Lilian Afegbai has shared how rejection shaped her rise in Nollywood despite early setbacks.
She revealed that constant rejection from friends and producers only strengthened her drive to succeed.
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai has opened up about the early struggles in her acting career, revealing that she faced repeated rejection, even from people she knew in the film industry.
In an interview with The Sun, the former Big Brother Africa housemate said she found it difficult to land meaningful roles despite having friends working in production. According to her, many producers and casting directors turned her down or gave her only minor parts, making her journey more challenging.
She explained that the rejection was even more painful because it came from people close to her who failed to see her potential as an actress. Still, she said those experiences pushed her to work harder and improve her craft rather than give up.
The Edo-born actress said determination and persistence helped her rise from being overlooked to becoming a respected name in Nollywood.
Afegbai recalled that early in her career, she often watched her friends cast her as an extra instead of giving her proper acting roles. She said the constant dismissal of her talent motivated her to prove her worth through effort and consistency.
She said: “One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with rejection and people not being willing to take a chance on me as an actress. In the beginning, I heard a lot of ‘no’s, and sometimes it felt like doors just weren’t opening.”
“Instead of letting it break me, I used it as fuel to work harder, sharpen my skills, and prove myself. Over time, consistency and perseverance paid off, and those same ‘no’s eventually turned into ‘yes,’” she added.
Lilian Afegbai, who gained recognition for her role in To Kill A Monkey, said her story is a reminder that persistence can turn rejection into opportunity for anyone willing to keep improving.
