Key Points:
- Stella Damasus says Hollywood believes all Africans must sound and look a certain way.
- She explains this stereotype often shuts out talented Nigerian actors.
- Most Nigerians in Hollywood grew up abroad and fit the expected image better.
Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, has opened up about why many Nigerian actors find it hard to break into Hollywood. In a chat with Arrow House, she shared how Hollywood’s idea of what an African should look and sound like makes it tough for Nigerians to fit in.
She explained that Hollywood often expects African actors to speak with East African accents and have very dark skin, like Kenyan star Lupita Nyong’o. Sadly, this fixed image does not represent most Nigerians.
“We Don’t All Sound the Same”
According to Damasus, Nigerian actors are often told they don’t sound “African enough.” She pointed out that Africa is a large continent with many countries, languages, and accents.
But Hollywood doesn’t always understand that. Instead, they expect all African characters to sound the same, often using a made-up accent that many Nigerians don’t recognise.
“Most of the time, they want an African to sound a certain way,” Damasus said. “And if you don’t, they ask you to fake it. But that’s not how we talk.”
Skin Tone Also a Problem
Damasus also talked about how skin tone plays a big role. She said casting directors have told her she is not dark enough to play a “real African” but also not light enough to be considered mixed race.
This puts many Nigerian actors in a difficult spot. They don’t fit into Hollywood’s limited idea of what an African actor should look like.
“They told me, ‘You are not dark like Lupita. You’re not light enough to play a mixed character. So, we don’t know where to place you,’” she recalled.
Foreign-Raised Nigerians Get More Roles
The actress added that most Nigerian actors who have landed big roles in Hollywood were raised in the UK or US. Their accents and appearances often match what Hollywood is looking for.
“They speak differently,” Damasus noted. “And because of that, they have more chances.”
She believes the industry should open its doors to more kinds of African stories and voices. She hopes that one day, Nigerian actors will not need to change who they are to be accepted.
Stella Damasus’ experience highlights the real challenges Nigerian actors face when trying to enter Hollywood. From accents to appearance, the industry’s narrow view of Africans continues to block many doors. She urges Hollywood to recognise the beauty and variety of Africa and its people.
