Veteran Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has opened up about her experiences of being denied roles in major movies because she was not considered “fine” in terms of her physical appearance. She discussed this during a recent episode of “Toke Moments,” a talk show hosted by TV personality Toke Makinwa.
Akindele revealed that she faced rejection even in Yoruba movies because of her facial looks. Movie producers often offered her minor roles, which left her feeling upset. She also mentioned that her colleague, Iyabo Ojo, came to her aid during disputes with movie makers who turned her down due to her physical appearance.
Akindele shared her feelings at the time, saying, “I remember people telling me, ‘You are not fine. You don’t have ass. You don’t have boobs. You will not be in this film.’ And I remember crying. A lot of times I would cry, break down, get into the bathroom and cry.”
Her story highlights the challenges and biases faced by actors and actresses in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the importance of talent and determination in overcoming such obstacles.