“My Friends Rejected Me In Nollywood” — Lilian Afegbai Opens Up On Painful Journey To Stardom

According to Ireporter Online, popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Lilian Afegbai, has opened up about the difficult start of her acting career, revealing how she faced rejection from people she once considered friends in the film industry.

The actress, who first gained fame as a housemate on Big Brother Africa, recalled that her early years in Nollywood were marked by constant disappointment, as producers and casting directors — including those she personally knew — repeatedly turned her down for major roles.

Afegbai noted that while she expected some challenges, the pain of being sidelined by her own colleagues made the journey more emotionally draining. She said many of her so-called friends restricted her to playing background or extra roles, failing to recognise her potential as a serious actress.

Despite the rejection, Afegbai said she refused to let the setbacks discourage her. Instead, she channelled her frustration into refining her craft and working tirelessly to prove her worth in the industry. Her commitment, she explained, eventually transformed her from an overlooked performer into a respected Nollywood star.

Reflecting on her rise, the To Kill A Monkey actress described how perseverance and focus changed her career trajectory. “One of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with rejection and people not being willing to take a chance on me as an actress,” she said. “Friends in production often cast me as an extra instead of giving me proper acting roles. It was painful, but rather than break me, it motivated me to do better. Over time, my consistency paid off — those same ‘no’s eventually turned into ‘yes.’”

Afegbai’s story stands as a reminder of resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of self-belief in achieving success in the competitive world of Nollywood.