“I want to be the kind of actress that will set the mark in the Ghanaian industry so that people will want to watch and learn something from me”.

Those were the words of Jackie Appiah, a renowned artist when DAILY GUIDE caught up with her.

Jackie, who started off in 'Things we do for love’, came to the attention of the producers of the programme after participating in a talent hunt contest in 2000, but she didn't envisage that seven years down the line, she would receive an award for her role in 'Beyonce' at the Africa Movie Academy Awards in Nigeria for her acting prowess.

This seems to have propelled her to the forefront of the movie industry in Ghana and several other African countries.

“I feel very privileged that l got the Nigerian award and it’s given me courage that Ghanaian movies will go far'', she said.

She was however quick to concede that she has a long way to go. “I’m still learning. I need to watch more movies to improve upon my acting, read more books, go to school and learn more new mechanics.”

The award, according to Jackie, makes waking up to face these challenges all the more worthwhile. Since she picked up the plaque, her mailbox has been overflowing with several offers from movie makers, eager to work with her.

But she’s taking everything in her stride.
“I’ve become more reserved now because you can't go anywhere without people noticing you. It gives you no privacy. I’m grateful to my fans for all of the support they've given me. I really cherish them because I know that I’m here because of them.”

Jackie has come a long way and she’s bracing herself up for all the opportunities she expects to come her way. “I believe I am getting there'', she said with confidence.

Jackie is one of the youngest actresses Mother Ghana has produced. When it comes to acting, she is a good example. Most people marvel at the way she keeps improving.

Once on the move, she stays on the move. Her warm smiles and eloquence encourage producers to include her in their films.

Narrating how she became a film star, Jackie said her interest in acting started when she was 12 years old at Action Chapel where she belonged to a group known as Representatives.

“The first time I went into local and international acting was when I was invited by two friends, Derrick Serenu and Nii Addy Mould to compete in a US organised teen competition at the National Theatre dubbed ‘Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens Competition’. I was the runner-up in that competition,” she said.

For Jackie, the opportunity to be the face for a number of TV commercials, to work as a TV personality and to act was something that was to happen as a matter of course.

“You won’t believe the number of personalities who congratulated me and asked me to do one thing or the other after the teen competition,” she said.

Jackie’s appearance on screen became regular when she was invited by Edward Seddoh Jr., the writer of ‘Things we do for Love’, to play the role of Enyonam Blagogee.

She later took part in ‘Tentacles’, ‘Games People Play’ and many other TV series.

She has also featured in countless movies, including ‘Divine Love’, her first feature film, ‘Deadly Assignment’, ‘Golden Stool’, ‘Mummy’s Daughter’ and many others which are yet to be released.

Before then, Jackie remembers that she was very shy the first time she went on set. “It was a Venus Films Production titled ‘Divine Love’ and I had to play the role of Kate, the protagonist. I didn’t believe I did too well. I fumbled but many people did not notice it,” she said.

As a first timer, it was not easy but Jackie said she gave a good account of herself and succeeded in impressing everyone; ‘I love how I acted and the role I played.’

She now sees the local film industry as being better than before and thinks that one step after the other will lead to ultimate success.

Despite the various criticisms, Jackie, who has been the poster girl for IPMC, an ICT training company, believes that the Ghanaian film industry has grown over the past few years and that the prospects are good.

“Acting in Ghana is beginning to pay; it’s getting better,” she said, “but it depends on how many movies you shoot. You make money when you are shooting movies over and over again. If it is on regular basis, it’s fine.

But when you have to wait two or three months before your next project, then there is a problem.”

Jackie said acting is sometimes not as glamorous as it’s often cranked up to be. She said it’s stressful when the actor does not get the script right.

“The directors get very cross with you. You need to devote your time to learning the script, understand and know the character you are playing,” she added.

Today, Jackie’s face can be seen on many billboards and in TV commercials including GSMF advert on HIV/AIDS. She became the face of U.B in a promotion she did for them and she is currently the face of IPMC.

‘GSMF’ was her first TV commercial and once her pretty face had made an appearance on TV, other deals came her way in no time.

Of all her TV shows, Jackie said, she was happiest when she was invited by Mr. Adanu to host Entertainment Zone (E Zone) on TV3.

According to her, hosting programmes was new territory, explaining that ‘Sometimes I am lost for words, as I don’t even know the questions I should ask my guest. It was a nice programme and I wish I still hosted it. I stopped because I got pregnant,” she hinted.

Jackie, a graduate of Harvard College, was born on December 5, 1983, in Canada to Mr. George Appiah and Miss Janet Owusu. She is the last of five children; Yvonne, Mansa, Abrifi and Kofi, and lived most of her youthful life in Canada.

She is married and has a son called Damian Agyeman. She said having him was the happiest moment in her life.
Jackie loves having fun and swimming when she's not on location.