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Uzor Arukwe is having a year that makes many believe he has just arrived on the Nollywood scene. His recent performance as Odogwu in Love in Every Word captured audiences so intensely that a sequel became inevitable.
Fans are now eagerly anticipating his upcoming project, Colours of Fire, while his latest film, Behind the Scenes, continues to solidify his presence in the industry.
However, spend just a few minutes with Arukwe, and it becomes clear that this is not the story of an overnight success. Rather, it is a career long in the making finally receiving the recognition it deserves.
Arukwe, who turned 42 this year, noted that the assumption of sudden fame is a misconception. “Someone asked me what voodoo I used to be here ‘overnight’,” he recalled.
“I said, ‘Overnight? I’ve done stage, soap opera, TV drama, film, Iroko… everything. There’s no overnight anywhere.’” Indeed, his career spans decades, with countless roles in stage plays, TV dramas, and online productions that flew under the radar.
While these earlier projects didn’t attract viral attention or trending hashtags, they laid the foundation for his craft, shaping the actor audiences see today.
Despite the sudden surge in visibility, Arukwe remains grounded and somewhat bewildered by the attention. At a recent UK premiere, he faced an unruly crowd, with fans pushing and someone reportedly fainting. “For lack of a better word, it was too much,” he admitted.
Yet, he describes such experiences as blessings. “When Aboki is calling you ‘Odogwu’, when children are calling you ‘Odogwu’, you just smile,” he said, acknowledging the deep connection his characters have forged with audiences.
Arukwe’s approach to managing fame is notably unconventional for Nollywood. He follows the advice of fellow actor Kalu Ikeagwu: “stay empty.
Not half full, not half empty… so that your canvas is clean, and anybody can paint on you.” The philosophy, he explains, is about remaining teachable, avoiding the trap of self-inflated hype, and staying open to growth.
Reflecting on this year, he likened it to a period of answers following years of preparation. “It’s not the year the seed germinates that matters,” he said.
“It’s everything that watered it.” This perspective underlines a career built on patience, dedication, and continuous learning rather than sudden breakthroughs.
For Arukwe, current success is measured and earned. Nollywood may feel it has just discovered him, but in truth, Uzor Arukwe has been honing his craft for decades.
Now, with a wider audience finally recognizing his talent, he remains committed to evolving, learning, and embracing every opportunity. “I feel like it’s going to get better and better,” he said. “I’ve been praying for this. I’m embracing myself.”
Uzor Arukwe’s journey reminds audiences that in an era fascinated by overnight stardom, true success is often the result of long-term dedication, persistence, and unwavering passion for the craft.
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