Rising Stars: Meet Ruth Okoye

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruth Okoye.

Ruth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, my favorite shows were That’s So Raven and The Proud Family on Disney. For me, it was amazing to finally see people who looked like me on my TV screen. In kindergarten when they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was not an actress as then I didn’t think the dream was possible because didn’t see black women on screen.

When the Proud Family and That’s So Raven came out on Disney, I felt it in my bones that I would be on TV one day just like them. Being a product of Nigerian parents who exude resilience, hard work, and perseverance heaped instrumental pressure in pursuing a career in film. As the eldest of three, I had cultural obligations as well as the obligation to not be a “waste” of my parents’ journey to America by choosing a career that would make them proud. My parents knew I wanted to be an actress at a young age but they both advised me to pursue a “real degree” such as in law, medicine, or engineering. Growing up I also had to lead a good example for my siblings which in turn didn’t allow me to hold grudges or express certain frustrations brought on by them as my parents would constantly remind me that I must be the bigger person as the eldest.

These experiences led to my voice being muted personally but over-expressed when it came to defending others. I became this person who would speak up for everyone but myself and it was looked at as honorable in my family while, sadly, it was taking away my outlet. While in college pursuing a Biology path, I stumbled upon an acting school in Philadelphia where I attended Temple University and was introduced to Meisner’s Technique. This was a huge turning point in my life as it was the first time I had a space to express this passion freely and in a judgment-free environment. Being able to actually express everything on my mind from moment to unanticipated moment took lots of repetition but I soon discovered my voice. It allowed me to see the truth in so many moments of my actual life that I would normally suppress. From then on, I decided I would give myself a chance and pursue acting and film production professionally.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say the road has been smooth but it has been quite the opposite. Becoming a working actress I’ve realized, comes with a ton of catch-22 scenarios. You need an agent to get work but you need work to get an agent. You need the time and flexibility to be able to audition but you also need a means of income for financial stability which takes up that time. My dream would have been to have a wide open month with no obligations so I could dedicate my time solely to completing my creative projects in that time. Juggling the typical “day job” working 40 hours a week and contributing to my passion has been the toughest part of this transition. The reality is as an artist, having too much structure dictated by another person or environment such as in a day job makes it hard to delegate your schedule but not impossible. It takes devotion like any sport, dream, or goal. The best tip I have is to try and work in the environment you’d like to break into. I work as a production assistant/ coordinator which means I am on studio lots and on set most of the time which keeps me inspired and also gives me the flexibility to be able to submit for roles and audition.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work as a Producer and Production Coordinator and am best known as Repertory Theater trained Actress. I cling to the Stanford Meisner method as it truly allows me to get out of my head and into the truth of the moment, as the basis of this technique is to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances. Whether I’m in front of or behind the camera, I shape-shift into who I’ve always dreamed of being. I nourish my younger self who prayed her voice would eventually find her and that she’d be able to thrive and prosper doing what she loves to do. I realized that when you have that unwavering, inexplicable drive to pursue something, do it.

My goal is to amplify the everyday experiences of people, especially those of color, to a multiethnic audience to relate the parallels of our everyday experiences in a tasteful way. Not only should we see this in front of the camera with my work but behind the camera as well. I’m working towards raising show runners, producers, and directors whose voices were once muted as well. Attending film school for my MFA in TV and Film production is the next step for me and I am blessed to have to opportunity to do it this year in Los Angeles. I truly am living in my purpose. I realize that I’ve only just embarked on this journey and still have a long way to go. Despite the fact I am far from where I used to be and I am proud of my achievements and my potential.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
There’s no other feeling like driving down the PCH on a Sunday afternoon listening to oldies’ music. Los Angeles has a vibe that is unmatched by any other city. You can go from downtown with skyscrapers to a hike in the mountains and cool off at the beach all on the same day! Los Angeles is so unique in that you’ll find people of every culture and walk of life as well. With its amazing weather and unbeatable tacos, there’s not much to hate about this city. The only thing that sucks in LA is the traffic. With the number of highways in the city, you would think it can accommodate everyone but no traffic is pretty bad. I’ve learned to appreciate the long drive and play music or a podcast or just spend time with myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/ruthokoye
• Instagram: instagram.com/ruthoko
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthokoye1111/