A distinguished thespian whose commanding presence and arresting voice have graced Nigerian screens for decades, Bassey Ekpenyong embodies the quintessential versatility of a complete entertainment professional. Born in Lagos to parents from Akwa Ibom state, Ekpenyong’s journey to stardom was paved with academic excellence. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Calabar and a Master’s in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. His artistic genesis began during his NYSC service at NTA, where he trained under the mentorship of the renowned Tade Ogidan. Ekpenyong’s multifaceted talents have seen him excel as a scriptwriter, producer, presenter, actor, and voice-over artist, with his memorable portrayal of airline pilot Hassan Suleman in the soap opera “Ripples” marking just one highlight in a career spanning numerous acclaimed productions, from “Glamour Girls” (1994) to recent works like “Blood Sisters” (2022) and “The House of Secrets” (2023). His prominent roles in these films, among others, cemented his legacy as an indispensable pillar of Nollywood. His remarkable versatility is particularly evident in the diverse range of roles he has embodied, from playing the historical figure Patrick Oliver Sawyer in “93 Days” to embodying authority figures like the President in “King of Boys: The Return of the King.” Throughout his illustrious career spanning three decades, Ekpenyong has demonstrated an exceptional ability to adapt to evolving industry trends, maintaining relevance across different eras of Nigerian cinema where he consistently deliver powerful performances that resonate with audiences. His contribution to the Nigerian entertainment industry extends beyond acting, as he has also played pivotal roles behind the scenes, helping to shape the narrative landscape of Nollywood through his work as a producer and scriptwriter. Kolawole Olaiya of Nollywood in Review met with Bassey Ekpenyong in Lagos where they had a conversation that would be of interest to Nollywood film history enthusiasts and film scholars.