In this feature, we delve into the story of a Nigerian actor and model, Crystabel Goddy, who made the transition from Nigeria to the United States. This move not only marked a new chapter in her personal life but also a major turning point in her career. The journey has been a mixture of challenges, lessons learned, and growth.
After arriving in the US, the focus shifted to building stability, acquiring new skills and knowledge, and networking within the industry. With hard work and determination, individual has been able to lay a solid foundation for themselves and is now ready to take their career to the next level.
The move has also highlighted the stark contrast between the entertainment industries in Nigeria and the US. The individual reflects on the lack of professionalism and respect for talent in the Nigerian industry and how things are different in the US, where talent and hard work are recognized and valued.
The journey has not always been easy, but the individual’s persistence and never-quit attitude have helped them to overcome challenges and grow both personally and professionally. They now live life intentionally, pursuing their dreams and standing up for themselves, and have become an inspiration to many who have followed their journey.
Smart, sexy, and resourceful, Crystabel Goddy is one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising actresses. Behind her petite frame lies a truly strong and vivacious character with a great passion for film, theatre, and television.
A graduate of Applied Geophysics from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Crystabel worked in different capacities in the oil and gas industry, and then went on to acquire a Diploma in Acting from the New York Film Academy, kick-starting her career as a thespian.
She landed her first movie role in 2016 as the lead female actor in Abba Makama’s feature film, Green White Green. The movie was a hit, and projected her onto the international market, as it won the ‘Best Nigerian Film’ at the African International Film festival. Green White Green was aired on screens around the globe and is currently on Netflix.
Following her scintillating performance in the satirical comedy, the versatile actress bagged another major role in Idemuza – an intense drama – where she played the lead character, Idemuza, alongside greats like Femi Durojaiye and Gloria Young. The Aloaye Omoake-directed film was also a success, earning four nominations at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award.
Since then, Crystabel has starred in several other award-winning local productions and international projects, including Nigerian Prince, Prueba, Damaged, Power Of One, The Lost Okoroshi, Daddy’s Girls, Behind the Smile, Before Before, Lucy, and many more. She continues to demonstrate her acting dexterity with exciting new works underway.
An exemplar of enterprise and diligence, Crystabel’s body of work extends beyond film. She is a professional model who has graced runways and featured in a number of commercials – from telecommunication to hair brands. She is also a pageant queen (Beauty of Africa, Maiden Queen; Miss Amnesty, Winner; Miss Garden City, Second Runner-Up).
Crystabel is naturally self-motivated…but she also cites her mother as “a great source of inspiration”. Like Maya Angelou – renowned American poet and author – the relentless go-getter believes: “Nothing will work unless you do!” When she’s not on movie sets or attending fashion and art shows, she enjoys reading, playing board games, and singing karaoke.