Cross River State, situated in Nigeria's lush South-South region, is not only celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, cultural diversity, and historic landmarks, but also for its contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly Nollywood. Over the years, several talented individuals from Cross River have emerged as dominant forces in the Nigerian movie and entertainment scene. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, these actors and actresses have amassed both fame and fortune, building careers that continue to inspire millions.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight the richest actors and actresses from Cross River State, spotlighting their backgrounds, achievements, estimated net worth, and contributions to both local and international entertainment circles.
1. Kate Henshaw
Estimated Net Worth: $1 million
Kate Henshaw is arguably the most iconic actress to come out of Cross River State. Born on July 19, 1971, in Calabar, she began her acting journey in 1993 with the movie When the Sun Sets, and has since appeared in over 100 films. Known for her expressive acting, charisma, and unwavering professionalism, Kate quickly became one of the most respected figures in Nollywood.
Her influence extends beyond acting. She is also a brand ambassador for major Nigerian and international brands and a health and fitness advocate. Her strong online presence, endorsement deals, and appearances at global events continue to expand her influence and net worth.
2. Ubi Franklin
Estimated Net Worth: $2 million
While Ubi Franklin is often associated with the music industry, being the founder of the Made Men Music Group (Triple MG), his reach into acting and film production, alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, secures his place on this list. Born Ubi Ekapong Ofem in Calabar, Cross River State, Ubi has managed some of the biggest names in Nigerian music, such as Iyanya and Tekno.
In addition to his entertainment influence, Ubi is an investor in several business ventures, including real estate, digital startups, and media production companies. His broad portfolio and smart investments have earned him a spot as one of the wealthiest entertainment personalities from Cross River.
3. Shan George
Estimated Net Worth: $500,000
Shan George is a legendary Nollywood actress, producer, and singer hailing from Ediba in Abi Local Government Area of Cross River State. Her career took off in the late 1990s with roles in classic Nollywood films. Known for her bold characters and strong screen presence, Shan has carved a niche for herself as both a performer and a storyteller.
Over the years, she has directed and produced several films under her production label. Despite facing personal and financial setbacks at various points in her life, Shan George has remained a resilient figure and a respected veteran in the industry.
4. Belinda Effah
Estimated Net Worth: $300,000
Belinda Effah is one of the most talented and dynamic actresses of her generation. Originally from Cross River State, she began her rise to fame through a reality TV show and soon transitioned into full-time acting. Known for her captivating performances, Belinda has earned accolades for her work in drama and romance genres.
Apart from acting, she is a television presenter and entrepreneur. She launched her fashion brand, which has gained attention in local fashion circuits. Her combined earnings from acting, brand collaborations, and business endeavors contribute to her growing net worth.
5. Queeneth Agbor
Estimated Net Worth: $200,000
Queeneth Agbor is an emerging star in Nollywood who proudly represents Cross River State. She holds a degree in microbiology but pursued her passion for acting by enrolling in a film academy. Since her debut, she has featured in a growing number of films and television shows.
Known for her beauty and on-screen grace, Queeneth is gaining popularity and increasing her income through both film appearances and endorsements. Her ambition and upward trajectory suggest that her net worth will continue to climb.
6. Nonso Bassey
Estimated Net Worth: $150,000
Nonso Bassey is a multi-talented entertainer—singer, actor, and model—born and raised in Calabar. He gained national recognition as a finalist on The Voice Nigeria, and then transitioned into Nollywood, where he has taken on several supporting and lead roles.
Nonso’s unique combination of musical and acting skills gives him an edge in the entertainment world. His income comes from performances, film roles, endorsements, and music streams. As he continues to build his brand, his wealth is expected to grow steadily.
7. Omotu Bissong
Estimated Net Worth: $100,000
Omotu Bissong made her mark by winning the prestigious Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant. She leveraged this platform to transition into modeling and acting. With roots in Cross River State, Omotu has used her media visibility to take on acting roles in television series and films.
She is also involved in humanitarian work and public speaking engagements. Though not as frequently in the spotlight as some of her peers, her contributions to the entertainment industry and consistent work ethic keep her relevant and financially stable.
8. Calabar Chic (Real Name: Angela Nwosu)
Estimated Net Worth: $50,000
Calabar Chic is a social media personality and content creator from Cross River State, who gained popularity through her humorous and relatable skits. Though she operates mostly in the digital space, her impact in the entertainment industry is undeniable.
With a growing follower base on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Calabar Chic has secured brand partnerships and monetized her content successfully. She represents a new wave of entertainers leveraging social media to build both influence and income.
Summary Table: Richest Actors and Actresses from Cross River State
| Name | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Occupation | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubi Franklin | $2 million | Music Executive, Entrepreneur | Founder of Triple MG, business investor |
| Kate Henshaw | $1 million | Actress | Over 100 Nollywood films, brand ambassador |
| Shan George | $500,000 | Actress, Producer | Veteran Nollywood actress and director |
| Belinda Effah | $300,000 | Actress, TV Presenter | Versatile roles, fashion entrepreneur |
| Queeneth Agbor | $200,000 | Actress | Rising Nollywood star |
| Nonso Bassey | $150,000 | Actor, Musician | The Voice Nigeria finalist, actor |
| Omotu Bissong | $100,000 | Actress, Model | MBGN winner, television actress |
| Calabar Chic | $50,000 | Content Creator, Comedienne | Social media star, digital entertainer |
Final Thoughts
Cross River State continues to shine as a cradle of talent in Nigeria’s dynamic entertainment industry. From long-established figures like Kate Henshaw and Shan George to vibrant new-age personalities like Calabar Chic and Queeneth Agbor, the state boasts a lineup of entertainers who have not only built reputable careers but also amassed considerable wealth along the way.
These individuals represent resilience, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit embedded in Nigeria’s entertainment ecosystem. Whether through acting, business ventures, or digital content creation, they serve as sources of inspiration to young aspiring creatives from Cross River and beyond.
As Nollywood evolves and digital platforms open up new opportunities, the future looks even brighter for these stars and many more to come from this culturally rich state.
