According to Thomas, one of her earliest decisions after graduating from Theatre Arts was to focus solely on building herself as an actor rather than rushing into film production.
“When I left school, I told myself I wanted to be established as an actor first before venturing into film production,” she recalled.
Her early years, however, were marked by a recurring pattern of roles that cast her as a street fighter or tough-talking character. “Those years when I was given roles that involved fighting or breaking bottles were good because I can’t actually fight in real life; it’s all make-believe,” she said with a laugh.
But beneath the humor was a growing concern. Thomas explained that she soon became wary of being stereotyped in such roles, recognizing the limitations it could place on her career.
“I told myself that if I continued playing these kinds of roles, they wouldn’t offer me other parts. Because I am a Theatre Arts major and did an apprenticeship as an undergraduate, I knew I had more to offer,” she said.
Highlighting her versatility, the actress stressed that her talents extend beyond film to stage performance and vocal work. She noted that many casting directors in Nollywood are quick to pigeonhole actors, making it important for performers to actively shape their careers.
“If I kept playing the same tough characters, I wouldn’t get different opportunities because the industry is quick to stereotype you,” Thomas added.
Her decision to gradually step back from such roles has since allowed audiences and filmmakers to see her in a new light, opening doors to a wider variety of performances that showcase her range.
For Thomas, breaking away from the mold has not only expanded her career but also reaffirmed her belief in versatility as an actor’s strongest asset.