Popular Nigerian actor Emeka Okoye has opened up about the challenges he has faced in the Nollywood film industry, accusing producers of repeatedly denying him movie roles because of his body size.
In a candid interview with Seun Oloketuyi on Nollywood On Radio, the actor spoke about his struggles with typecasting and the constant rejection he has endured throughout his career, all because he did not fit the “preferred body image” for certain roles.
Okoye, who has appeared in several television and film productions over the years, revealed that despite his talent and commitment to his craft, he has often been overlooked by producers who believe his physical appearance does not align with the characters they want to portray.
“I’ve been told that I am fat, and I have lost movie roles because of that,” Okoye said during the interview. “Some say that I won’t fit a character because I have a stomach or I’m not fine.”
According to him, the discrimination is not new. He recalled that even during his early days in the industry when he was much slimmer, producers still found reasons to sideline him.
“But even when I was younger and slimmer, I still didn’t get roles,” he continued. “When I was slim, a lot of producers would use me to audition people and give them scripts. They would say I was good, but they didn’t have a role that fit me because I was too slim. I had that experience many times.”
Okoye mentioned that actress Bukky Thomas could attest to the many instances when he was passed over for roles despite delivering strong auditions.
From “Too Slim” to “Too Fat”
The actor explained that his experience in Nollywood has been a frustrating cycle of body-related rejection. Over the years, he has gone from being told he was “too slim” for roles to now being considered “too fat” or “too chubby” to play certain characters.
“Now that I am a bit chubby, they are giving me roles like landlord, husband, or uncle,” Okoye said. “Some even stopped giving me ‘bad boy’ roles because they assume I won’t be able to interpret the character. But they will be shocked when they see my upcoming movies.”
His comments highlight a growing issue in the Nigerian film industry — the pressure on actors to conform to certain beauty or body standards, often at the expense of genuine talent and versatility.
While Nollywood has made major strides in storytelling, production quality, and global recognition, issues such as stereotyping, colorism, and body shaming continue to affect many actors, both male and female.
The Hidden Cost of Typecasting
Industry insiders say typecasting — where actors are consistently offered similar roles based on their appearance or previous performances — has long been a problem in Nollywood. For many actors, it limits creativity and opportunities for career growth.
Okoye’s revelation sheds light on the lesser-discussed issue of how male actors, too, face scrutiny over their bodies, even though much of the public conversation around body image in Nollywood has focused on female stars.
“It’s really disheartening when your body becomes more of a focus than your skill,” one Nollywood director, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Africa Live News. “Producers should look beyond physical appearance and focus on performance. A good actor should be able to interpret any role, regardless of size or looks.”
Okoye’s story resonates with many aspiring actors who struggle to break through in a competitive industry where appearances often outweigh talent.
Rising Above the Stereotypes
Despite the setbacks, Emeka Okoye remains optimistic about the future. The actor said he is determined to keep working hard and prove that his talent transcends stereotypes.
He revealed that he has several upcoming projects that will surprise both fans and producers who have doubted his range.
“I’ve played a variety of characters in my career, and I can confidently say I can fit into any role given the opportunity,” he stated. “Whether it’s a bad boy, a comic character, or a dramatic lead, I always give my best. I just want the industry to be more open-minded.”
His upcoming films, he said, will challenge the perception that actors with certain body types are only suitable for specific kinds of roles.
A Call for Change in Nollywood
Okoye’s revelations have sparked discussions among movie lovers and professionals on social media, with many urging producers to stop body discrimination and embrace diversity in storytelling and casting.
Cultural critics argue that Nollywood, being one of the largest film industries in the world, should reflect the diversity of real-life people and experiences rather than projecting narrow beauty ideals.
“We see different body types, faces, and personalities in our daily lives,” said media analyst Amaka Olorunfemi. “Our movies should do the same. It’s time Nollywood stopped perpetuating unrealistic standards of how actors should look.”
Actors such as Eniola Badmus and Uche Maduagwu have previously spoken out about similar experiences, revealing that weight and body image often influence casting decisions in the industry.
While the global entertainment scene is gradually embracing inclusivity and celebrating body diversity, Okoye’s experience shows that Nollywood still has a long way to go in dismantling biases that limit artistic expression.
A Resilient Spirit
Through it all, Emeka Okoye has remained resilient, using his story to inspire younger actors to focus on developing their craft rather than seeking validation from industry gatekeepers.
“Your body does not define your talent,” he said. “I’ve learned to keep pushing, stay disciplined, and believe that one day, the right opportunities will come. All I need is a fair chance to prove myself.”
His courage to speak out publicly has earned him praise from fans and fellow actors who commend his transparency and determination to address an issue many prefer to ignore.
As Nollywood continues to evolve, voices like Okoye’s are helping to redefine what true representation means — not just in terms of talent, but in celebrating the diversity of human appearance and experience.
For Emeka Okoye, the journey continues. His dream is to see a Nollywood that values authenticity, creativity, and character over physical appearance — a film industry that tells stories for all people, by all people.
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