I was pigeonholed into ‘side chick’ roles — Bolaji Ogunmola

By Ayo Onikoyi

Nollywood actress, Bolaji Ogunmola, has spoken candidly about her early struggles in the industry, revealing how she was often typecast and boxed into limited roles because of her looks.

In a recent interview with media personality JayOnAir, Ogunmola recounted how industry perceptions around skin tone and body type shaped the kinds of roles she was initially 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.”

The actress, who once participated in the Next Movie Star reality show but did not make it into the final house, described her journey as challenging but consistent.

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

Ogunmola also reflected on her decision to start a side business early in her career, explaining that she was never drawn to traditional 9–5 employment and preferred creating her own financial path as an emerging 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.

Speaking on long-term planning and financial discipline, she emphasized the importance of diversification and positioning in an unpredictable industry.

“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.

Ogunmola also highlighted the importance of humility and learning on set, crediting filmmaker Biodun Stephen as a major influence in her growth.

“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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