Emeka Okoye says his body size has cost him many Nollywood acting opportunities.
He remains grateful for progress and stays true to his values while pursuing roles.
Nollywood actor Emeka Okoye has shared how his physical appearance has affected his career in the movie industry.
Okoye, who joined Nollywood in 1999, said some producers have refused to cast him because of his body size. He explained that his chubby look has cost him several acting roles over the years.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Sun, he noted that the situation was not different when he was slimmer, as many moviemakers then believed he was too small for the type of characters they wanted.
Despite these setbacks, the actor said he is thankful for every opportunity he has worked for and the progress he has made in the industry.
He also talked about how his journey began with the movie Prophet of Darkness in Asaba, describing his rise in Nollywood as one filled with challenges and victories.
He said: “Yes I have lost movie roles several times because of my looks. Ironically, when I was slimmer, I also lost roles because I was considered too small. But I’m content and grateful for every opportunity. It has always been God’s guidance.”
Okoye revealed that he has rejected roles that go against his personal values and faith. According to him:
“Since I started acting in 1999, I’ve turned down roles that go against my covenant with God. I do ‘safe kissing’ scenes like in Ms. Counselor but not deep or tongue-to-tongue kissing.”
The To Kill a Monkey star said he never allowed tough times to discourage him. He shared how keeping faith eventually led to a breakthrough with a Netflix project.
“During my early days, I experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly, but I never allowed the challenges to deter me. I stayed true to my calling. Weeks later, I got a call that Madam Kemi had picked me for the role in a Netflix Original. I screamed, knelt down, and burst into praise.”
