Nollywood actress, Bolaji Ogunmola, has opened up about being stereotyped and confined to certain roles because of her appearance in the early days of her acting career in the film industry.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Ogunmola, during an interview with content creator, Joseph Onaolapo, popularly known as Jay On-Air, said producers tried to limit her to side-chick roles.
She said, “It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark-skinned. There was a time when light-skinned people were reigning, and they told me I was very curvy and tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles. My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it.”
The movie star also credited Nigerian filmmaker, Biodun Stephen, for mentoring her on set, stressing that she had a major influence on her professional growth.
She noted, “Before you lead, serve. A lot of the things I learnt were from other producers. Biodun Stephen was my first teacher when it comes to movie production. Every time I am on set, I am watching her.”
Ogunmola also spoke about her decision to venture into business early in her career, noting that she preferred entrepreneurship over traditional office jobs.
She stated, “I just wanted my life to have meaning at that time. I am not somebody who likes to sit at home; I wanted to do something. I never wanted to do 9–5. I will not do 9–5, it’s not just me. Shoutout to people who do it, I applaud you. But for me, I am business-savvy like that.”
She stressed the importance of financial discipline and diversification in an unpredictable entertainment industry, advising creatives to prepare for life beyond fame.
She added, “Life is in phases. You are popular today, you may not be tomorrow. What are you doing to put food on the table? You should be investing, positioning yourself from now. I have always been that kind of person, so I always have something else I am doing.”