Veteran actress Stella Damasus has spoken about the impact of Netflix series "To Kill a Monkey" on her career, saying it brought her widespread recognition and changed how audiences and industry figures view her. The series, created by Kemi Adetiba, premiered on Netflix in July 2025 and follows a man drawn into cybercrime after reconnecting with a childhood friend. Damasus plays the role of Nosa, the wife of the main character.
Damasus revealed that she was not the original choice for the role of Nosa, submitting a self-tape less than 24 hours before the audition deadline. At the time, she was in the United States and had to record the audition over a video call with the help of another actor in Nigeria reading opposite her. Despite initial doubts, the production team eventually rewrote the character to fit her instead of casting someone younger.
The actress described the production as demanding, saying it pushed her to revisit her craft despite her experience. She credited her co-stars, including Lilian Afegbai, William Benson, Bucci Franklin, and Sunshine Rosman, for raising the standard on set. Damasus also mentioned that she still gets recognized today by fans quoting lines from her character, Nosa, and that the reaction followed her well beyond Nigeria, including in the United States, Canada, and Ireland.
According to Damasus, "To Kill a Monkey" moved her career forward, and she is grateful for the opportunity. The series has been widely praised as one of Kemi Adetiba's strongest projects to date, following her earlier work on "King of Boys." Damasus's performance in the series has been particularly noted, with many praising her portrayal of Nosa.
Damasus shared her experience on Pulse Nigeria's "Old Vs New," where she reacted to clips from her past and present film work. She spoke about how the role changed her career and how she almost lost it. The actress also talked about her journey and how she has been impacted by the series.
The success of "To Kill a Monkey" has had a significant impact on Damasus's career, with the actress saying it has helped her gain more recognition and respect in the industry. She expressed her gratitude to the production team and her co-stars for their support and collaboration.
Damasus's story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors, showing that perseverance and hard work can lead to success. Her experience on "To Kill a Monkey" is a testament to the power of taking risks and trying new things, even when the outcome is uncertain. With her career revitalized, Damasus is sure to continue making waves in the entertainment industry.
Key points
- Stella Damasus credits Netflix series "To Kill a Monkey" with revitalizing her acting career.
- Damasus was not the original choice for the role of Nosa, but the production team rewrote the character to fit her.
- The series has had a significant impact on Damasus's career, bringing her widespread recognition and respect in the industry.
