Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus has opened up about the harsh realities of pursuing a career in Hollywood as an African, revealing the deep-rooted stereotypes that continue to hinder the film industry globally.
In a recent interview, Damasus recounted being told she wasn’t “dark enough” to play African roles, “not light enough” to pass for mainstream characters, and that her Nigerian accent was “too strong” for broader appeal. Her revelation sheds light on the frustrating identity many African actors face while trying to fit into Western media.
She noted that while progress has been made in some areas, many casting directors still rely on outdated, one-dimensional portrayals of African characters. Damasus’s remarks have sparked conversations across social media, with many applauding her for speaking out and advocating for fair representation of African talent on the global stage.
