9 Nollywood actors that left acting and moved abroad, Number 6 became a nurse

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For years, the Nollywood industry has been expanding, driven by advancements in technology and increased investment from major players like Netflix, YouTube, cinemas, and more.

Although these developments have generated more revenue and helped curb piracy to some extent, it appears that the financial benefits are not trickling down to all actors and actresses in the industry.

As a result, many are forced to reconsider their careers, with some opting to relocate abroad and abandon acting altogether. They choose to leave the spotlight behind and start new lives abroad. If you have any favorite actors you have not been seeing you may be lucky to see him or her in this list.

Now let’s explore the stories of some Nollywood actors who left acting to pursue new opportunities overseas, do they regret their actions or enjoy it? Let’s see!

Bukky Wright

Veteran Nollywood actress, Bukky Wright joined the growing list of Nigerian celebrities who have made the bold decision to pursue new opportunities abroad.

The 56-year-old actress, born Oluwabukola Sekinat Ajoke Wright, has successfully transitioned from the spotlight to a new career as an Information Security Auditor in the United States.

With a degree in Economics from the University of Lagos, Bukky Wright began her acting career in 1996, quickly becoming a household name in Nigeria. She also had impressive filmography includes roles.

However, after decades of success in the entertainment industry, Bukky Wright embarked on a new challenge, leveraging her skills and expertise to excel in the field of information security. She recently revealed she wanted to come back fully to Nigeria and pick it up again.

In her words, she revealed, “I decided to go back to school and, you know, put my hands into something else. I’m happy I did. Now, I can boast that I’m a cyber security analyst. I’m certified in information security in the US.”

Talking about when she left, Bukky Wright stated, “At the time that I left, I had to leave because my children needed me more. I’m a mother and I would always say that I live for my children. My children needed me and I had to be at their beck call.”

Chet Anekwe

Chet Anekwe, a talented actor and filmmaker, was a household name in Nigeria during the early 2000s. With starring roles in films like “Critical Assignment” and “Bachelors”, Anekwe’s career seemed to be on the rise.

However, in 2008, he made the surprising decision to relocate to the United States.

Anekwe, who holds a degree in Biochemistry, decided to pursue a career in medicine. He enrolled in medical school and is now a practicing doctor in the United States.

Although he has largely stepped away from acting, Anekwe has expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Nollywood provided him.

Helen Paul

Helen Paul, a renowned Nigerian comedienne took her talents to the United States of America, but that hasn’t stopped her from representing her home country with pride.

Despite relocating, Helen continues to host shows both abroad and in Nigeria, showcasing her unique brand of humor to a global audience.

As a multi-talented artist, Helen has made a name for herself as a comedian, singer, and actress. Her stand-up comedy persona, “Tatafo,” is particularly notable for its distinctive voice range, which gives her a childlike quality that has endeared her to fans.

But Helen’s accomplishments didn’t stop at entertainment.

She’s also an academic achiever, holding a doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos. And in 2022, she was appointed as the Head of Department (HOD) of the Arts, Music, and Entertainment department at Heart International University in the US.

According to the interview she had with Punch, she said, “My move to the US was divinely orchestrated. This is because I was recommended as being eligible for a category of professionals with special abilities in a chosen field.”

“I also had ideas about replicating my work with an academy I established in Nigeria for young and aspiring entertainers. I have a dream to tell the story of Africans and African Americans through the lens. I want to take our form of entertainment, particularly black-oriented entertainment, to the ends of the world. And yes, I am keeping my comedy alive. I have been performing in some concerts and comedy shows in some parts of the US. And when I am opportune, I still anchor shows and perform at events in Nigeria. I’m still connected to my roots.”

Susan Peters

Susan Peters, a popular actress and model, was known for her stunning looks and impressive acting skills. With a successful career spanning over a decade, Peters had become a fixture in Nollywood. However, in 2015, she announced that she was relocating to the United States.

 

Peters, who had previously obtained a degree in Computer Science, decided to pursue a career in technology. She enrolled in a software development program and now works as a software engineer in the United States.

Although she has largely stepped away from acting, Peters has expressed her appreciation for the experience and skills she gained in Nollywood.

Regina Askia

Regina Askia-Williams is a stunning Nigerian actress, model, and beauty queen who has reinvented herself in the most inspiring way. After rising to fame in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Regina made the bold decision to relocate to the United States and pursue a new passion: nursing.

Today, Regina is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) practicing in New York City. Her dedication to healthcare is matched only by her passion for advocacy. Regina uses her platform to champion African outreach programs focused on children’s health, education, and economic development.

Through her writing and public speaking, Regina sheds light on the importance of supporting vulnerable communities and promoting positive change. Her remarkable journey is a testament to the power of reinvention, hard work, and compassion.

In her words on why she left Nigeria, she said, “The fame and fortune was great for me at that age and time. As life evolves you have to make choices to guarantee a solid future. So, for a young girl coming up, fame and fortune was good. For the present as a mother of three amazing kids and a partner, being a Nurse Practitioner with my own medical practice is the best.”

Nonso Diobi

Nonso Diobi, a talented actor and director, was a rising star in Nollywood during the early 2000s. With starring roles in films like “Border Line” and “Outcast”, Diobi’s career seemed to be on the rise. However, in 2012, he made the decision to relocate to Canada.

Diobi, who holds a degree in Theatre Arts, decided to pursue a career in education. He enrolled in a master’s program in Education and now works as a teacher in Canada. Although he has largely stepped away from acting, Diobi has expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Nollywood provided him.

He had interview with a news channel when he revealed why he relocated in the first place, he said, “So basically I put it this way. I always take time off to acquire more knowledge, to become something else in entertainment, and also to keep giving my fans what they want. And basically that’s why I’ve been off the scene for a while and I am coming back with a bang. Right now, I have two movies in the works and I will be making it known to the public pretty soon. At the moment, I can officially tell you that I am a filmmaker also, not just the regular Nonso Diobi movie star that you know.”

Omoni Oboli

Omoni Oboli is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian film industry. As a proud mother of three boys, she’s not only a talented actress but also a skilled film director, producer, and digital filmmaker.

Her impressive resume boasts of several blockbuster screenplays, including “The Figurine”, “Anchor Baby”, “Fatal Imagination”, and “Wives on Strike”, among others.

A graduate of the prestigious New York Film Academy, Omoni has honed her craft and made a name for herself in the competitive world of filmmaking. In 2018, she showcased her versatility by starring in and directing the hilarious comedy film, “Moms at War”.

Although Omoni and her family have relocated to Canada, she remains a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry. She effortlessly shuttles between the two countries, pursuing projects that showcase her talent and passion for storytelling. With her remarkable achievements and dedication to her craft, Omoni Oboli is an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and actors around the world.

Yomi Gold

A well-known Nollywood actor shocked fans and colleagues alike with his bold career transition. After relocating to the United States over six years ago and settling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the actor traded in his script for a more rustic pursuit – animal husbandry.

Married to an American and a father of two, the actor now spends his days rearing goats, cows, and other livestock. News of his new venture has sparked a mix of surprise, amusement, and admiration from his colleagues back in Nigeria.

 

The actor revealed, “My best moments as an actor would be right now as I have just received my US citizenship. The love and congratulatory messages I have been receiving are overwhelming. It feels very great to be an American citizen because I am now a citizen of the world.”

The actor also went further to talk about the Nigeria’s system, “Compared to Nigeria’s system, it is different because as an American citizen, I am privileged to enjoy basic amenities such as adequate power supply and a better healthcare system. I am not giving up on Nigeria though; I know it is going to take us time to get there and we will definitely get it right someday with right leaders.”

Big Val Jokotoye

He is a renowned Nigerian Nollywood Yoruba actor, has achieved a significant milestone in his life. The talented actor, who rose to fame after starring in the 2008 movie “Omo Pupa”, has officially become an American citizen.

Big Val’s journey to American citizenship began when he relocated to the United States to be with his Nigerian-American partner, whom he later married. This new chapter in his life marks a significant turning point for the actor, who is excited to explore new opportunities and experiences as an American citizen.

In a video, he explained, “I relocated abroad because I wanted my own family. My wife was born in America. There was no way she would come to Nigeria to live with me. I am a family person because of the way I was brought up. It was hard to leave them (in America). That was why I relocated.”

What do you think about these actors, do you think they made the right decisions?