Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, has shared her experiences of being denied significant roles in the early stages of her acting career due to people labeling her as “not attractive.”

Akindele opened up about her struggles during the latest episode of the TokeMoments podcast, which is hosted by Toke Makinwa. She revealed that even in Yoruba indigenous films, she was passed over for major roles because of her appearance.

During the podcast, Akindele mentioned that fellow actress Iyabo Ojo came to her aid multiple times when she faced rejection from filmmakers who cited her looks as the reason for their decisions.

Recalling those challenging times, particularly when she received only minor roles, Akindele shared, “I remember people telling me, ‘You are not attractive. You don’t have curves. You don’t have a voluptuous figure, so you can’t be in this film.'”

She went on to reveal that these rejections often led her to tears, with moments where she would break down and cry privately in the bathroom.

Funke Akindele’s candid revelation sheds light on the superficial judgments that actors and actresses in the entertainment industry may face based on their physical appearance and the obstacles they must overcome to achieve success in their careers.