At just 26, Marya Okoth has lived multiple lives in the public eye — breakout TV star, influencer, designer, mother, and now a woman rewriting her own narrative.
From her scene‑stealing turn as Maryann in A Nurse Toto to navigating a very public breakup, she has emerged stronger, bolder, and booked.
Now starring in Showmax’s gender‑flip dramedy Adam to Eve, Marya opens up about love, loss, motherhood, and the quiet power behind her glow‑up — why this chapter might be her most honest yet.
How Interior Design Shapes Her Acting
Trained in interior design, Marya says her creative eye influences her performances more than people might expect.
“Design teaches you to be detail‑oriented, emotionally intuitive, and aware of how spaces tell stories — all of that translates beautifully into acting,” she explains.
Her background gives her a keen sense of aesthetics on set. She naturally observes how wardrobe, set design, and lighting contribute to the narrative, and enjoys collaborating with directors to ensure every visual moment supports the character’s truth.
“At the end of the day, both design and acting are storytelling — one through space, the other through emotion. I feel lucky that one discipline enhances the other.”
Balancing Motherhood, Acting, and Influence
Fans have watched Marya grow from actress to influencer to mother. She admits juggling these identities isn’t about balance, but harmony.
“Motherhood, acting, and influencing each pull from different parts of me, but they all come from the same core — I show up as myself,” she says.
She gives each season of life its space: sometimes fully immersed in motherhood, other times deep in her craft, and often in creative mode as a storyteller.
“What keeps me authentic is remembering why I started. I love connecting with people, telling stories, and evolving. My audience has grown with me, and they appreciate honesty, vulnerability, and the fact that I’m still learning.”
Lessons from A Nurse Toto
Her breakout role in A Nurse Toto introduced her to a wider audience and taught her discipline, emotional depth, and the power of grounded storytelling.
“That role demanded vulnerability, humor, and grit. It showed me how powerful it is when a character feels relatable. I learned to listen more.”
Building Chemistry On Screen
In Adam to Eve, Marya’s character Ciku connects with Makori, played by Blessing. She says their chemistry came from trust and communication.
“Blessing and I approached it intentionally. We talked about our characters’ emotional rhythms, their vulnerabilities, and what truly draws them together. We respected each other’s craft and let the friendship develop naturally.”
What Adam to Eve Teaches About Love
Marya believes the show highlights that love and empathy are choices made daily.
“It’s not about grand gestures, but small, consistent acts of kindness, listening, and showing up for each other.”
Despite her public persona, Marya reveals she is actually introverted.
“I love people and connections, but I need quiet time to recharge. My creativity flows when I have stillness, and I’m happiest when I can retreat, reset, and pour back into myself.”
