Home Entertainment Directors rejected me for being plus-size –Susan Jimah, actress – The Sun Nigeria
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Directors rejected me for being plus-size –Susan Jimah, actress – The Sun Nigeria

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By Rita Okoye

Susan Jimah is a Nollywood actress and filmmaker, who defied the odds on her journey to stardom. She went from being dismissed by some as “too plus-sized to make it” in the industry to achieving international recognition for her compelling films.

 

In this interview with Saturday Sun, the talented, divorced mother of two takes us inside her life as one of Nollywood’s rapidly rising stars, the challenges she faces as a producer, and other vital issues shaping her thriving career.

You’re a well-known actress and producer. What’s the real story behind how you broke into the industry?

I actually started out as an actor. I didn’t plan to become a producer, that wasn’t part of my dream at first. But between 2014 and 2016, I took some time off the industry because I was having my kids. Before then, I knew the hustle, how tough it was to get roles or even be noticed. So, during that break, I told myself and God that when I return to the industry, I want to produce so I can project myself as an actor. That’s how I ventured into production. I started as an actor, then became a producer. Honestly, if I had my way, I’d focus only on acting, but here I am — a producer too. There’s nothing I can do about it.

Looking back, what was the toughest hurdle you faced before your big break?

One major hurdle was being told I couldn’t make it in the industry because I’m plus-size. I’ll never forget — a particular director once told me to my face, “Susan, e go hard you to blow in this industry.” This was years ago in Festac. He said the only roles I’d likely get were food sellers or boutique owners because of my size. Then he offered to “help” me, saying he could make people accept me as a plus-size actress. I remember thinking — if they don’t already accept me, what exactly can you do to change that?

Another challenge was after I started producing. The producers who knew me as an actor stopped offering me roles. They’d say, “She’s a producer now, let her help herself.” So, I had to keep producing to stay visible. It hasn’t been easy, but I thank God.

Which movie announced you to the world, and what makes it different from others?

People started recognizing me after Boss Down and Troublemaker’s Bodyguard. After those projects, people would stop me to say they’d seen me on TV. I had done other films before then, but these two really stood out. The characters were relatable — Boss Down had that “mean boss” vibe many people can relate to, while Troublemaker’s Bodyguard told the story of an Edo girl trying to travel to Italy. Both roles were unique and memorable.

Of all the films you’ve worked on, which one still gives you goosebumps — and why?

Oh, definitely Remember Us. That movie focused on mental health, and the character I played — Temisan — had a condition called Astrocytoma. It’s a real medical issue, though many mistake it for a spiritual problem. I immersed myself so deeply into the role that it took me over a week to detach from it after filming. Sometimes I’d catch myself staring into space, and my daughters would ask, “Mommy, are you okay?” That film was intense and special.

Another one is Take My Breath Away. That was my first major project done entirely by me — no collaboration, no commission. It was a big-scale project that I financed and executed on my own. Every time I watch it, I get goosebumps because it reminds me how far I’ve come.

What’s one thing that would make you reject a script?

Nudity. I can’t and won’t do it. People often ask, “What if the money is right?” I tell them, “Forget the money.” I’m an actor, yes, but nudity is a no-go area for me.

What’s been your proudest “pinch-me” moment so far?

When my film Take My Breath Away was nominated for Best African Movie at the Toronto Festival in 2024. I just submitted the film without expectations, no connections, no lobbying and it got accepted, screened, and nominated alongside major titles like Merry Men. A friend pointed out that my film was listed first in the category, and even though it said “in no particular order,” it still felt amazing. The same film was also selected by the London Festival, though I couldn’t attend. Being recognized internationally was a huge moment for me. It showed that hard work speaks louder than connections.

Nollywood is Africa’s pride. What makes it stand out from Hollywood or Bollywood, in your view?

Our originality. Even when international platforms commission Nollywood projects, they ask for authentic Nigerian stories. They love our originality the rawness, the culture, the emotion. That’s what makes us unique.

With Nigerian films now trending on Netflix and beyond, how far do you think Nollywood can really go?

We’re already going far and we’re just getting started. Nigerian films are being watched all over the world. The industry is evolving and expanding fast. Trust me, Nollywood is going global.

Female producers are changing the game. How do you ensure women’s voices are heard in your projects?

Oh, I’m definitely a girls’ girl. I make it intentional to employ women in my crew — not just in makeup and costume, but also as assistant directors, production managers, and more. I believe in empowering women, and I’m proud to say that many of my projects are female-driven, both on and off camera.

How do you keep your personal life from being swallowed by work?

Honestly, it’s been God and the support of my very understanding family. Sometimes my personal life suffers because I get so buried in work that I don’t socialize for months. But I’m learning to be more intentional about taking breaks, having fun, and living not just existing.

You juggle roles as a mother and filmmaker. What’s your secret to maintaining balance?

Okay, I’m not a wife, I’m divorced. Being a mother and a film maker. Honestly, I’m blessed with my kids, you see my daughters? They are my most precious gift from God, they understand, they act like, when they say old person in a young body, that’s how my kids behave. For example, if I don’t go to work for two straight weeks my kids are worried. “Mommy is there a problem? do you have an issues? Are you fine? Or you just want to rest?” And even if I leave, the house is good, all thanks to my mom. My mom holds the house down for me, so that makes me to go and film anywhere, fly anywhere, shoot anywhere, you know, go to any place to work. My mom hold a the house down for me, God bless her for me and God keep her in good health for me, and God bless my children, the most understanding superstars, they are actually superstars. So yes, that’s my secret o, God, my mother and my Children, they just make it so easy for me.

Who’s the one person you credit for shaping the woman you’ve become?

My father. I got my drive and resilience from him. He was a man of valor, a go-getter. From my mother, I learned calmness under pressure. She never panics; she focuses on finding solutions. That balance has helped me a lot on set. When things go wrong, I stay calm and fix the problem instead of shouting. So yes, my parents shaped who I am today.

What should fans expect next any upcoming blockbusters or surprises?

Susan: Oh yes, I’m always cooking something new! I have two major projects coming soon. I’m also creating exciting new content for TikTok — follow me at @SusanJimahTV. We already have a YouTube channel by the same name, but this TikTok series will be something fresh and engaging. Just stay tuned!

What’s your most embarrassing moment as an actress?

(Laughs) I once made a huge grammatical blunder on set  everyone burst into laughter, including me. Another time, I fell on set and my dress ripped, but thank God I was wearing tights underneath! That could have been a disaster.

What would you say fame has deprived you of?

Not much, honestly. I still stop by the roadside to buy roasted corn and pear — and sometimes fans join me! But one thing I’ve had to reduce is going to hotels or restaurants with male friends. People can easily misinterpret that, so I avoid giving room for gossip. Also, I miss going to Katangwa Market in Lagos. I used to love shopping there until one day the crowd recognized me and I got mobbed. Since then, I’ve stayed away. Apart from that, fame hasn’t changed me much.

If given the opportunity, what’s one thing you’d love to change in Nollywood?

A lot, honestly. But one thing that really bothers me is how producers lack a unified voice. For example, many talented actors lose roles simply because they don’t have enough followers on social media. I’ve been in casting sessions where a brilliant actor was rejected because she had “only” 9,000 followers. That’s unfair.

We need to stop letting numbers determine talent. We should create opportunities for raw, upcoming talent. Another issue is the so-called “gatekeepers” who block new voices and projects. I’ve lost millions on my YouTube channel trying to push new faces, only to be told people won’t watch because the actors aren’t “popular.” If I could change anything, it would be that — giving every hardworking creative a fair chance.

For younger dreamers who want to be the next Susan Jimah, what’s your realest advice?

Stay true to yourself and your craft. Your validation should come from God, not people. Be consistent — consistency is powerful. Even if you fail, don’t give up. Take a step back, breathe, re-strategize, and try again. Keep working, keep praying, and trust God’s timing. And yes, Nollywood is going places. Look at To Kill a Monkey; a Nigerian woman made that. Or Oloture, which was watched globally and I was part of Oloture: The Journey. These examples show that we’re not just telling stories anymore; we’re shaping the global film narrative.



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