Veteran Nollywood star Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, has opened up about his unexpected journey into acting, revealing that he never planned to become an actor and only stepped in front of the camera after persistent encouragement from colleagues.
Speaking on a recent podcast, the celebrated actor explained that his career in entertainment began behind the scenes as a scriptwriter. According to him, people around him noticed his natural ability to make others laugh and repeatedly urged him to try performing on camera.
Owoh recalled that his breakthrough came in the 1980s when a television station offered him a short stand-up comedy segment. Although he initially resisted the idea, he eventually gave in to the pressure and discovered that audiences connected with his performances. That unexpected opportunity marked the beginning of what would become one of Nollywood’s most successful acting careers.
While reflecting on decades in the spotlight, the veteran actor admitted that fame has come at a personal cost. He said becoming a household name stripped away much of the freedom he once enjoyed, making it difficult to carry out ordinary activities without attracting attention.
According to Owoh, many people focus only on the benefits of celebrity status but rarely consider the restrictions that come with being constantly recognized by the public. He described fame as something that significantly limits personal freedom and changes everyday life.
The award-winning actor also weighed in on the growing debate about social media influence in the entertainment industry. Addressing concerns that online popularity is becoming more important than acting ability, Owoh insisted that genuine talent cannot be replaced by social media fame.
He argued that while a strong online following may create opportunities, true acting skills remain essential and cannot be substituted by digital popularity alone.
His comments come amid ongoing discussions within Nollywood, where several actors have recently criticized the industry’s increasing focus on appearance, social media numbers, and online influence during casting decisions.
Despite the changing landscape, Owoh remains confident that talent will always be the foundation of lasting success. With a career spanning decades and numerous accolades, including an award-winning performance in the film Stronger than Pain, the Nollywood icon believes authentic skill will continue to stand the test of time.#newsafro_
