Enchanting. Intelligent. A multi-talented powerhouse. Those are just some of the ways one could describe Odile Müller, one of the most talented women on the entertainment scene right now.
The former Miss Namibia has remained passionate about the world of pageants which no doubt contributed to some of the success she is enjoying today.
Müller has since her pageant years transformed into a multi-talented creative who excels at everything she puts her mind to.
A professional dancer, she is also an actress, radio presenter and a model. Her breakthrough role in the 2014 feature film ‘Katutura’ earned her a ‘Best Actress’ award at the Namibia Theatre and Film Awards earlier this year. Her powerful performance also earned her a mention from the 2016 Ecrans Noir Festival jury in Cameroon.
It’s no wonder that with all the hats she wears, she is most passionate about acting.
“If I had to choose one thing that’s most fulfilling for me, my first option would be acting. It challenges me on so many levels and even though I have an intense passion for the pageant world, I would say acting is my number one passion,” she says.
While she lost out on the Favourite Actress award at the Simply You Magazine Lifestyle and Fashion Awards which took place recently, Müller is happy that she was nominated.
“When you are nominated, it’s already an accomplishment. It means that people see what you’re doing, so receiving the award becomes the cherry on top of everything,” she says.
For her, her work as an actress goes beyond the accolades. “I’m not after being the best. I’m after telling stories that will move people. Stories that will put Namibia on the map.”
Newly single, Müller is reluctant to divulge any details about parting ways with her ex-husband. What she does say, though, is that at the moment, work is her number one priority.
She is still the same person she has always been – bubbly, charming and deeply involved in the community that she once pledged to support as Miss Namibia.
At a recent modelling workshop, Müller gave invaluable lessons to young women who have dreams of following in her footsteps.
“At the workshop, I highlighted the importance of knowing exactly what you’re getting into when you become a model or beauty queen. Miss Namibia offered me a wonderful platform. I took it and used it to the fullest of my abilities and even though it took a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, it is now paying off.”
She says that while internationally, beauty pageants are not as popular as they once were, she would still encourage young women to pursue the national crown because of all the doors it opens.
One of the things that she holds dear to her are the relationships built in an industry which can be quite cut-throat. Müller is privileged to have people like theatre maven Sandy Rudd, professional dancer Tulimelila Shityuwete, singer Lize Ehlers and fashion designer Leah Misika in her corner.
“Leah taught me that in life you have to schedule everything – even a nap. And that’s very important,” she says. She stresses the importance of this kind of sisterhood where women connect with like-minded women who are ambitious, driven and all passionate about building the industries they work in.
She is also still very close to some of her ‘Katutura’ cast and production members saying that in a small country like Namibia, it’s important to hold people with the same goals and dreams very close.
Her relationship with her family is also a strong force in her life. It grounds her and reminds her where she comes from.
“Sometimes my mother will see me do something, like the kissing scene in ‘Katutura’ or the vulgarity of my language in ‘And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses’. She’ll be like ‘my kind, hou tog op!’ But she’ll still come out to support me,” she recalls with a chuckle.
It’s this support, she says, that brings her back to her roots.
“At the end of the day, I always say that my family raised me well. I still believe in a good hiding. I still believe in running back to my parents when I’m down and I need them,” she says.
Like many creatives without a regular 08h00 to 17h00, Müller is always on the move in some new project or another. This week, she is part of the cast of ‘Jacques Brel Alive & Well’ cabaret which will be showcasing the original French and English songs of the Brel.
During the day, her voice can be heard on Radio Wave as the station’s newest news anchor. This is all in between acting gigs that seem to be flowing in for the talented Müller.
“It’s all about balance. My life has become so busy and sometimes I don’t even get enough sleep but Sandy Rudd taught me to always take at least 10 minutes for yourself when you feel like drowning,” she says.
Müller also says that despite parting ways with her ex-husband, she intends to keep her current surname. “There was a lot of back and forth on that but I decided to keep it. It means a lot to me and I have attached a lot of my brand to it. I also think it sounds so nice,” she says with her usual charm.
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