LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has defended late actor John Okafor over criticism surrounding his hospital fundraising, saying fame does not guarantee financial freedom and that many actors shoulder responsibilities the public rarely sees.
Speaking during a recent interview with Udala, Udokwu argued that the difference has less to do with what actors earn and more to do with the responsibilities many men shoulder.
He explained that life places greater financial demands on men, making it harder for many male actors to achieve lasting financial stability despite successful careers.
“Life is generally easier for women than it is for men. It’s not that Nollywood doesn’t pay, but actors have a lot of bills to settle,” he said.
The actor also reflected on the final days of late Nollywood star John Okafor, recalling the criticism that surfaced online when colleagues appealed for financial support during the comedian’s illness.
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Udokwu said he was disappointed by people who questioned how John Okafor had spent the money he earned from acting, insisting that many Nigerians fail to understand the financial realities behind life in the entertainment industry.
“It pained me when John Okafor fell ill before he eventually passed away. While we were trying to raise funds for his treatment, some people on social media kept asking, ‘Where is all the money he made from acting?’” Udokwu noted.
He added that many people wrongly assume successful actors automatically become financially secure, without considering the personal obligations that often consume much of their income.
The veteran actor also disclosed that he was unaware John Okafor had more than one wife until after the public fundraising efforts began, stating that the revelation further highlighted the private responsibilities many entertainers carry away from public view.
“They didn’t understand the realities of the profession. I didn’t even know he had married more than one wife then,” Udokwu revealed.
