Bolaji Ogunmola: I Was Pigeonholed into “Side Chick” Roles

By Ayo Onikoyi

Nollywood actress Bolaji Ogunmola recently opened about the early challenges she faced in the film industry, explaining that her appearance led to being typecast into narrow roles.

During a recent interview with media personality JayOnAir, Ogunmola described how industry attitudes toward skin tone and body shape influenced the roles she was first offered.

“It was almost like they wanted to put me in a box. I am dark‑skinned. There was a time when light‑skinned people were reigning, and they told me I was very curvy and tried to limit me to ‘side chick’ roles,” she said. “That went on for a while, and I didn’t like it.”

Ogunmola, who previously competed in the reality show Next Movie Star but did not reach the final house, said her career path has been difficult yet steady.

“My journey has been crazy, but I have just kept at it,” she said.

She also discussed launching a side business early on, noting that she has never been inclined toward conventional 9‑to‑5 work and instead sought to build her own financial footing as a rising actress.

“I just wanted my life to have meaning at that time. I am not somebody who likes to sit at home; I wanted to do something. I never wanted to do 9–5. I will not do 9–5—it’s not just me. Shoutout to people who do it, I applaud you. But for me, I am business‑savvy like that,” she added.

When addressing long‑term planning and financial prudence, Ogunmola stressed the need for diversification and strategic positioning in an unpredictable field.

“Life is in phases. You are popular today, you may not be tomorrow. What are you doing to put food on the table? You should be investing, positioning yourself from now. I have always been that kind of person, so I always have something else I am doing,” she said.

She further underscored the value of humility and on‑set learning, citing filmmaker Biodun Stephen as a key mentor.

“Before you lead, serve. A lot of the things I learnt were from other producers. Biodun Stephen was my first teacher when it comes to movie production. Every time I am on set, I am watching her,” she noted.

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