How my looks nearly ended my Nollywood dream – Emeka Okoye

Veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Okoye has opened up about the challenges he has faced in his acting career, revealing that his body size has cost him several opportunities in the industry.

In an interview with Saturday Sun, Okoye, who began his acting journey in 1999, disclosed that movie producers have often overlooked him for certain roles because of his chubby appearance. Ironically, he said he also experienced similar rejection earlier in his career when he was slimmer.

“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,” Okoye said. “But I’m content and grateful for every opportunity. It has always been God’s guidance.”

The To Kill A Monkey star recounted his early days in Nollywood, starting with the movie Prophet of Darkness in Asaba, where he faced numerous trials before finding his footing.

Despite the setbacks, Okoye said his faith and resilience have kept him going. He revealed that he often turns down roles that go against his covenant with God, noting that while he accepts “safe kissing” scenes, he avoids deep or tongue-to-tongue kisses.

“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 ones,” he explained.