Truth Is If I Wasn’t Acting I Don’t Think I’ll Be On Social Media — Kelechi Odegbe

Nollywood actor Kelechi Odegbe has opened up about how he is often perceived in the film industry and why he prefers to stay away from social media, even as an entertainer.

During an interview on WithChude, the actor was asked why his name frequently comes up when filmmakers are looking to cast complex or layered characters. The host noted that Odegbe’s reputation for handling emotionally demanding or mentally intense roles seems to make him a go-to choice for such portrayals.

Responding to the observation, Odegbe explained that he recently had a candid conversation with his colleagues about this perception. According to him, those he works with once told him that he might not fit the profile of what many consider a “commercial actor” — a term often used to describe actors who are easily marketable and popular with mainstream audiences.

He said that while he understands the industry’s tendency to favor visibility and popularity, his main focus has always been on the craft itself rather than fame or online presence. The actor, known for his versatility and strong character interpretations, also made it clear that he is not the type to chase social media trends or attention.

In his words, “So I had this conversation with the people I’m working with, and they said, ‘Kelechi, see, it’s not like you’re not good, but you’re not like a commercial actor.’ I said, what do you mean by that? They said, ‘You’re not like, you know…’ Truth is, if I wasn’t acting, I don’t think I’d be on social media, really, because I’m not that kind of person. I just concentrate on my role. So you’re more of a director’s actor, an actor’s actor, you know.”