83-year-old Iya Rainbow credits Hubert Ogunde for convincing her to quit nursing and become an actress

Veteran actress Idowu 'Iya Rainbow' Philips has revealed how the late theatre icon Hubert Ogunde persuaded her to resign from nursing and pursue acting full-time.

Before becoming a full-time actress, Iya Rainbow balanced her nursing career (at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, the General Hospital in Lagos, and others) with performances for the Osumare Theatre Group. Speaking in an interview on Feel Right News TV on Thursday, the 83-year-old recalled that Ogunde urged her to embrace theatre after watching her performance in the stage production Rabiatu Dance Drama at the Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos.

Widely regarded as the father of modern Nigerian theatre, Ogunde pioneered travelling theatre in Nigeria and mentored generations of actors, making his endorsement one of the industry's highest honours.

Iya Rainbow remembered the exact words Ogunde spoke to her: "Wasn't that Idowu who performed Rabiatu? Wasn't it Idowu who performed so well just now? And she said she didn't want to leave nursing? Go and resign from nursing and take up theatre fully. You're good at it."

Iya Rainbow said that after the meeting, she received support from Ogunde's wives and went on to resign from her nursing job in 1986.

Ogunde's influence extended beyond the stage. Over the years, several veteran actors have credited him with shaping their careers and encouraging them through difficult moments.

Adebayo 'Oga Bello' Salami, a veteran actor and former student of Ogunde, described him as a mentor who stood by him through public accusations following the deaths of his mentor, Ojo 'Baba Mero' Ladipo, and Ogunde's wife.

Iya Rainbow said that Ogunde's support did not stop at just encouragement; he was also a source of emotional support after she lost her husband, Augustine 'Baba Osumare' Philips, who was the founder of the Osumare Theatre Group.

Iya Rainbow remembered how Ogunde called her one day and cautioned her not to wear mourning clothes to his house again. His wife gifted her a new dress that day, and Ogunde asked them to destroy the one she wore to his house. He told her, "You don't mourn with the body but with the mind."

She also recalled how patients at the hospital where she worked protested when she announced her intention to leave her nursing job, saying they wouldn't let her go because she was one of the few nurses who took care of them even when they made mistakes.

Iya Rainbow is widely regarded as a foundational figure in Yoruba cinema, having appeared in over 500 films throughout her decades-long career.

She gained recent attention when she joined the growing calls for the release of abducted teachers and pupils in Oyo State.

As a testament to her enduring legacy, Iya Rainbow continues to inspire new generations of actors and actresses in Nigeria.