Nollywood actor Emeka Okoye has revealed that his body size has cost him several opportunities in the Nigerian film industry, despite his long-standing dedication to his craft.
Speaking in an interview with Saturday Sun, the actor, who began his career in 1999, explained that producers have repeatedly overlooked him for certain roles due to his chubby appearance.
“Yes, I have lost movie roles several times because of my looks,” Okoye said. “Ironically, when I was slimmer, I also lost roles because I was considered too small. But I’m content and grateful for every opportunity. It has always been God’s guidance.”
The To Kill A Monkey star, who started his career with the movie Prophet of Darkness in Asaba, shared that his journey in Nollywood has been filled with both challenges and triumphs. He credited his faith in God and personal discipline for helping him remain focused despite facing rejection.
“During my early days, I experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly, but I never allowed the challenges to deter me. I stayed true to my calling,” he said.
Okoye added that his acting choices are guided by his spiritual convictions, explaining that he has a personal covenant with God which influences the kind of roles he accepts.
“Since I started acting in 1999, I’ve turned down roles that go against my covenant with God,” he revealed. “I do safe kissing scenes, like in Ms. Counselor, but not deep or tongue-to-tongue kissing.”
The actor also spoke about a recent turning point in his career, recalling how he secured a role in a Netflix Original after years of perseverance.
“Weeks later, I got a call that Madam Kemi had picked me for the role in a Netflix Original,” he said. “I screamed, knelt down, and burst into praise.”
Reflecting on his career so far, Okoye said that surviving a recent health scare made him even more grateful for life and the progress he has made in 2025.
“After what I went through earlier this year, I can only thank God. 2025 has been one of my most fulfilling years so far,” he added.
