“I’m Underrated in Nollywood”: Uzor Arukwe Opens Up About Career and Marriage

Nollywood star Uzor Arukwe recently appeared on Chude Jideonwo’s show, where he shared insights into his challenging journey before joining Nollywood and the struggles he faced. Uzor, who holds three degrees—a B.Sc, BL, and MBA—revealed that his initial acting gigs paid as little as N2,000, underscoring the tough beginnings of his career.

During the interview, Uzor discussed his private life, marriage, and how he became a script interpreter. He disclosed that losing his corporate job in 2012 marked one of the lowest points in his life. He was jobless from November 2012 to December 2013 but kept this from his mother and older brother for years. Uzor’s resilience and determination eventually led him to Nollywood, where he encountered numerous challenges, including minimal pay for his early roles.

Uzor Arukwe also shared that he is married with children, a fact he has deliberately kept away from public attention to maintain his sanity. He emphasized the importance of separating his private life from his career to protect his family’s privacy. Despite his decision to keep his personal life private, Uzor’s talent has not gone unnoticed. One of his most notable roles was in Funke Akindele’s record-breaking movie, A Tribe Called Judah.

The interview with Uzor Arukwe elicited various reactions from fans and fellow actors. Actress Adunni Ade praised Uzor as a fantastic actor and great individual. Other fans expressed surprise at learning about Uzor’s marital status and praised his acting skills, noting that he is one of the most underrated actors in Nollywood. Some fans recalled their admiration for Uzor’s performances and expressed their support for his future endeavors.

Uzor’s journey in Nollywood has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Despite facing numerous challenges, he has continued to hone his craft and deliver outstanding performances. His participation in the viral NYSC challenge in 2023, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Service Corps, further highlighted his connection to his roots and commitment to his career.