“It Was Difficult To Get Roles Because Of My Dark Complexion” – Mercy Johnson

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Nollywood actress and mother of three, Mercy Johnson Okojie in this recent chat with Saturday beats has revealed some producers did not give her movie roles because of her complexion.

She said that when she started out in the Nigerian movie industry, most
movie directors and producers always preferred to cast fair-skinned ladies at the expense of talented but dark-skinned ones.

“It is very true that when I was starting out in the movie industry, it was difficult to get roles because of my complexion. I faced that a lot and I tell people that my success is just grace. Somebody once told me that I am too dark but that is where the grace and favour of God comes in. Regardless of everything, most of the dark-skinned actresses that are my contemporaries made it,” she said.

The actress also told Saturday Beats that it would be unfair of anyone to say she features in any movie without any consideration.

“It is not true that I pick just any movie role. People are different and what appeals to one person might not appeal to the other. One of my most popular movies is ‘Dumebi Goes to School’ and I know how many actresses rejected that script before I accepted to do it. That movie has been one of the highest selling movies in Nollywood till date. I think it is not fair for anyone to say I just jump on any movie production.

As human beings, our strength is in our diversity and differences; this means that what you call trash might not be trash to someone else. I select my scripts and I work with all of my heart because acting is my passion. When I read a script and it appeals to me, I have fun while I do it,” the actress said.