Do you ever watch something and think to yourself, “This person is acting their ass off”, “The rent was due”, or “They walked on set with something to prove”? It’s always a pleasure witnessing actors seamlessly merge with the characters they portray, to the extent that it’s hard to separate one from the other.
Sometimes, it seems like an actress was born to play a role, they make it uniquely theirs, and we’re deeply appreciative of those excellent casting choices and character portrayal moments.
Here’s our list of fifteen actresses who were absolutely made for their on-screen roles— no one could have played these characters better or as good as they did.
Patience Ozokwo as Mama G
It may appear as though Patience Ozokwor was often typecast in the Nollywood movies she starred in, but we totally get it, because she bodied the stereotypical roles she played. Wicked step-mother? Professional opp? Witch? She’d eat.
Her most glorious role though, in my humble opinion, was as the alter ego Mama G. She gave us a great movie under this persona, hits, killer lines and iconic music videos featuring Tonto Dike. National Moi-Moi and Iyo Ngwo Ngwo were certified platinum in my household, timeless jams.
There’s nobody like Mama G, and Patience Ozokwor has shown that she’s a versatile performer, whether she’s spreading jolly good vibes or terrorising the village.
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen
Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games embodied one of the best book-to-movie character adaptations. She truly was the face of the rebellion.
I was convinced that she was The Mockingjay, and when I re-read the books after watching the movies, slight discrepancies aside, I thought she was a very fitting Katniss in charisma and spirit.
Sola Sobowale as Eniola Salami
The King of Boys was a powerful woman with presence, intimidating carriage and a certain motherliness. Sola Sobowale’s role in King Of Boys was like her character in Suara meets the mother-of-the-bride from Wedding Party. Ruthless, powerful and badass; she brought a depth to the role that maybe no one else could have.
Beyonce as Deena Jones
In Dreamgirls, Beyonce plays a role heavily influenced and inspired by the story of Diana Ross, her icon. No one else (apart from the original Dreamgirl Sheryl Lee Ralph) could have played this role, no one can sing like Beyonce. That her voice is amazing and untoppable is clear, but she acted her ass off too. We were moved.
Emma Roberts as Chanel Oberlin
Emma Roberts is never beating the evil allegations in real life, so it’s no wonder she’s played so many iconic mean-girl characters. Life imitates art, or the other way around.
As Chanel Oberlin in Scream Queens, she peaked. There will never be another character like Chanel #1, and it felt so natural to see Emma Roberts play it. Her roles in Scream Queens, Wild Child and the American Horror Story seasons she appears on show us that she’s hilarious and some of her tea indicates that maybe the meanness isn’t entirely scripted.
Rita Dominic as Clara Ikemba
Rita Dominic is truly one of the best Nigerian actresses of our time. Her range? Mind Blowing. The Meeting was a great highlight of her acting skills. What an unlikely role, and what a stellar delivery. She was HILARIOUS. Rita Dominic can do it all; sweet girl roles, drama, like in ‘76 (my personal favourite Nigerian movie) and hilarious, crazy roles like Clara Ikemba in The Meeting. It was a very unlikely pairing, but we’re forever grateful that we got to see her play such a character, and so well too.
Jennifer Coolidge in Literally Anything
Jennifer Coolidge is a one-of-a-kind woman, funny in her movies and generally really. She’s one of those people who are just effortlessly hilarious and could probably make us laugh by simply reading the alphabet out loud. She brings her distinct character, uniqueness, nerve and talent to all her roles, and she’s always as much Jennifer as whatever character she’s playing. In 2 Broke Girls, Legally Blonde and The White Lotus, tell me you don’t believe that she’s barely even acting.
Dominique Jackson as Elektra Evangelista
Elektra Evangelista in Pose was the embodiment of MOTHER. Fierce, gorgeous, witty and cutting— and Dominique Jackson brought the role to life like it was second skin. And we see why; a queer icon playing the role of a queer icon. I highly doubt that there’s anyone on the planet who could have played Elektra; it was crafted especially for her.
Sofia Vergara as Gloria
Modern Family had a cast of amazing, unforgettable actors who embodied their roles so well that we’re convinced they’re an actual family. But you know who especially carried? Sofia Vergara in her role as Gloria. Beautiful and hilarious, seeing her play that character just felt right—a perfect casting.
Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon
Anya Taylor-Joy has an otherworldly beauty, a face that conjures thoughts of wonder and mystery. As Beth Harmon in The Queen’s Gambit, there’s no one else who could have made me, and much of the general populace, so interested in chess. She played the role of a troubled genius well, and it was a role tailor-made for her; no one else could have made it as unforgettable as she did.
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
The Game of Thrones casting team pulled off a feat that not many do, which is to create a lineup where every character absolutely makes sense and pulls off a stellar performance. Lena Headey as Cersei was one for the books. There have been evil queens, but there have been none like her. It’s impossible to picture anyone else as Cersei.
Viola Davis as Annalise Keating
Viola Davis as Annalise Keating in How To Get Away With Murder was a match made in heaven. Down to the walk, everything she did sold the character and it was obvious that she had a clear vision of who Annalise was and it was executed flawlessly. Viola Davis is a phenomenal actress, and this was definitely a career-defining role for her.
Funke Akindele as Jenifa
Funke Akindele as Jenifa in Jenifa’s Diary owned her role so well, for years I thought that was how she spoke. When I watched one of her interviews, I was shocked and immediately thought this woman was too good in that role. She owned that character so much!
Genoveva Umeh as Anna
Breath of Life shocked me. I always expect the bare minimum with Nollywood movies. However, from the very beginning of this film, I was hooked! From the cinematography to the directing and the acting, I thought they did an amazing job.
At times, I watch movies for the plot and sometimes solely for the acting. Trust me when I say, I observed everyone’s skill closely, and not once did Genoveva fail to convince me she deserved that role. She truly embodied Anna, I was thoroughly impressed.
Eku Edewor as Bridget
I couldn’t discuss Anna without bringing up Bridget. The scene that left a profound impact on me (it made me feel things) was when she realized her husband was about to witness her and their daughter burning alive in a car. The courage it took to look into that little girl’s eyes, reassure her it would be okay, and then turn to her husband. There was no blame or anger—just a simple “I love you.” In that moment, I acknowledged, “Okay I see you Eku Edewor, you’re good.”