Nollywood Star Uzor Arukwe Reveals Father Refuses to Acknowledge His Acting Career

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe opens up about his father’s refusal to acknowledge his film career and how his mother eventually came to support him.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 8:34 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation Newspaper

A Family Divided by Career Choice

Uzor Arukwe, a prominent figure in the Nigerian film industry, recently provided a rare glimpse into his private life during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo. Despite his consistent presence in high-profile Nollywood productions and critical acclaim, Arukwe disclosed that a significant disconnect remains between him and his father regarding his vocational choice. The actor noted that his father is either unaware of the extent of his fame or, more likely, unwilling to accept acting as a legitimate or respectable career for his son.

The Father’s Denial of Professional Success

According to Arukwe, the situation is not necessarily a lack of information, but a lack of acceptance. He stated that while his father has undoubtedly heard reports of his achievements and seen the public interest surrounding his work, he chooses to maintain a state of disbelief. "My father doesn’t know that I’m an actor; he has heard, but he doesn’t want to believe," Arukwe remarked. This highlights a common cultural tension in many Nigerian households, where traditional professional expectations often clash with the realities of the modern creative economy.

The Mother’s Evolution Toward Support

The actor also touched upon his mother’s initial hesitation. He explained that she was "slow to adapt" to his career choice, primarily out of deference to her husband’s rigid position. However, unlike his father, Arukwe’s mother eventually moved past her reservations. She has since come to terms with his path and now offers the support that was missing during the early stages of his journey into the movie industry. This shift provided Arukwe with a vital emotional anchor as he navigated the competitive landscape of Nigerian entertainment.