Actor Chinedu Okeke has debunked reports claiming he left the movie industry because he was constantly cast as an armed robber.
Chinedu, known for his tough-guy roles in action-packed films of the early 2000s, reacted to the viral claim in an interview.
“When I heard it, I was confused,” he said. “Most of these bloggers think they can make money by tainting someone’s reputation. I never said such a thing. Why would I say that?”
The actor, who gained fame for roles in films like Issakaba, Peace Maker, Shina Rambo and V-Boot, said he owed much of his success to such characters.
“What do you think made me who I am today? It’s action movies, so why would I complain? I never granted that interview,” he said.
Chinedu added that he is still very much active and willing to take up any role – including romance.
“Please, producers, call me now. I want to work. I’m redundant and looking for work, any role. Be it the role of an armed robber or assassin. If you have a romantic role too, bring it, I want it and make people understand that I can do anything.”
The actor was reacting to a viral statement circulated on blogs earlier this year which claimed he left Nollywood because people began seeing him as a thief in real life.
The statement, which was widely quoted across social media and entertainment blogs, alleged that he begged directors to give him “softer” roles but was constantly handed scripts involving “guns, blood and prison”.
But Okeke has now made it clear he never made such a statement and never quit acting.
“I want producers to know I’m available,” he said.
