Veteran Nollywood actor Bimbo Manuel recently opened up about the reality of wealth in the Nigerian film industry, claiming that many actors seen with luxury cars like Range Rovers or living in upscale areas like Ikoyi are often portraying an illusion of wealth. Speaking on the TVC program Your View, the 66-year-old actor shared his thoughts on the financial side of Nollywood, asserting that acting alone doesn’t generate enough income to afford such luxuries.
Manuel emphasized his preference for a modest and realistic lifestyle, expressing his disbelief that anyone could afford a high-end lifestyle purely from acting fees.
In a related discussion, actress Bimbo Akintola also shed light on the financial gaps in Nollywood, voicing her surprise at the luxurious lives some of her female colleagues display. Speaking with actor Emmanuel Ehumadu, Akintola wondered how these lifestyles are funded, noting that her own earnings are far from extravagant. She suggested that some actors likely have additional sources of income, which could include family support, personal businesses, or connections with influential figures.
Both actors’ candid reflections offer a glimpse into the financial realities of the industry, challenging the glamorized image often associated with the lives of Nollywood stars.
