Nollywood veteran Tina Mba has spoken out against actors who believe they must always play lead roles, calling such an attitude misguided and unprofessional.
The respected actress shared her views during an appearance on Lights, Camera, It’s Your Turn, a show hosted by fellow actress Tope Olowoniyan.
Mba challenged the common perception that supporting roles are inferior to lead parts. “Sometimes an actor believes that because they have played lead, they have to continue to play lead in every film. That is delusional,” she said. “There are characters and roles for everyone. That one plays a supporting actor does not make one less. It is an uneducated actor that thinks playing lead is the ultimate.”
The acclaimed actress, known for her depth and versatility, emphasized that every role contributes meaningfully to storytelling. She cited the Hollywood classic Pretty Woman as an example, pointing out how even minor characters can leave a lasting impression. “My favourite character in that film is the street urchin who opened and closed the film,” she noted. “I can forgive the public if they see the lead as everything, but for us as actors, it’s a role.”
Mba also addressed actors who insist on being in the spotlight at all times, saying, “If they have that luck, I wish them well. Personally, I believe there are no small roles but small actors.”
