Veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has spoken out about the challenges Nigerian actors face in Hollywood. She believes that rigid stereotypes about African identity keep many Nigerians from landing major roles.
In a recent interview with Arrow House, Damasus explained that Hollywood often expects African actors to look and sound a certain way. Unfortunately, most Nigerians don’t match that narrow standard.
Hollywood Wants One African Look and Sound
According to Damasus, many filmmakers in Hollywood believe that all Africans must speak with an East African accent. They also prefer actors with very dark skin.
“Hollywood insists on a specific accent for African roles,” she said. “But that’s not how we sound in Nigeria. Maybe some countries in East Africa speak that way, but we don’t.”
She stressed that Nigerians have unique accents and voices that deserve recognition. However, the film industry continues to overlook this diversity.
Nigerians Are Told They Don’t Fit the Role
Damasus shared how Hollywood producers once told her she didn’t meet their expectations of what an African looks like.
“They said I wasn’t dark enough to play an African. At the same time, I wasn’t light enough to be mixed race. And my accent? It didn’t sound American or British, so it didn’t work for them either.”
She questioned these assumptions, asking why Hollywood keeps ignoring the true variety of African people.
“Africa is full of different countries, cultures, and languages. So why do they think we all look or sound the same?”
Foreign-Based Nigerians Have an Advantage
The actress also pointed out that most Nigerian actors who land big roles in Hollywood grew up abroad. Their accents and appearance match what casting directors want.
“Many of them were raised in the UK. They sound more British and fit into Hollywood’s idea of what an African should be.”
She urged the industry to give Nigerian-born actors a fair chance, saying they also have talent and authenticity.
Hollywood Needs to Embrace Africa’s Diversity
Damasus ended by calling for better representation. She believes it’s time for Hollywood to show Africa’s full story—not just a small part of it.
“Africa isn’t one voice or one color. We are millions of people with different stories. It’s time Hollywood understands that.”
