When it comes to praising and celebrating individuals, when it comes to letting people know they are appreciated when they are still alive, one person’s name is mentioned constantly and that’s Prof Dr Pauline Long.
The serial philanthropist and entrepreneur who is the CEO and founder of the biggest black and ethnic award ceremony in Europe and U.K. called BEFFTA recently named actor Jerry Williams as Pride Of Africa.
She wanted to let him know that his marvellous acting skills are celebrated beyond his own country Nigeria. While researching in 2020 for a film she is producing in London she came across several great African actors and somewhere along the process she discovered Nollywood actor Jerry Williams.
Prof Dr Long said, “I never knew he existed until I went deep into watching several Nollywood films, something great stood out about him. His acting skills seemed out of this world. His delivery was phenomenal and above all he fitted the lead role I was casting for.”
She added, “I got in touch with him, we struck a code immediately and ever since we have been very close. In one of our earlier conversations, I said to him, I officially name you PRIDE OF AFRICA. He was extremely pleased and today I’m glad he is proudly going by that title and living up to it. He deserves it for his outstanding contribution in the African film industry. I went further and encouraged him to start directing as I believe he has what it takes.”
Prof. Long and Williams continue to share their close relationship, and last year she threw him a big surprise birthday party that truly made him emotional. He treasures their closeness so much that he recently dedicated a picture of her in his shrine among his other role models such us Nelson Mandela, Idris Elba, Denzel Washington and more.
Jerry Williams has been in several Nollywood films where he gives a world-class performances in diverse roles.
