LAGOS, Nigeria — Veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, has revealed that his successful acting career began unexpectedly, as he originally had no plans to appear in front of the camera.
Okay News reports that the actor made the disclosure during a recent appearance on the Selah Meditate podcast, where he explained that he started out as a scriptwriter and preferred working behind the scenes.
According to Owoh, friends and colleagues repeatedly encouraged him to perform after noticing his ability to make people laugh. He said their persistence eventually convinced him to try acting despite his initial reluctance.
“My coming in front of the camera was an accident. I was a scriptwriter behind the scenes and people started telling me to start performing in front of the camera,” he said.
The veteran actor recalled that in the 1980s, the former Anambra Television created a seven-minute comedy programme specifically for him after recognizing his comic talent. He said the positive reaction from viewers motivated him to continue performing, a decision that later paved the way for his rise as one of Nollywood’s most recognizable stars.
Reflecting on life as a celebrity, Owoh said fame has brought success but also comes with sacrifices. He noted that public recognition has significantly reduced his privacy and freedom, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities without attracting attention.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated comic actors, Owoh has enjoyed a decades-long career and remains a prominent figure in the country’s film industry.
