Veteran Nollywood actress Idowu Philips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, has opened up on why she vowed never to remarry following the death of her husband.
In an interview with actress Bimpe Akintunde, the 83-year-old screen legend revealed that her decision stemmed from an encounter with a man who abruptly ended their relationship after discovering she was raising 11 children.
According to Mama Rainbow, the man had visited her home and was shocked to see several children eating with her.
“A man wanted to marry me when my husband died, but he ran away when he saw 11 kids with me. He came to my house and saw the children eating with me. When I told him they were my children, he left and never came back,” she recounted.
The actress said the experience left her deeply hurt, prompting her to make a lifelong decision never to remarry — a promise she has kept for decades.
“Since then, I decided never to get married again, and I have remained single,” she added.
Mama Rainbow lost her husband in 1984 and singlehandedly raised her children while building one of the most respected careers in the Nigerian film industry.
Having started her acting journey in the 1960s, she has featured in countless Yoruba and English-language productions, earning admiration for her talent, humility, and commitment to both her craft and family.
Today, Mama Rainbow remains a revered figure in Nollywood, celebrated for her strength, faith, and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
