Veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, has revealed about his unexpected journey to stardom, revealing that he never planned to become an actor.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the Selah Meditate podcast, the celebrated comic actor disclosed that his acting career began by chance, while he was working behind the scenes as a scriptwriter.
According to Nkem Owoh, people around him noticed his natural comedic talent and encouraged him to step in front of the camera, a decision that eventually changed the course of his life.
“My coming in front of the camera was an accident. I was a scriptwriter behind the scenes and people started telling me to start performing in front of the camera,” he said.
The Nollywood icon explained that his breakthrough came in the 1980s when he was given a short comedy segment to perform on television.
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The positive reaction from audiences convinced him to pursue acting full-time.
“They created a seven-minute programme for me to do stand-up comedy in the 80s. I came in front of the camera and saw that what I was doing, people were buying it, and that was how my acting career began,” he added.
Nkem Owoh further noted that constant encouragement from colleagues and industry associates played a major role in shaping his successful acting career, as many believed he was more entertaining on screen.
Reflecting on fame and celebrity status, the veteran actor stated that while many people admire the glamorous side of stardom, fame comes with significant sacrifices, including a loss of personal freedom and privacy.
His comments have since sparked reactions from fans, with many praising his humility and remarkable contribution to the growth of the Nigerian film industry.
