Veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has stirred passionate debate after revealing the harsh financial realities facing male actors, declaring that life is generally easier for females in the industry while lamenting the heavy bills that drain even successful stars.
In a candid interview on Udala Radio 104.7fm, the respected thespian opened up about the hidden struggles behind the glamour of Nollywood.
“Life is generally easier for females than it is for males. It’s not that Nollywood doesn’t pay, but actors have a lot of bills to settle,” he stated.
Udokwu expressed deep pain over the late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, who battled illness before his passing. He recalled the difficulty in raising funds for his treatment while social media critics questioned his finances.
“It pained me when John Okafor (Mr Ibu) fell ill before he eventually passed away. While we were trying to raise funds for his treatment, some people on social media kept asking, ‘Where is all the money he made from acting?’ They didn’t understand the realities of the profession,” he said.
The actor also touched on Mr Ibu’s personal life, admitting he was unaware of the multiple marriages until later.
“I didn’t even know he had married more than one wife then because I don’t probe the personal lives of my colleagues. I don’t need to. If you call me tomorrow to inform me of a personal milestone, I’ll rejoice with you but you can’t find me probing incessantly into other people’s lives. That’s gossip,” Udokwu added.
His comments have ignited widespread discussion, with many agreeing that male actors shoulder heavier societal and financial responsibilities, while others pointed out that women in the industry also face unique pressures.
The veteran’s honesty has highlighted the often-overlooked economic challenges in Nollywood, where flashy on-screen lifestyles contrast sharply with off-screen realities for many stars.