Media Team
Nollywood star Lilian Afegbai has opened up about her early struggles in the entertainment industry, revealing how she was consistently underestimated despite her acting prowess.
During a candid discussion on PulseNG, the talented actress recounted how close acquaintances in the production world repeatedly offered her insignificant background parts rather than substantial roles.
Afegbai expressed her disappointment at being typecast as an extra, stressing that she had to consistently advocate for recognition of her professional standing.
She revealed: “It was heartbreaking when industry friends I’d known for years would only consider me for walk-on roles.
“There’s a world of difference between a meaningful cameo and being reduced to a perpetual extra. Even after reminding them of my credentials, they’d casually suggest I should be content with background appearances. That became their default expectation for me.”
The tide turned for Afegbai when she landed the pivotal role of Idia in Kemi Adetiba’s gripping Netflix series “To Kill a Monkey.”
Her powerful portrayal in the cybercrime thriller demonstrated her depth as a performer, captivating audiences and critics alike.
The star-studded production, delving into dark themes of digital fraud and treachery, also features powerhouse performances from industry veterans Stella Damasus, Bucci Franklin, and Chidi Mokeme.
