Veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has opened up about the challenges Nigerian actors face in securing roles in Hollywood.
She said many Nigerians are often rejected because they do not fit the narrow and inaccurate stereotype of Africans that Hollywood still uses for casting.
Speaking during a conversation with Arrow House, Damasus explained that most Hollywood producers expect African characters to speak in a specific East African accent and have very dark skin.
She said this unrealistic and limited image affects casting decisions and makes it harder for Nigerian actors to land major roles.
According to her, “Hollywood filmmakers insist that there is a particular accent that Africans who want to act in their industry must have. So, that’s why they forced our people to put it on.”
She said Nigerians, Ghanaians, and others from West Africa sound very different from East Africans and should not be forced to adopt the same accent. She added, “We don’t sound like that. Maybe one or two small countries in East Africa sound that way. I’m Nigerian. They are Ghanaians. We all sound different.”
Skin Tone and Identity Challenges in Hollywood
Damasus also revealed that Hollywood often turns down actors based on skin tone. According to her, some casting directors have told her she is not dark enough to play a typical African and not light enough to pass for a mixed-race character.

She shared a direct quote from a producer: “We want an African to be very dark. That’s the kind of African that we are used to. You are not dark enough and you are not white enough to be half-caste, so it would be hard to place you. You are not mixed race. Then your accent, you don’t sound American or British, neither do you sound African.”
In her response, Damasus asked, “How do you think Africans sound? Because Africa is full of a million and one countries. And inside those countries, we have different dialects and different accents.”
Most Nigerian Hollywood Stars Were Raised Abroad
The actress pointed out that most Nigerians who have starred in big Hollywood films were raised in the UK or the US. As a result, they speak with foreign accents and fit better into the expectations of casting agents.
She expressed concern that this trend sidelines local Nigerian talent, even when they are equally skilled and passionate.
Damasus insisted that African identity is broad and should not be boxed into one look or sound.
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