‘They Called Me Thief In Public’ — Nollywood Actor Chinedu Okeke Opens Up On Typecasting Frustration

Former Nollywood actor Chinedu Okeke has opened up about his decision to step away from the Nigerian film industry, citing years of being typecast in criminal roles as the key reason for his departure.

In a candid revelation, Okeke expressed deep frustration over the continuous roles he was offered, often portraying armed robbers, hitmen, and criminals. While these roles initially helped shape his career, they soon became a burden off-screen.

“I was okay playing the bad boy, hitman, and thief roles at first… until fans started pointing at me off camera and shouting, ‘See that thief from film,’” he recounted. “There are certain roles you play in movies that make people see you like that in real life.”

Despite his efforts to break away from the stereotype, the actor said the industry gave him little room to grow. “I live a very responsible life. I’m educated. I tried to beg directors to give me different roles — something softer, maybe a lover boy or even a pastor — but no. Every script was about guns, blood, and prison,” he lamented.

Okeke said the psychological impact of the repeated roles and public perception eventually pushed him to reconsider his career path. “At one point, I asked myself, ‘Is this who I really am?’ I knew I could do better, so I walked away.”

His story sheds light on the challenges faced by many actors in Nollywood and beyond, who struggle with creative limitations and the real-life consequences of on-screen identities