See Actors as Professionals, Not Their Roles, Mojisola Adebanjo

Actress Mojisola Adebanjo has urged people to view actors as professionals instead of judging them by their movie roles.

In an interview with Saturday Beats, Adebanjo discussed common misunderstandings that can impact the personal lives and relationships of actors, especially actresses.

She pointed out that many people enter relationships with actresses carrying wrong ideas. They often assume that actresses are flirtatious, disloyal, or always looking for attention due to their jobs.

She said, “Misconceptions are brutal. ‘Actresses are flirty,’ ‘public women can’t be loyal,’ ‘she’s always busy.’ The ‘actresses are like this or that’ stereotype is exhausting.

“People assume you’re always acting, always unavailable, or always chasing clout. Those stereotypes make people bring insecurity into relationships from day one. Serious partners sometimes struggle with the hours, the kissing scenes, or being in the public eye. I would like them to just see us as professionals. For example, a male medical doctor who attends to women is not misjudged because of his career path.”

Pressure on Appearance

Adebanjo also talked about the pressure actresses face about their looks. She said that the industry puts a lot of focus on appearance and being visible.

“The pressure isn’t just ‘be pretty.’ It’s ‘stay visible.’ Nollywood can be quick to celebrate the face on the poster before the craft behind it,” she stated.

She argued that women in entertainment face more scrutiny than men regarding age, weight, and looks. Despite this, she has learned to love herself, even when faced with negative comments.

“Men age like fine wine. Women get told, and they’re too old for certain roles. Body, weight, skin; people talk about everything. But I love myself so much, and I don’t allow all the negative comments to affect me,” she added.