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!
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.
It seems that they choose to leave the spotlight behind and start new lives abroad.
1. 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, Bukky Wright embarked on a new challenge, leveraging her skills and expertise to excel in the field of information security.
However, after decades of success in the entertainment industry, has successfully transitioned from the spotlight to a new career as an Information Security Auditor in the United States.
Facing a new career in the United might be challenging but the actress was able to pull it through despite age not being by her side.
She recently revealed why she left for a career in the United States and her plans to return back to Nigeria and pick it up again.
“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,” She said.
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.”
2. 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.
3. 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.
She’s also an academic achiever, holding a doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Lagos. 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.
“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,” said Hellen Paul in an interview with Punch.
She said what moved her was her dream to take our form of entertainment and tell the story of Africans and African Americans through the lens and to the ends of the world.
Hellen has been performing in some concerts and comedy shows in some parts of the United States and when she is opportune, she still anchors shows and performs at events in Nigeria, proving that she is still connected to her roots.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
“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,” He revealed when asked the reason he relocated.
7. 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 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.
8. 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, that his best moments as an actor were after he received his US citizenship. The love and congratulatory messages he received were overwhelming.
It feels very great to be an American citizen because I am now a citizen of the world.”
“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,” the added while comparing the United States with Nigeria.
9. Big Val Jokotoye
He is a renowned Nigerian Nollywood Yoruba actor, who 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.
His wife was in the United States. of America. There was no way she would come to Nigeria to live with him and as a family person, It was hard to leave his family in America. That was why he relocated.
10. Georgina Onuoha
You know the saying “from scripts to scrubs”? Well, that’s exactly the career path Nollywood actress Georgina Onuoha took when she left the Nigerian film industry to pursue a career in medicine abroad.
In 2006, Georgina made the bold decision to leave acting behind and focus on her family after getting married. But that wasn’t the only new chapter she embarked on. She also relocated to the United States, where she followed her passion for healthcare and became a licensed healthcare professional.
Georgina has been open about her journey, sharing her experiences and insights on social media. It’s inspiring to see her thrive in a new field, and we can’t help but admire her courage and determination to pursue a new dream.
11. McMorris Ndubueze
About Nollywood actor McMorris Ndubueze, who’s been MIA from the scene for a while. According to The Tattle Room, McMorris has made a dramatic career switch – from acting to medicine!
Rumor has it that he’s now a practicing medical doctor in the United States. We can’t confirm this just yet, but if it’s true, hats off to him! It’s not every day you see someone make such a bold career transition.
From the looks of his recent photos, it seems McMorris has indeed relocated abroad, and we couldn’t be happier for him. If this news is true, it just goes to show that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
12. Sandra Achums
The nostalgic 90s! Who can forget the talented Sandra Achums, a household name in Nigerian entertainment? She lit up our screens with iconic roles that still get shared and loved on social media today!
But, as with many of our favorite celebrities, Sandra’s life took a beautiful turn. She got married, and soon after, she made the big move to Germany to start a new life with her husband and kids. It’s lovely to see her prioritizing family and building a new home abroad.
Conclusion
Honestly, traveling abroad was a game-changer for these actors. It not only broadened their horizons but also opened doors to new opportunities that catapulted their careers to the next level.
In hindsight, it’s clear that taking the leap to travel abroad was an incredible decision that paid off in ways they never imagined!
Thank you for taking the time to read this article about Nollywood actors who left acting and moved abroad. Please check out our website for more lists on Nollywood and related topics.
