Auntie Bee recently shared insights on her acting career, emphasizing that it brought her little beyond popularity. In an interview with Nana Romeo on Accra 100.5 FM’s midmorning show, Ayekoo Ayekoo, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, she reflected on her lifelong dedication to acting.
From a young age, Auntie Bee was passionate about acting, to the extent that she didn’t pursue any other trade or craft. This devotion impacted her personal life, making it challenging to have children due to the demands of the film industry. She expressed regret, acknowledging the truth in the saying, “Nothing is permanent,” and wished she had diversified her skills when she was younger.
Auntie Bee’s journey began with the Key Soap Concert Party, a comic theatre show that toured extensively. These tours often involved staying in various towns and villages for extended periods, making it difficult to save money. Economic hardships frequently followed, leaving her with little to bring back home.
She noted that while the theatre initially provided abundant work, it offered minimal financial rewards. The advent of film brought better opportunities for some, but wealth and property were typically acquired by those who advanced quickly with producer support or had other financial means.
Auntie Bee struggled to identify significant gains from her acting career. She mentioned that football, rather than film, provided her with opportunities abroad. Despite being recognized wherever she goes, she felt that acting only provided a modest income for her and her children. The car she drives today was a gift from Rev Obofour or Nii Adotey Gyata, highlighting the limited material benefits she received from acting.
She expressed a desire for more substantial recognition for her contributions, such as land for a convenience store or a house. Auntie Bee’s acting career, spanning nearly 40 years, left her with fame but little financial security.