If there’s a “breakout star of 2025” title, Toni Tones has already claimed it. Best known for her chilling portrayal of young Eniola in King of Boys and her fan-favorite role as Lara Thompson in The Smart Money Woman and Azuwa Studios’ upcoming Lara Unlimited, she’s also lit up screens in the award-winning short Angie’s Love, the thriller KM17, and Yemi Morafa’s drama Aburo.
Toni Tones is a study in contrasts—on-screen, she moves seamlessly from high-stakes boardrooms to emotional confrontation; off-screen, she’s warm, funny, and completely herself. Known to her TikTok followers for viral meme lip-syncs and behind-the-scenes acting challenges, she brings comedic timing and fearless charm wherever she goes.
“I’m always looking for the next way to surprise my audience,” she says. “Whether it’s a dark thriller role or a 15-second skit, I want to keep people guessing.”
In Lara Unlimited, she returns as Lara Thompson, the sharp-tongued oil and gas executive whose world is upended after losing her job amidst a family tragedy.
“Lara battled her worst instincts last season. She’s always there for her friends, but she shuts down when it comes to her own problems. In this new chapter, we see her make choices rooted in past hurts—and it doesn’t always go well. There’s vulnerability, but she’s still very much the Lara we know and love.”
Lately, Toni has been more candid than ever, sharing her personal life, decorating her home, spending time with family, and reflecting on her Nollywood journey. Through her Instagram page @iamtonitones, she’s built a supportive digital space where fans open up, ask advice, and feel seen.
Speaking about the parallels between herself and Lara, Toni says, “Lara can be exasperating—she’s the ultimate truth-teller, always keeping her friends accountable. But her choices, especially when it comes to her family, can be head-scratching. I guess that’s life.”
Toni’s acting choices reflect her signature versatility. “I want people to be constantly surprised by the characters I play,” she says. Her portrayal of Lara is a prime example, especially in Lara Unlimited, where Lara navigates a crisis in her corporate job while exploring deeper personal dynamics. “I love how we see a different side of her, we see a lot more of the high stakes world she is in at work, but we also see a lot more of her relationship with her younger sister and her romantic life. It’s always fun playing Lara, and she will always be a character close to my heart. Women like her are always misunderstood, so it’s fascinating to dig into her interiority and see how the audience reacts.”
Her breakthrough journey from economics graduate to Nollywood’s go-to chameleon isn’t accidental. She honed her craft with roles in The Smart Money Woman and, of course, her breakout performance in King of Boys. But it’s her social-media savvy that has expanded her reach. “Those 15-second acting challenges taught me more about audience connection than any set ever could,” she laughs.
Changing gears with each project has become her signature. She’s deliberate about taking on roles that surprise viewers and stretch her range. And she believes Lara Unlimited will resonate widely.
“You may not work in corporate or oil & gas, but navigating work dynamics, financial stress, and family pressure? That’s universal. Financial literacy isn’t just for women. It’s for everyone—especially now.”
The show doesn’t shy away from layered storytelling. Last season alone, Lara’s arc spanned job loss, family dysfunction, “runs girl” accusations, and boardroom drama—all of which Toni handled with nuance and fire.
Her recent projects include the highly anticipated series Spiraling, alongside several completed films in the pipeline. And while her performances appear effortless, the secret is serious preparation. “In an industry that prizes speed, I take my time. I pour everything I’m feeling into the role.” She hopes Lara Unlimited delivers the kind of fan reaction seen during The Smart Money Woman’s debut. “When season one hit Netflix, it was mad. And season two on YouTube? BEYOND. The fans loved Lara, and when the work lands like that—it’s magic.”
Off-screen, Toni is just as magnetic. Known for her head-turning style, she recently collaborated with Eniafe Momodu of Prism International and Style DéjàVu for a slate of standout AMVCA looks.
“We swapped references and broke down the vibe I was after until we got it just right.”
She also credits designers like Yemi Shoyemi for some of her most iconic red carpet moments. Her style—va-va-voom with an ultra-feminine twist—mirrors her acting: bold, intentional, and ever-evolving.
“I love fashion and playing with personal style. And honestly, it’s part of character-building. I dress up for a living—and it’s the best thing ever.”
