One of Nollywood’s most respected leading men, Deyemi Okanlawon, has revealed that he once walked away from acting completely because he no longer found the profession financially rewarding or creatively fulfilling.
The actor made the candid revelation during a recent appearance on the CreativiTea podcast, where he disclosed that he quit acting in 2019 after becoming frustrated with poor remuneration and what he described as “mediocre work.” His comments have reignited conversations about actor compensation, professionalism, and the realities of building a sustainable career in Nollywood.
“I Didn’t Leave a 9-to-5 Job for This”
Speaking openly about one of the lowest points in his career, Okanlawon explained that his decision wasn’t driven by fame, burnout, or a lack of passion for acting. Instead, it came from a growing realization that the industry was no longer giving him the fulfillment he had hoped for after leaving the corporate world.
According to the actor, he reached a point where waking up every morning to accept roles that neither challenged him creatively nor compensated him fairly simply stopped making sense.
“So, I quit acting in 2019. I quit because the pay was nonsense, the work was nonsense. I just felt like I didn’t leave 9-to-5 work to come and do mediocre work,” he said during the interview.
His honesty has struck a chord with many industry professionals who have long argued that despite Nollywood’s global recognition and growing commercial success, many actors continue to face inconsistent pay structures and limited financial security.
Returning to Corporate Life
Rather than remain in an industry that no longer inspired him, Okanlawon said he made the difficult decision to return to corporate employment.
The move surprised many because, from the outside, his acting career appeared to be progressing steadily. However, the actor explained that success isn’t always reflected by public perception.
For him, fulfillment mattered just as much as visibility.
He admitted that continuing to pursue work that failed to satisfy him creatively became emotionally draining, leading him to seek stability outside the entertainment industry.
Although Okanlawon believed he had closed the chapter on acting, Nollywood wasn’t ready to let him go.
According to the actor, several respected filmmakers and producers continued reaching out with new opportunities, encouraging him to reconsider his decision.
Among those who reportedly played important roles in bringing him back were some of the industry’s biggest names, whose confidence in his abilities reminded him why he had chosen acting in the first place.
Eventually, Okanlawon returned to the screen, a decision that would reignite his career and establish him as one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.
Since returning to Nollywood, Deyemi Okanlawon has enjoyed remarkable success.
He has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films and television productions, earning praise for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters across romance, drama, thrillers, and comedy.
His performances in productions such as Blood Sisters, Omo Ghetto: The Saga, All’s Fair in Love, Onobiren, and several other projects have cemented his reputation as one of Nollywood’s most dependable leading actors.
Ironically, the actor’s biggest successes arrived after the period when he almost abandoned the profession entirely.
A Conversation Bigger Than One Actor
Okanlawon’s comments have sparked wider discussions about the economics of Nollywood.
While Nigeria’s film industry continues to attract international partnerships, streaming deals, and increasing global visibility, many actors have previously spoken about inconsistent payment structures, delayed salaries, and the absence of standardized compensation.
His revelation has therefore resonated beyond fans, opening conversations among filmmakers, producers, and industry stakeholders about the need for more sustainable working conditions.
Many observers argue that as Nollywood continues expanding globally, improving the welfare of creative professionals must remain part of the industry’s long-term growth strategy.
Since clips from the interview began circulating online, social media has been filled with reactions from fans and fellow entertainers.
Many praised Okanlawon for speaking honestly about challenges that many performers experience privately but rarely discuss publicly.
Others noted that his journey serves as a reminder that career setbacks do not necessarily mark the end of success. Instead, stepping away can sometimes provide the clarity needed to return stronger than before.
His story has also inspired conversations among aspiring actors about balancing passion with financial sustainability, especially within highly competitive creative industries.
Looking Ahead
Today, Deyemi Okanlawon stands as one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces, making his revelation all the more surprising.
His admission that he once quit acting because the pay and quality of work were no longer worth it highlights the often unseen realities behind the glamour of the entertainment industry.
At the same time, his eventual return demonstrates how persistence, renewed opportunity, and belief from industry colleagues can completely change the course of a career.
As Nollywood continues evolving into one of the world’s fastest-growing film industries, stories like Okanlawon’s remind audiences that behind every successful actor is a journey filled with difficult decisions, uncertainty, and resilience.
Watch the full interview here