Veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has revealed that the Netflix series "To Kill a Monkey" significantly revived her acting career, but she almost lost the role because she was not the original choice for the character. Speaking on Pulse Nigeria's "Old Vs New" segment, where she reacted to clips from her past and present film work, Damasus disclosed that the show, created by Kemi Adetiba, transformed how both audiences and industry figures perceive her.
How Stella Damasus Landed the Role of Nosa
Damasus explained that the role of Nosa was initially written for a younger actress, and casting had already been completed when her then-management representative convinced her to submit a self-tape. She had less than 24 hours' notice to prepare the audition. At the time, she was in the United States and had to record the audition over a video call, with another actor in Nigeria reading opposite her to help her deliver the lines.
After submitting the tape, Damasus heard nothing for a while and assumed the role had gone to someone else. However, she later learned that the production team was so impressed by her audition that they chose to rewrite the character specifically for her, rather than casting a younger actress. This decision ultimately led to her playing Nosa, the wife of the lead character in the series.
Career Impact and Recognition Beyond Nigeria
Damasus stated that "To Kill a Monkey" moved her career forward, and she continues to be recognised by fans who quote lines from her character. The reaction to her performance has followed her well beyond Nigeria, including in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. She described the production as demanding, noting that it pushed her to revisit her craft despite her years of experience.
She also credited her co-stars, including Lilian Afegbai, William Benson, Bucci Franklin, and Sunshine Rosman, for raising the standard on set. Their collective effort contributed to the series' success and helped her deliver a performance that resonated with audiences.
About 'To Kill a Monkey' and Its Reception
"To Kill a Monkey" premiered on Netflix in July 2025. The series follows a man who is drawn into cybercrime after reconnecting with a childhood friend, with Damasus playing his wife, Nosa. The show has been widely praised as one of Kemi Adetiba's strongest projects to date, following her earlier acclaimed work on "King of Boys." The series' success has further cemented Damasus's place in the industry, marking a significant comeback for the veteran actress.
