Actor Gideon Okeke reveals hard truth about Nollywood, says actors need ‘shoddy jobs’

‘Tinsel’ star actor, Gideon Okeke has shared his thoughts on how to gain mastery of Nigeria’s film industry.

Okeke, in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, October 5, advised upcoming actors to consider taking on roles in mainstream Nollywood as opposed to staying focused on stage, television and cinema productions.

The actor wrote: “To accrue the numbers, the true test of your acting proficiency will not be determined on the stage floor, on a TV show that airs on cable, nor on the big screens. You need those ‘shoddy jobs’. “Those mainstream ‘Nollywood flicks’? Oh! You gon need them…That’s where the numbers truly are. It’s those numbers that turn back to validate your Artistry on stage, on the big screen or on a TV show that airs on cable. Have I taught you something from my own skin burn experiences?”

Okeke who is reportedly filming an Uchenna Mbunabo directed film which also stars veteran actress Rita Edochie and Esther Audu Ojire, will not be the first star to explore mainstream Nollywood otherwise known as the Asaba industry. Popular actors like Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Sambasa Nzeribe among others have successfully worked in both the big screen and mainstream industries.

Nollywood veteran Victor Olaotan is dead

Nollywood veteran Victor Olaotan has died. The movie star passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021, after a prolonged illness.

His widow, Julia Olaotan, broke the news of his death to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday morning.

Mrs Olaotan said she is grateful that the 69-year-old actor can finally go to rest after suffering for years.

“He has tried. It is not easy to be trapped in your own body for five years. He can finally rest now,” she said.

Olaotan was bedridden for five years after he was involved in a ghastly accident in 2016.

At some point, several of his colleagues solicited funds to help get the movie veteran back to his feet.

Olaotan became a household name in the country after he starred in the award-winning TV drama series ‘Tinsel‘ where he played the role of Fred Ade Williams.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.