From ‘Daddy’s Girl’ to ‘To Kill a Monkey’: How Sunshine Rosman Found Her Muse in Sex Workers
Nollywood actress Sunshine Rosman is a name you need to know. Rising to fame with her role as Amanda Sparkles in the hit series ‘To Kill a Monkey’, she’s an artist who isn’t afraid to push boundaries. In a tell-all interview, she opened up about her unique upbringing, her dream of international stardom, and how she drew inspiration from an unlikely source for her breakout role.
A Nigerian Girl with a Global Dream
Sunshine Rosman’s story is a tapestry of cultures. Born to an Imo State mother and a Canadian father, she grew up moving between Lagos neighborhoods like Ijeshatedo and Magodo, soaking in the vibrant energy of the city. A self-described “daddy’s girl,” she remembers her father as a hands-on parent who encouraged her and her sisters’ love for performance.
Her passion for acting ignited while watching a Marilyn Monroe film. Mesmerized by Monroe’s on-screen presence, a young Sunshine declared, “I want to be like that.” While she says Monroe’s performance style didn’t directly influence her own, the Hollywood icon’s sense of style continues to be a major inspiration.
The ‘To Kill a Monkey’ Journey
Landing the role of Amanda Sparkles wasn’t a straightforward path. Sunshine had initially auditioned a year earlier but didn’t get the part. Just as she was about to start her school exams, a last-minute call came in for her to step in. It was a difficult choice: defer her semester or take on the role. She ultimately decided to take her exams, believing she had lost the opportunity.
But destiny had other plans. After a dream about being on a film set, she got the call—while ironically, she was already telling a radio interviewer that she would one day star in a Kemi Adetiba film. She credits her unwavering belief and the power of that prophecy for making it all happen.
The show taught her a powerful lesson. Rosman explains that the characters in ‘To Kill a Monkey’ were not just good or evil; they were a mix of both. “People who glorify themselves as good may still have hidden dirt,” she says. For her character, Amanda Sparkles, the message was clear: “When a man brings you down, don’t stay there; flip the script.”
Finding an Anchor for ‘Sparkles’
When preparing for her roles, Sunshine uses what she calls an “anchor”—an inspiration to help her get into character. For Amanda Sparkles, that anchor was the high-class Lagos “runs” girls (sex workers). “These anchors could be a person, an object, or multiple things at once,” she explains. She spent time observing people in clubs to understand her character’s world, blending her observations with her own experiences.
The Biracial Challenge
Being biracial has its own set of challenges in the industry. Sunshine says that while her mixed heritage is sometimes an advantage, it often works against her. “Casting-wise, people struggle to place me,” she admits. Her features don’t always fit the “typical Nigerian look,” making it difficult to find roles that don’t require recasting other family members to make the on-screen family believable.
A Vow Against Sexualization
Rosman is very clear about the kind of roles she won’t take. She has placed a firm limit on intimacy scenes, saying, “I am not interested in being reduced to an object of desire.” She feels that many producers sexualize beautiful actresses unnecessarily, even in simple roles. However, she’s open to it if the role has a powerful message, just as Amanda Sparkles’ character was central to the story and not just a prostitute.
Beyond Nollywood
Sunshine’s ambitions extend far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Her ultimate goal is to be an international actress, featuring in Hollywood, Bollywood, and more. She wants roles that challenge her and push her out of her comfort zone. But acting isn’t her only passion. She’s also a businesswoman at heart, with a keen interest in fashion and beauty. “Soon people will meet Shine, the businesswoman,” she says with a confident smile.
What do you think of Sunshine Rosman’s approach to acting? Do you think more actors should draw inspiration from real-life experiences?
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