From a candid and revealing interview on Oyinmomo TV, acclaimed Nollywood actress Jumoke George has opened up about the reasons behind her notable 14-year hiatus from the film industry.
With a career marked by talent and resilience, George sheds light on the harsh realities faced by actresses within the entertainment sector, particularly the pressures to conform to unacceptable demands.
During the interview, George spoke candidly about her struggles, highlighting two primary factors that contributed to her lengthy absence from the big screen, her dark complexion and the prevalence of unwanted advances that came with the territory of being a female actor.
“My dark complexion was not the only setback I faced in my career,” George articulated. “Another significant barrier to me receiving movie roles for 14 long years was my adamant refusal to engage in sexual relationships in exchange for acting parts.”
She recalled her unsettling experiences with directors who suggested that her darker skin tone was a hindrance to her success.
“When they pointed out that I was too dark for the roles, I confidently responded by suggesting that they alter the lighting to enhance my screen appearance,” she affirmed.
The actress firmly believes in her self-worth and has consistently resisted any pressure to compromise her values.
“You cannot force me to do something that goes against my will,” she declared emphatically. “I will embrace my skin and continue to radiate beauty as I age. Let’s not forget, black does not crack.”
George’s revelation of the pervasive culture within the industry was striking, noting that at least two executives expected sexual favours in return for opportunities.
“I made a promise to myself that as long as God exists, I would never allow myself to be in such a situation,” she recounted, emphasizing her moral stance.
Her commitment to these principles came at a significant cost; after making her stance clear, she found herself sidelined from movie roles for an astounding three years.
The actress’s moment of clarity came during an encounter with one of the directors at Feminine Cafe, located at LTV8.
Curious about her absence from projects, she approached him and inquired why she had not been offered any work.
The director’s response shocked her to her core: “He revealed that a collective decision had been made among directors not to cast me in roles because I chose not to sleep with them.”
George recounted her emotional response, stating, “In that moment, I broke down in tears. When I returned home, I turned to God in prayer, seeking guidance and strength to move forward.”
Jumoke George’s story reflects not only her journey but also serves as a broader commentary on the obstacles encountered by many women within the entertainment industry.
Her resilience in the face of such adversity is both inspiring and thought-provoking. It raises a crucial question about the ethical responsibilities of the film industry in ensuring a safe and equitable working environment for all actors, regardless of gender or background.
As the conversation around female empowerment and gender equality continues to gain momentum, Jumoke George stands as a powerful voice advocating for change.
Her experiences underscore the need for the industry to shift towards recognition of talent and hard work, rather than an over-reliance on superficial judgments and exploitative practices.
In a landscape still fraught with challenges, Jumoke George’s story is a reminder of the strength it takes to remain true to oneself.
As she looks toward the future, the actress is poised to reclaim her rightful place in Nollywood, not only as an actress but also as a symbol of resilience and integrity in the film industry.
Reported by: Ifedamola Fayomi
