VETERAN Nollywood actress Patience Ozokwor says stars in Nigeria’s film industry are not as wealthy as people may think, hence they beg for public assistance when they are battling chronic ailments.
Ozokwor spoke in a recent interview, a clip of which was shared on Tiktok by KWS Nigeria.
She said some actors are paid well but often resolve to seek public help when confronted with sickness because the luxurious lifestyles they indulge in make it difficult for them to save money for themselves.
The legendary thespian also noted that there are a lot of financial pressures on actors from family members and acquaintances.
Her comment comes as several Nigerian actors circulate financial appeals. Ozokowor said actors often save less than they spend, due to societal pressure.
She said, “Some of us [actors] are paid well but before this sickness gets, nobody helps you because everybody feels you have got a lot of money. And you’re managing it [sickness] with your family. Also, nobody pays you anymore when you’re on that sick bed. Because it’s when you’re healthy that you can be shooting movies and getting money. The illness has kept you out for a long time and the money you saved has been exhausted.
“And you know, because of the nature of our job, we are heavy-spenders. The clothes you wear matter to the world. We call it packaging. The way you packaged yourself. The worst is that you can’t even repeat your expensive clothes.
“These are the things that make us spend a lot of money. And then people pounce on you, they feel you have got a lot of money because they see your face everywhere. I know how many people that have come to this house today to ask for help.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media