Nollywood icon Kate Henshaw is ringing in her 52nd birthday today, and the actress looks as youthful and energetic as ever. Taking to her Instagram, Henshaw shared captivating pictures that reflect her commitment to a lifestyle of total wellness, highlighting her unwavering dedication to nurturing her body, mind, and spirit.
In her Instagram post, Henshaw describes herself as a warrior, undaunted and unrelenting. She expresses her devotion to worshiping her God and King, emphasizing that she stands today because of His guidance and grace. The celebrated actress exudes confidence and gratitude as she enters this new chapter of her life.
Born on July 19, 1971, Kate Henshaw, also known as Kate Henshaw-Nuttall, has made an indelible mark in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In 2008, she clinched the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her outstanding performance in the movie “Stronger than Pain.”
Henshaw, the oldest of four children, was born in Cross River State, Nigeria. Her educational journey led her to St. Mary private school in Ajele, Lagos, for her primary education. She then pursued her secondary education at the Federal Government Girl College in Calabar. Continuing her academic pursuits, she studied Medical Microbiology at the School of Medical Lab Science at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after completing a year of remedial studies at the University of Calabar. Prior to her acting career, Henshaw worked as a model, featuring in various commercials, including a notable print and television advert for Shield deodorant.
Henshaw’s acting career took off in 1993 when she auditioned for and secured the lead role in the movie “When the Sun Sets.” This breakthrough marked her first major appearance in Nollywood, and she has since starred in over 45 Nigerian movies. Her versatility and exceptional talent have garnered widespread acclaim, leading to numerous accolades and nominations throughout her career.
Beyond her contributions to the Nigerian film industry, Henshaw has taken on notable roles as a brand ambassador, judge on reality TV shows, and advocate for philanthropic causes. She served as the brand ambassador for Blessing perfumes, Onga seasoning produced by Promasidor Nigeria Limited, and Samsung Mobile Division. Her exceptional skills and charisma led her to be selected as a judge for the reality show “Nigeria Got Talent” alongside Dan Foster. Additionally, she was appointed as an ambassador for the giant telecommunication company Glo.
In 2016, Henshaw’s compassion shone through when she responded to a tweet showcasing the plight of a two-year-old boy named Michael Alvez, who was born with an ulcerous growth on his face. Alongside several others, Henshaw contributed 8 million Naira towards the child’s treatment. However, the family requested that the money be returned, declining all assistance.
Henshaw’s personal life saw her marriage to British-born Roderick James Nuttal in 1999, with whom she has a child. Unfortunately, the couple divorced in 2011. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry, Henshaw received the prestigious Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) honor from the Nigerian federal government in 2011.
As Kate Henshaw celebrates her 52nd birthday, her vibrant energy, immense talent, and inspiring journey continue to captivate audiences. She remains an influential figure in the Nigerian entertainment scene, empowering and inspiring younger generations of actors and actresses. With her dedication to wellness and unwavering commitment to her craft, Henshaw sets an example for all who aspire to leave a lasting impact in their respective fields.
