Veteran Nollywood actor Saba Kamorudeen, popularly known as Radical, has revealed the painful reality behind playing villain roles, disclosing how typecasting has severely damaged his reputation and personal life long after leaving the movie set.
The seasoned thespian, famous for his terrifying portrayals of armed robbers, fraudsters, and other ruthless characters, said the negative roles have caused many people to view him and his colleagues as actual criminals in real life.
“People thought we were thieves because of the roles we played in movies. This actually made it difficult for us to get help. Those who played herbalist characters got help more than us.”
He explained that the strong impression created by their on-screen wickedness often lingers in the minds of audiences, making it hard for them to receive assistance or genuine affection from people around them. Many fans and even acquaintances find it difficult to separate the actor from the evil characters, leading to fear, distrust, and social rejection.
Radical’s revelation highlights a silent struggle faced by many veteran thespians who excelled in negative roles during the golden era of Nigerian cinema. While their performances earned them fame and admiration within the industry, the same roles reportedly created real-life barriers, affecting relationships, business opportunities, and everyday social interactions.
His candid admission has sparked conversations about the long-term psychological and social impact of typecasting on actors. Many believe that constant portrayal of villains makes it challenging for such actors to reinvent their public image or secure positive, redemptive roles later in their careers.