By Agatha Emeadi
Kate Henshaw stands out in the movie industry. She is, indeed, a Nollywood legend, screen diva and one of the most renowned Nigerian actresses.
She will be 30 years in the industry and on the screen this year, something many see as no mean feat.
With her natural beauty, great personality, and fitness, Henshaw draws a delectable sight to behold by her fans and viewers, who are glued to her stylish fitness attire, as well as acrobatic displays of a lady that is physically and mentally fit.
Henshaw has won several awards like Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMMAA) as the Best Actress; Best of Nollywood Awards as the ‘Most Promising Actress in Nigeria;’ life-time Achievement Award as the ‘Best Accomplished Actress in Nigeria,’ among several others.
To her, there is no substitute for determination and hard work for any actor or actress and she is a living testament to that as she had climbed the ladder from the lowest ebb to the top in the industry. 
She had played many roles from princess, businesswoman, housewife and even a poor managing girl, and delivered in all of them.
How did you get interested in your chosen profession?
It was me being inquisitive, having started my modelling career where I met the late J.T. Tom West and he invited me to my very first audition for the movie, ‘When the Sun set’ at old Ojo road. He told me about the audition and invited me to come for it and that was how I got interested.
How are you coping with your rise?
I am coping very well. I have been in this industry, and will be 30 years this year. I have actually learnt to cope with the rise as a celebrity. Initially, I was not expecting the kind of popularity or exposure that it gave me, even though my privacy was indeed something I cherish so much. I didn’t now have a private life, but I have learnt over the years to find my privacy and make sure I protect myself from unnecessary exposure that does not mean well for me. Again, there has been a lot of opportunities opened to me to work with international organizations, lending my voice to the causes that I am passionate about, endorsements from major brands, influencing, advocacy. It has been a lot and I am grateful for the opportunities. The challenges which I am managing better now is, of course, the privacy, people trashing you when you do not speak what they want to hear, you are basically the spotlight, every thing you do and say are picked apart, being notes, so one has to be careful to always stand correctly.
What about the feeling of your parents when you started, because parents of those days were in love in raising doctors, engineers, lawyers etc; how do they see you today?
My dad was totally against it. I actually wanted to start with a music career and my dad saw it as a dead body; my mother was more about my safety when I used to go for auditions and come back late or my frequency in going out for auditions. My dad blatantly refused and said no. Now, my parents are totally proud of me and that goes to show that if you do good on the things that you have chosen to set your hearts on or work on, those who were not in support in the beginning would definitely support you.
What have you added to your profession?
I have added advocacy, social activism, fitness and very particular about women’s health. Therefore, I advocate for breast and cervical cancer preventions; I am also very particular about women looking after their general wellness and well-being. I have added advocacy against child abuse, rape, domestic violence, getting people to do their civic responsibilities and do right to their living environment and the nation. This has also added to my brand because people see me as someone with integrity who stand for the truth and I know it is a huge responsibility, so I make sure I do not betray that trust that has been imposed on me.
How is the society treating you?
The society is treating me well because I get a lot of compliments from people; they also go out of their ways to help and support me. From the interactions of my followers on social media and otherwise, people have been so pleasant and I really cannot say that it has been bad. It has been more of good than bad. It is more of people appreciating my talent and the things that I have chosen to speak about than against me.
What advice do you have for the younger ones in the industry?
I will say to them to be humble, be hardworking, do not let the popularity get into your head. Always study, read books and watch movies, be on the right side of the law, learn emotional intelligence, know that your fans and followers have a lot of respect for you, they would have imposed a lot of confidence in you and should not be let down. Come with the mission to learn from those ahead of you and be open to contribute to the industry which you belong to.
What do you have to say about your family, parents, siblings and growing up?
I was not born with a golden and silver spoon, but a normal spoon. My parents taught us hard work especially my mother, if she catches you not doing your house chores; you will hear from her. My parents also taught us to read our books, make our beds, do not take what does not belong to you, be truthful at all times. I have three siblings, two brothers and a sister who are simply amazing.