is Liz Benson’s educational background?
She holds a degree in Dramatic Arts from Sylvania State College in the USA.
What ministries does Liz Benson run?
She co-leads Freedom Family Assembly with her husband, focusing on evangelism and community outreach.
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