Nollywood actor Ebisan Arayi has shared what he believes would surprise most people about him, admitting that his on-screen intensity often leads strangers to assume he is mean or distant in real life.
Speaking on the Conversations With Kenni podcast hosted by Kehinde Ajose, the actor was asked what people would be shocked to learn about him.
“That I’m very friendly and goofy. When people see my face, they believe I’m mean, but when they come close, they get shocked,” Arayi said.
He recounted a memorable encounter with a woman from his former church who had seen him both on television and in person.
“A woman once asked me if I really spoke the way I speak in person. She sees me on TV and a couple of shows in real life because we attended the same church. We often shared pleasantries. One day we were all in the same space and I was gisting with some of my guys, but she was by my side and I didn’t even know. That was when she took the opportunity to ask me that question. I was first perplexed so I asked her what she meant. She said she expected my voice to be different.”
Arayi explained that on that day he was simply being himself.
“That day I was just being carefree because even though I’m an actor, I’m still human. I should be able to express whatever feelings that I have in whatever way I want. Because I’m an actor doesn’t mean I should always finesse myself. Finessing myself means I’d be faking and I’m not a fake. This is who I am. Take me or leave me.”
When asked if fame has changed him, the actor laughed and deferred to those closest to him.
“My friends would be better suited to answer this question, but what I get from them is, ‘guy, you can never change.’ That’s what I always get.”
The candid exchange offered fans a lighter, more personal side of the actor often typecast in intense or antagonistic roles. Arayi made it clear that authenticity remains non-negotiable for him, both on and off the screen.