Nollywood is full of unbelievable transformation stories. Many of the biggest faces on screen today didn’t start their journey in film, some were barbers, carpenters, tailors, security guards and even bus conductors before fame found them.
Here’s a list of popular Nollywood actors and actresses and the surprising jobs they once did before the world knew their names.
1. Timini Egbuson
- Before Nollywood:Worked an office job as a marketing executive.
Now:One of Nollywood’s leading men, top box-office actor and brand favorite.
2. Mercy Johnson
- Before Nollywood: Waitress + pursued small menial jobs to survive while auditioning.
- Now: A-list actress, filmmaker and one of the industry’s most consistent stars.
3. Odunlade Adekola
- Before Nollywood: Church drama actor and small performer in Abeokuta with no income from acting.
- Now: Yoruba Nollywood legend, director, brand ambassador and meme king.
4. Funke Akindele
- Before Nollywood: Law graduate taking minor child-actor roles and school drama gigs.
- Now: Box-office record breaker, director, producer and politician.
5. Bolanle Ninalowo
Worked as an accountant/banker in the U.S. before Nollywood.
6. Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)
- Before Nollywood: Journalist and reporter.
- Now: Nollywood icon, former commissioner, award-winning actor.
7. Destiny Etiko
- Before Nollywood: Struggled with small trading jobs including selling sachet water while attending auditions.
- Now: Trending actress, movie producer and social media force.
8. Lateef Adedimeji
- Before Nollywood: Worked as a scriptwriter and did NGO drama sensitization shows for little pay.
- Now: A-list actor and one of the most versatile performers in Nigeria.
9.Bimbo Ademoye
- Before Nollywood: Worked at a bakery, a receptionist and a graduate us business adminstration
- Now: Award-winning actress and one of Nigeria’s biggest comedy-drama stars.
10. Sola Sobowale
- Before Nollywood: Worked multiple odd jobs in the UK, including catering and cleaning.
- Now: Respected Nollywood veteran and “King of Boys” superstar.
Final Thoughts
Discover the surprising “before fame” stories of top Nollywood actors and actresses. See what they used to do and how they rose to become some of Nigeria’s biggest stars.
Stay tuned for next week’s roundup because, in Nigeria, the news never sleeps. Follow Lists NG on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok for more.
