{{Short description|Nigerian actress, model and presenter (born 1991)}} {{Use Nigerian English|date=August 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}} {{Infobox person | name = Nancy Isime | image = Nancy Isime at AMVCA 2020 24 (cropped).jpg | alt = | caption = Nancy Isime at the AMVCAs 2020 | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|12|17|df=yes}} | birth_place = Edo State, Nigeria | occupation = {{hlist|Actress|TV Presenter}} | years_active = 2011-present | known_for = Social Media/TV Personality | alma_mater = University of Lagos }} '''Nancy Isime''' (born 17 December 1991) is a Nigerian actress, model, and media personality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2016/07/tv-personality-actress-also-a-model-on-the-real-star-nancy-isime-is-a-triple-threat/|title=TV Personality, Actress & also a Model? "On The Real" Star Nancy Isime is a Triple Threat|work=bellanaija.com|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref>
==Early life and background== Nancy Isime was born on 17 December 1991 in Edo State, Nigeria.<ref>{{cite web | last=Azubuike | first=Emmanuel | title=Nancy Isime wins Most Searched Media Personality, Trailed by Toke Makinwa, Gbemi Olateru and Bolanle Olukanni | website=Nigerian Entertainment Today | date=3 July 2022 | url=https://thenet.ng/nancy-isime-wins-most-searched-media-personality-trailed-by-toke-makinwa-gbemi-olateru-and-bolanle-olukanni/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref> She comes of Esan descent.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-03-05 |title=I have no problem baring my cleavage - Nancy Isime |url=https://punchng.com/i-have-no-problem-baring-my-cleavage-nancy-isime/ |access-date=2022-08-27 |newspaper=The Punch}}</ref> She lost her mother when she was five years old and was raised up by her father. She spent her early years in Lagos, where she completed her primary and junior secondary education. She later moved to Benin City to finish her senior secondary education.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Oyedele |first=Oluwamuyiwa |date=2021-02-24 |title=How I lost My Mum At 5 - Nancy Isime|url=https://allure.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/how-i-lost-my-mum-at-5-nancy-isime/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-08-27 |newspaper=Vanguard|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Metibogun | first=Shade | title="Lived in carcass, snakes, bird were guests": Nancy Isime on losing mum at 5 | website=Legit.ng| date=18 September 2025 | url=https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/nollywood/1674785-nancy-isime-speaks-struggles-child-losing-mum-5-born-golden-spoon-lost/ | access-date=14 April 2026}}</ref>
Isime completed a six-month basic course at the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 March 2017 |title=I have no problem baring my cleavage - Nancy Isime |url=https://punchng.com/i-have-no-problem-baring-my-cleavage-nancy-isime/ |access-date=25 April 2021 |newspaper=The Punch|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/08/become-superstars-ladies-need-talent-not-connection-model/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=To become superstars, ladies need talent, not 'connection'- Model - Vanguard News|author=|date=4 August 2016|access-date=6 February 2017|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> At that time, when she was between 17 and 19 years old, she said she did not have a place to stay after work because her father lived in Ikorodu, which was far from where she worked as a model. She remembered walking home as late as 2 or 3 a.m. Through a friend, she was introduced to Yemi Alade, who she befriended as well as allowed her to stay in her off-campus apartment until she gained admission into the university.<ref>{{cite web | last=Onikoyi | first=Ayo | title=Nancy Isime shares how Yemi Alade helped her | website=Vanguard News | date=27 July 2025 | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/07/nancy-isime-shares-how-yemi-alade-helped-her/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref> She later studied at the University of Lagos, where she earned a diploma in social work.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 March 2017 |title=I have no problem baring my cleavage - Nancy Isime |url=https://punchng.com/i-have-no-problem-baring-my-cleavage-nancy-isime/ |access-date=25 April 2021 |newspaper=The Punch|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Career== Nancy Isime began a career as an actress in the TV series ''Echoes'' in 2011. She is also a television presenter, known for presenting gossip show ''The Squeeze'', technology show ''What's Hot'', and backstage segments of ''MTN Project Fame'' season 7.<ref name="TN">{{cite magazine|url=http://thenationonlineng.net/cant-date-man-broke/|title=I can't date a man who is broke|magazine=The Nation|access-date=13 October 2016}}</ref>
In 2016, she replaced Toke Makinwa as the presenter of the popular show ''Trending'' on HipTV.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tns.ng/nancy-isime-where-have-you-been-hiding/|title=Nancy Isime, Where Have You Been Hiding?|publisher=TNS|date=25 June 2016|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013221849/https://tns.ng/nancy-isime-where-have-you-been-hiding/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thenet.ng/hip-tv-unveils-toke-makinwas-replacement-for-trending/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Hip Tv unveils Toke Makinwa's replacement for 'Trending'|newspaper=The Netng|date=31 July 2015|access-date=6 February 2017}}</ref>
She co-hosted the 2019 edition of The Headies award with Reminisce.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/headies-2019-all-the-winners-at-the-13th-edition/cvevtzt |title=Headies 2019: Teni, Falz, Burna Boy win big at 13th edition |date=19 October 2019 |access-date=23 October 2019|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria}}</ref> She was also the presenter myof ''The Voice Nigeria'' 2021.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/03/premiere-nancy-isime-toke-makinwa-graced-the-voice-nigeria-season-3-with-glitz-and-glam/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Premiere: Nancy Isime, Toke Makinwa graced The Voice Nigeria Season 3 with glitz and glam|date=30 March 2021|newspaper=Vanguard|access-date=16 June 2022}}</ref> In 2019, Isime launched her own TV show which she called ''The Nancy Isime Show''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 October 2019 |title=TV personality, Nancy Isime launches TV Show |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/tv-personality-nancy-isime-launches-tv-show/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=30 March 2022 |newspaper=Vanguard|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2020, she co-hosted The Headies award with Bovi.<ref>{{cite web | title=Meet the Hosts for the #14thHeadies, Nancy Isime & Bovi | website=BellaNaija | date=10 December 2020 | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2020/12/headies-hosts-nancy-isime-bovi/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref>
In 2022, she starred in the Netflix original series ''Blood Sisters'', playing the lead role of Kemi, produced by Ebonylife TV studio which is owned by Mo Abudu. In 2023, she starred as Shalewa in ''Shanty Town''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-28 |title=Meet the Cast of "Shanty Town," the Nigerian Crime Thriller Coming to Netflix in January |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2022/12/shanty-town-set-to-debuts-on-netflix/ |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US}}</ref> ===Upcoming projects=== Isime is cast of Mo Abudu's upcoming film, ''The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives'', which is to be released in December 2026. It is based on the 2010 novel of the same name by Lola Shoneyin.<ref>{{cite web | last=Ogunsina | first=Bukola | title=Mo Abudu Unveils Faithia Williams, Nancy Isime In 'Baba Segi's Wives' Film Adaptation | website=Leadership Newspapers | date=18 March 2026 | url=https://leadership.ng/mo-abudu-unveils-faithia-williams-nancy-isime-in-baba-segis-wives-film-adaptation/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref>
==Other ventures== ===Philanthropy=== On 20 December 2025 when Isime celebrated her 34th birthday, she built a playground at Methodist Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos.<ref>{{cite web | last=Fasan | first=Yewande | title=Nancy Isime commissions playground at Ikorodu Primary School | website=The Nation Newspaper | date=20 December 2025 | url=https://thenationonlineng.net/nancy-isime-commissions-playground-at-ikorodu-primary-school/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref> ==Media image== On 28 January 2026, Isime told Morayo Afolabi-Brown in an interview that she was of age for marriage and desires a kind man.<ref>{{cite web | title=Nancy Isime opens up on man she wants to marry | website=Vanguard News | date=25 January 2026 | url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/kindness-comes-first-nancy-isime-opens-up-on-man-she-wants-to-marry/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Fasan | first=Yewande | title=Why I prioritise kindness in a partner | website=The Nation Newspaper | date=24 January 2026 | url=https://thenationonlineng.net/why-i-prioritise-kindness-in-a-partner-nancy-isime/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref> Her comments sparked online debate following a resurgence of an X (Twitter) post made by a user claiming that the actress has allegedly spent her 20s with relationships with top actors, film directors, and producers for film roles and pleasure, and now desires "a kind man".<ref>{{cite web | last=Bello | first=Aisha | title=Nancy Isime's 'I'm Ready For Marriage' Comment Triggers Gender Bias Debate | website=The Whistler Newspaper | date=28 January 2026 | url=https://thewhistler.ng/nancy-isimes-im-ready-for-marriage-comment-triggers-gender-bias-debate/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref>
Isime is active on social media, but she announced a break on 1 January 2026 in view of New Year while in Mauritius.<ref>{{cite web | title=Nancy Isime goes silent as 2026 begins | website=P.M. News – Read the latest Nigerian news | date=1 January 2026 | url=https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/01/nancy-isime-goes-silent-as-2026-begins/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Fasan | first=Yewande | title=Nancy Isime announces break from social media | website=The Nation Newspaper | date=1 January 2026 | url=https://thenationonlineng.net/nancy-isime-announces-break-from-social-media/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref> An avid reader of Nigerian literature, in 2025, Isime read Chukwuebuka Ibeh's ''Blessings''; Chimeka Garricks's ''A Broken People's Playlist''; Aiwanose Odafen's ''Tomorrow I Become a Woman''; Tunde Leye's ''Fireflies on the Lagoon''; and Umar Turaki's ''Every Drop of Blood is Red''. She added Akwaeke Emezi's ''Son of the Morning'' and Oyin Olugbile's ''Sanya'' to her books-to-read list.<ref>{{cite web | last=Uwisike | first=Blessing | title=Nollywood Actress Nancy Isime is Championing Nigerian Fiction! | website=Brittle Paper | date=7 January 2026 | url=https://brittlepaper.com/2026/01/nigerian-actress-nancy-isimes-2025-african-books-reading-list/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref>
==Filmography== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Ref heading}} |- ! rowspan="4" scope="rowgroup"| 2015 | ''Hex'' | Chioma | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web | title=A Nigerian Horror Film! It's 'Hex' by Clarence A. Peters | website=BellaNaija | date=5 October 2015 | url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2015/10/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-movie-hex-by-clarence-a-peters-trailer-character-posters/ | access-date=14 April 2026}}</ref> |- | ''Tales of Eve'' | Irene | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Road to Yesterday'' | Kike | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web | title=Road to Yesterday | website=TVGuide.com | date=10 October 2019 | url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/road-to-yesterday/cast/2000129580/ | access-date=14 April 2026}}</ref> |- | ''Breathless'' | Iris | style="text-align:center;" |<ref>{{cite web | title=Breathless Debuts at Cinemas Today | website=ThisDay | date=1 July 2016 | url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/2016/07/01/breathless-debuts-at-cinemas-today/ | access-date=14 April 2026}}</ref> |- ! rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"| 2016 | ''On the Real'' | Amaka | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''A Trip to Jamaica'' | One Lagos Presenter | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="5" scope="rowgroup"| 2017 | ''Hire a Man'' | Teni Lawson | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Finding C.H.R.I.S'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''The Surrogate'' | Nicole | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Treachery'' | Ife | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Tempted'' | Ruky | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="9" scope="rowgroup"| 2018 | ''Kanyamata'' | Ruky | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''A Better Family'' | Lizzy | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Club'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Johnny Just Come'' | Sandra | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Liars and Pretenders'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''My Name is Ivy'' | Ivy | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Sideways'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Disguise'' | Nengi/Melvin | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons'' | Sophie | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="11" scope="rowgroup"| 2019 | ''Don't Get Mad Get Even'' | Ada | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Guilty'' | Ivie | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Hire a Woman'' | Teni | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Adaife'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''The Millions'' | Ivey | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Beauty in the Broken'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Another Angle'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Merry Men 2'' | Sophie Obaseki | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Levi'' | Somi | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Living in Bondage: Breaking Free'' | Stella | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Made in Heaven'' | Verita | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="1" scope="rowgroup"| 2020 | ''Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards'' | Kambili | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="6" scope="rowgroup"| 2021 | ''Creepy Lives Here'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''The Razz Guy'' (2021) | Nadine | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Kylie's Quest'' | Kylie/ Kara | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''The Silent Baron'' | Anita | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Superstar'' | Queen | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Hustle'' | Chichi | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="5" scope="rowgroup"| 2022 | ''Blood Sisters'' | Kemi Sanya | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''The Set Up 2'' | Usi | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Hidden Flaws'' | Zoe | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Dear Diary'' | Zara | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Obara'm'' | Oluchi | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="6" scope="rowgroup"| 2023 | ''She Must Be Obeyed'' | Victoria | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Shanty Town'' | Shalewa | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Love in a Pandemic'' | Bolanle Davis | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''A Ride Too Far'' | April | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Honey Money'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''2 Sisters & A Friend'' | Kemi | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="7" scope="rowgroup"| 2024 | ''Move Like a Boss'' | Joko | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Saving Onome'' | Tola | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Wrong Number'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Hijack '93'' | Iyabo | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Queen Lateefah'' | Arese | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''A Fresh Start'' | Pregnant Woman | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Everybody Loves Jenifa'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- ! rowspan="2" scope="rowgroup"| 2025 | ''Aso Ebi Diaries'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |- | ''Radio Voice'' | | style="text-align:center;" | |}
==Awards and recognition== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |- ! Year !Award !Category !Film !Result !Ref |- |rowspan="2"|2016 | City People Entertainment Awards | Best VJ of the Year | {{n/a}} | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite news|author=|date=26 July 2016|title=Full List Of Winners at 2016 City People Entertainment Awards|url=https://thenet.ng/full-list-of-winners-at-2016-city-people-entertainment-awards/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208102412/http://thenet.ng/2016/07/full-list-of-winners-at-2016-city-people-entertainment-awards/|archive-date=8 December 2016|access-date=6 February 2017|newspaper=The Netng}}</ref> |- | Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards | Sexiest On Air Personality (female) | ''Hip TV'' | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web|last=Popoola|first=Kazeeem|title=Finally! Here Is Authentic List Of Nominees For NBMA 2015|url=https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/204198/finally-here-is-authentic-list-of-nominees-for-nbma-2015.html|website=Nigeria Voice}}</ref> |- |2017 | The Future Awards | Best On Air Personality (Visual) | {{n/a}} | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite news|title=2017 Future Awards Africa winners|url=https://punchng.com/full-list-2017-future-awards-africa-winners/|newspaper=The Punch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Wizkid, Davido, Joshua winners at Africa's Future Awards |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/12/wizkid-davido-joshua-winners-africas-future-awards/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=25 October 2020 |newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2018 |Best of Nollywood Awards |Best Actress in a Lead Role - English |''Disguise'' |{{nom}} |<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=9 December 2018 |title=BON Awards 2018: Mercy Aigbe, Tana Adelana shine at 10th edition |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/bon-awards-2018-mercy-aigbe-tana-adelana-shine-at-10th-edition/v9fvvnn |access-date=23 December 2021 |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | City People Movie Awards | Most Promising Actress (English) | {{n/a}} | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nominees For 2018 City People Movie Awards|url=http://www.citypeopleonline.com/nominees-for-2018-city-people-movie-awards-full-list/|website=City People}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" |2019 | Best Supporting Actress (English) | {{n/a}} | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2019 |title=Winner Emerge @ 2019 City People Movie Awards |url=http://www.citypeopleonline.com/winner-emerge-2019-city-people-movie-awards/ |access-date=20 October 2020}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Kiss in a Movie | rowspan="2" | ''Jofran'' | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite news|title=BON Awards 2019: 'Gold Statue', Gabriel Afolayan win big at 11th edition in Kano|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/bon-awards-2019-gold-statue-gabriel-afolayan-win-big-at-11th-edition/4d0w2n4|newspaper=Pulse Nigeria}}</ref> |- |Best Actress in a Lead role –English |{{nom}} |<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bada |first=Gbenga |date=15 December 2019 |title=BON Awards 2019: 'Gold Statue', Gabriel Afolayan win big at 11th edition |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/bon-awards-2019-gold-statue-gabriel-afolayan-win-big-at-11th-edition/4d0w2n4 |access-date=10 October 2021 |newspaper=Pulse Nigeria|language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2021 | rowspan="2" |Net Honours |Most Popular Media Personality (female) | {{n/a}} |{{nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite news |title=Net Honours - The Class of 2021 |url=https://thenet.ng/net-honours-class-of-2021/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=7 December 2021 |newspaper=The NET|language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Most Searched Media Personality |{{n/a}} |{{nom}} |- | rowspan="3" |2022 | rowspan="2" |Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards |Best Actress in A Comedy |''Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards'' |{{nom}} | rowspan="3" |<ref>{{Cite news |title=2022 Africa Magic Awards Nominees don land- See who dey list |work=BBC News Pidgin |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-60818021 |access-date=26 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Azubuike | first=Emmanuel | title=Nancy Isime wins Most Searched Media Personality, Trailed by Toke Makinwa, Gbemi Olateru and Bolanle Olukanni | website=Nigerian Entertainment Today | date=3 July 2022 | url=https://thenet.ng/nancy-isime-wins-most-searched-media-personality-trailed-by-toke-makinwa-gbemi-olateru-and-bolanle-olukanni/ | access-date=17 April 2026}}</ref> |- |Best Actress in A Drama |''Superstar'' |{{nom}} |- |Net Honours |Most Searched Media Personality (female) | {{n/a}} |{{won}} |- |2023 |Eko Heritage Awards |Most stylish personality |___ |{{won}} |<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yaakugh |first=Kumashe |date=2023-07-18 |title="Well deserved": Nancy Isime award 'Most Stylish Personality' at event |url=https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/fashion/1544682-nancy-isime-wins-stylish-personality-award-event-fans-agree/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |newspaper=Legit.ng|language=en}}</ref> |- |}
==References== {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Wikiquote}} * {{IMDb name|7484947}} {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Isime, Nancy}} Category:Nigerian television actresses Category:Nigerian television presenters Category:Nigerian female models Category:Living people Category:1991 births Category:University of Lagos alumni Category:Actresses from Edo State Category:Nigerian women television presenters Category:Nigerian media personalities Category:Nigerian film actresses Category:Esan actresses