Regina Askia

Regina Imaobong Askia Usoro (now Regina Askia Williams), popularly known as Regina Askia, is a Nollywood actress, model, television producer and educational activist.

Beauty Pageants

In 1988, she took part in her university's beauty pageant show - Miss University of Lagos, a.k.a. Miss Unilag, which she won. That same year, Askia participated in Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. Although she was a favourite with the audience, she only managed to place second, but she realized her dream the following year when she took over from Bianca Onoh as Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria after Onoh resigned. As no contest had been held that year, Askia was automatically named MBGN 1989 (although Askia credits herself as Miss Nigeria on her website).

During her short reign, Askia represented Nigeria in Miss Charm held in Russia. She was also the Nigerian delegate at Miss International 1990, where she failed to make much of an impact.

Modelling Career

As a model, she has futured in several Nigerian commercials including "Kessingsheen" Hair Care and, most famously, "Visene" Eye Drops, as well as several catwalk shows.

Acting Career

Askia's big acting break was in 1993, when she played gold-digging Tokunbo Johnson in Nigerian soap "Fortunes" (later "Mega Fortunes"), a role which earned her critical acclaim. Although the home video sequel "Dark Goddess" was a commercial flop, she found herself casted in more Nollywood movies, and has been nominated at award ceremonies for her performances. In addition, Askia has produced several television shows and films.

Personal Life

Askia is married to American Rudolph 'Rudy' Williams; together, the couple have two children - Teesa Olympia and Rudolph Junior. Her other daughter Stephanie, who now resides in France, is from a previous relationship with a French buisnessman. A graduate of the University of Lagos with a degree in Biology, Askia currently lives in America with her family where she now studies for her Masters degree, although she regularly goes to her home country to make movies.

In 2007, Askia-Williams fronted the 2000-N-Six campaign alongside daughter Stephanie.

External links

*imdb name|id=1477052|name=Regina Askia
* [ http://www.reginaaskia.scriptmania.com/index.htm Regina's Website]
* [http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/sunstyle/2007/feb/24/sunstyle-24-02-2007-001.htm 2000-N-Six]