Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has disclosed that he quit acting in 2019. He cited poor pay and mediocre work as key reasons for his exit.
The revelation came during a recent interview on the CreativiTea podcast. Okanlawon explained his dissatisfaction with the industry at the time.
“So I quit acting in 2019. I quit because the pay was nonsense, the work was nonsense,” he stated. He added that he did not leave a 9-to-5 job to engage in unfulfilling projects.
Okanlawon dusted his resume and joined Silverbird Film Distribution as Head of Marketing. He worked there from 2019 to 2021 under Ben Bruce.
In an earlier interview, he noted additional personal factors. His wife had become uncomfortable with his acting career, influencing his decision.
He described feeling unfulfilled and frustrated. “It was difficult to wake up in the morning and go to work,” Okanlawon said. Passion alone was not enough without fulfilment.
The actor had entered Nollywood from a corporate background. He treated acting professionally but grew dissatisfied with roles and compensation.
During his break, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted opportunities. Calls from top producers like Funke Akindele and Kunle Afolayan followed. He returned with renewed momentum.
Okanlawon has since featured in major projects. These include Omo Ghetto: The Saga and international work in Japan. He now advocates for excellence and fair pay in Nollywood.
His story highlights broader challenges in the industry. Many actors face similar issues with remuneration and production quality. Reactions on X (formerly Twitter) reflect ongoing discussions about pay and standards in Nollywood.
Okanlawon remains selective about projects today. He focuses on quality roles and continues to build his career as a creative entrepreneur. His experience offers insight into the demands of balancing passion and sustainability.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!