Veteran Nigerian actor Dele Odule, renowned for his significant contributions to the Nollywood industry, recently shared insights into his life and the multifaceted challenges he has encountered as an actor. In an engaging conversation with Joy Marcus, Odule opened up about his journey in the acting world, which began due to his cultural exposure and innate talents in singing, drumming, and dancing observed during his upbringing in a village setting. Despite the lack of modern educational facilities early on, Odule’s passion for acting was ignited, leading him to pursue a career that mirrored his village performances.
Odule’s acting debut was on the stage, participating in traditional home videos before the era of popular home video became mainstream. He vividly recalls his roles in productions like “Agbe bo adi ye,” “Aribi Sebi,” and “Ayanmo,” prior to his breakthrough in “Ti Oluwa Ni Le,” which garnered him significant recognition and paved the way for over a thousand movie features.
Despite his success, Odule shared a poignant reflection on the consequences of fame, highlighting how it encroached upon his personal privacy and led to challenges he hadn’t anticipated. He mentioned the dilemmas faced due to the nature of the acting profession, including the temptation to engage in activities against one’s better judgment due to the influence of stardom. Odule candidly expressed his reservations about the acting profession, noting that if given another chance, he might choose a different path to preserve his privacy and avoid the pitfalls associated with fame.
Addressing the financial and logistical challenges within the Nigerian movie industry, Odule pointed out the exploitative practices in cinema distribution and the significant investment required for movie production. He lamented the lack of an enabling environment for filmmakers in Nigeria, where the fruits of their labor often disproportionately benefit cinema owners rather than the creators themselves.
On a personal note, Odule spoke about his marriage and family, sharing the story of how he met his wife and the qualities that attracted him to her. With a marriage spanning 28 years, he acknowledged the inevitable hurdles and learning experiences that come with building a life together. Odule also touched upon the topic of having children outside of wedlock, expressing regret over certain actions his fame led him to and emphasizing his desire for privacy.
Despite the controversies and challenges that have accompanied his stardom, Odule takes pride in his ability to manage difficult situations and maintain focus on his craft and contributions to the acting community. Born and raised in Ile-Ife, Osun State, with roots in Oru town, Ogun State, Odule’s journey from a village boy to a celebrated actor is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering passion for the arts.
