Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon has opened up about a little-known chapter of his career, revealing that he quit acting in 2019 because he was dissatisfied with both the quality of work available and the financial rewards.
The Nollywood star made the revelation during a recent interview on the CreativiTea Podcast, where he reflected on his journey in the film industry, the challenges he faced, and the difficult decision to step away from acting at the time.
According to Deyemi, his passion for acting was no longer enough to keep him motivated because he felt the industry was not offering him the level of fulfilment he desired.
He explained that the remuneration for actors was disappointing, while the standard of work available at the time also left much to be desired.
“So, I quit acting in 2019,” he said.
“I quit because the pay was nonsense, the work was nonsense. And I just felt like I didn’t leave 9-5 work to come and do mediocre work.”
The actor disclosed that the growing dissatisfaction made it increasingly difficult for him to remain committed to the profession.
He said waking up each day to work on projects that neither challenged nor fulfilled him became emotionally draining, forcing him to reconsider his career path.
“It was difficult to wake up in the morning and go to work, and what is the point of being passionate about something and then not being fulfilled by it,” he stated.
“So I quit and then went back to 9-5 work.”
His comments offer a rare glimpse into the realities many actors face behind the glamour often associated with Nollywood.
While the Nigerian film industry has grown significantly over the years and gained global recognition through streaming platforms and international collaborations, many actors have continued to speak about challenges such as inadequate pay, demanding work schedules and inconsistent opportunities.
Deyemi’s revelation underscores the difficult decisions creative professionals sometimes make when balancing passion with financial stability and personal satisfaction.
Although he temporarily stepped away from acting, the decision did not mark the end of his entertainment career.
The actor eventually returned to Nollywood and has since re-established himself as one of the industry’s most sought-after performers, starring in several acclaimed films and television productions.
His performances have earned him praise from audiences and critics alike, cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading actors.
Over the years, Deyemi has become known for his versatility, portraying a wide range of characters across drama, romance, comedy and action films.
Beyond acting, he has also built a reputation as a television host, producer and public speaker, using his platform to discuss issues affecting the creative industry and encourage young talents.
His latest remarks have sparked conversations on social media, with many fans expressing surprise that an actor of his stature once considered leaving the profession permanently.
Others noted that his experience reflects the broader realities of the entertainment industry, where passion alone is often insufficient without fair compensation and meaningful opportunities.
Many also praised the actor for speaking candidly about his struggles, saying his story serves as a reminder that success often comes after periods of uncertainty and difficult career decisions.
Despite the setbacks he experienced, Deyemi’s return to acting has proven worthwhile, as he continues to feature prominently in major Nollywood productions while inspiring aspiring actors with his resilience and honesty about the challenges of building a sustainable career in the film industry.
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