By: Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Nigerian actor, Jim Iyke has revealed that he once chased a scriptwriter with a machete after being offered a role to portray a gay character, a role he insists he will never take on in his career.
In an exclusive interview, the Nollywood star explained that while he embraces diversity in his roles, certain characters cross a personal boundary.
“I can’t do it with the gay characters, I’m sorry. I know there is a whole community out there and I salute you guys, but we are too masculine to be twisted. The last time a producer sent me a script like that, I chased him away. I actually went after him with a machete,” Jim Iyke disclosed in an interview with Pulse Ghana.
He acknowledged that such roles are sometimes created to appeal to wider audiences but emphasized that he deliberately chooses not to portray them on screen.
The conversation, which also featured Nigerian actor Kenneth Nwadike, went beyond acting preferences. The pair discussed Nollywood’s continued growth, their latest film SIN, and the evolving landscape of African storytelling.
Their dialogue highlighted Nollywood’s increasing international recognition, the collaborative efforts shaping the next phase of African cinema, and the opportunities emerging for both Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries.
Known for his outspoken personality both on and off screen, Jim Iyke shared candid reflections on his career choices and the controversial roles he has turned down. Kenneth Nwadike, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of groundbreaking projects like SIN in projecting Nollywood’s influence on the global stage.
