Veteran actor Femi Branch has criticised Nollywood performers who don’t physically or emotionally transform for their roles, calling them “frauds” and “unprofessional.”
- Branch says actors who maintain the same look and mannerisms in every role are “ripping off” audiences.
- He argues that real actors should adapt—shaving their heads, changing their appearance—if the role demands it.
- Praises international stars like Michael Fassbender and 50 Cent for fully immersing in their characters.
- Says audience shouldn’t be left “doing the work” of separating actor from character.
- Urges Nigerian producers to stop casting actors based on good looks or popularity alone.
Branch’s frustration touches on a bigger conversation about Nollywood’s evolving standards. While global stars reshape themselves for roles, many local actors still prioritise branding over believability. His remarks challenge a celebrity-driven industry to focus more on performance and less on surface appeal. To him, acting isn’t about looking good—it’s about becoming someone else.
Should Nollywood raise the bar for acting, or is Branch being too harsh on entertainers doing their best to survive in a fast-paced industry?
