Nollywood actor Chimezie Imo has spoken out about how his outspoken personality has affected his career.
Chimezie stated in an interview with Chude that he frequently finds himself taken aback when others compliment him.
He said: “Here’s a little gist, one of the directors of Shuga back then had seen the cast and saw that I wasn’t in it, and she said that she wasn’t going to direct if I wasn’t in it. I remember showing up on set and everyone was surprised. I always think people think I’m problematic so when I hear people say good things about me, I’m surprised”.
This reaction stems from his perception that others might view him as problematic due to his vocal advocacy for others.
He said: “I’m very vocal so I always feel people think I’m problematic. I fight for people and I think I need to stop that because it has put me into trouble. When I see someone being disrespected I don’t know how to let it go.
“When I see people not being treated well, even on set, I can’t ignore. Maybe because they don’t have a voice and all. For example if I’m a lead and a sub lead is eating less than me, I’m asking why”.
He said his willingness to speak up when he witnesses injustices or disrespect has sometimes put him at odds with producers.
Imo said: “I know it’s none of my business and all, maybe it’s something I need to work on. it has backfired a lot of times that’s why I’m always surprised to hear the feedback. I’m not the producer’s favourite but I’m the director’s favourite”.
