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| Deyemi Okanlawon |
Acclaimed Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has opened up about a pivotal turning point in his career, revealing that substandard remuneration and unfulfilling roles forced him to walk away from the film industry in 2019.
Speaking during a recent appearance on the CreativiTea podcast, the screen star disclosed that the financial and creative realities of the industry at the time did not align with his professional standards, prompting a temporary return to corporate employment.
"I quit acting in 2019," Okanlawon stated. "I quit because the pay was nonsense, the work was nonsense. I just felt like I didn’t leave a 9-to-5 job to come and do mediocre work. It was difficult to wake up in the morning and go to work. What is the point of being passionate about something and then not being fulfilled by it? So, I quit and went back to corporate work."
Navigating Mental Health and Support Systems
Beyond his career trajectory, the actor also shared insights into how he manages professional pressure and maintains emotional well-being. In a separate interview on the Dear Ife platform, Okanlawon emphasized the importance of mental health and vulnerability, particularly for men.
While he identifies his wife as his primary source of comfort when challenges mount, he noted that he remains mindful of her own professional and domestic responsibilities.
"She is the first person I think about when things become too heavy," he explained, adding that on rare, high-stress occasions, he relies on late-night conversations with her to find solace.
However, Okanlawon stressed that emotional support should not fall solely on a partner's shoulders. To mitigate burnout, the actor has established a robust professional and personal support network.
"I have built a support circle that includes a therapist, mentors, and close friends I can talk to when I need guidance or relief," he revealed.
Advocating for a shift in how societal expectations impact men's mental health, Okanlawon urged men to dismantle the culture of silent suffering. "Men should not carry all their problems alone, because it can become too much for one person to handle," he concluded.