Nollywood actress and producer Yvonne Jegede has delivered a heartfelt message to young people looking to enter the film industry, acting should be driven by passion, not the prospect of swift riches. In an emotional Instagram post and video, she opened up about the realities of a career in film and the steps newcomers should take to build sustainable livelihoods. 

Read more: Yvonne Jegede on Acting: “It’s About Passion, Not Money”

In the post, the actress began by addressing her followers with her signature greeting “Good morning Chocolovers. This is for the young ones coming into the movie industry…” She went on to reveal that despite her success, she holds three additional income streams beyond acting. “One stream of income is your closest way to poverty, honey,” she explained, adding that the assumption many hold that film acting brings instant wealth is not always true. 

Yvonne further pointed out the difference between acting and other creative professions, saying: “Acting money isn’t like music money oh. We do this for the passion, not the money. Start early to plan and invest.” Her warning highlights the need for industry hopefuls to view acting as both craft and business rather than instant glamour. 

Advice for Aspiring Actors from a Seasoned Professional

From her own experience balancing movie roles, content creation, production and family, Yvonne emphasized the importance of financial awareness in the entertainment field. She admitted that she felt the pressure of standards like school fees, lifestyle expectations, work-family balance and said she refuses to be unprepared. “There’s no excuse. I can’t turn around and say I can’t pay school fees,” she said in her post. 

Her candid approach seemed to strike a chord online. One fan commented: “Finally, someone said it! Nollywood is built on passion, but bills are built on planning.” The view echoed many comments that followed from both industry insiders and younger actors who admitted the statement was long overdue. 

Yvonne’s message is not only a reality check but also a roadmap. She encouraged upcoming actors to invest in themselves, learn multiple skills, and treat their art with the respect it deserves. In an industry where image and perception often overshadow preparation, Yvonne’s voice serves as a reminder of the work behind the fame.