In a candid revelation that sheds light on the often unseen struggles of Nigerian actors abroad, popular Nollywood star Femi Brainard has shared his challenging journey of migration to the United States, where he found himself driving taxis to support his family.
Recalling his experience during an interview on the Teju Babyface podcast, Brainard, aged 53, disclosed the emotional turmoil he faced as he transitioned from a celebrated actor in Nigeria to an anonymous cab driver in the US. He recounted feeling remorseful for subjecting his wife to a life she did not envision when they made the decision to relocate.
“It was a tough time,” Brainard confessed, “I became a cab driver in America just to put food on the table.” He expressed the shock and disbelief many Nigerians expressed upon recognizing him behind the wheel of a taxi, highlighting the stark contrast between his celebrity status in Nigeria and his anonymity in the US.
“America does not recognize your stardom, nor does it respect your celebrity,” Brainard lamented.
The actor revealed moments of despair, recalling an instance when he found himself penniless and in tears at a parking lot. Despite the challenges, Brainard emphasized his preference for being a renowned actor in Nigeria over being an unknown abroad.
“As difficult as Nigeria seems to be, I would rather be a prince and a celebrity in a system that is not working than come to this place and be a nobody,” he stated emphatically.
Brainard’s revelation echoes similar experiences shared by other Nollywood actors who have sought opportunities abroad. In August 2023, fellow actor Joseph Benjamin spoke on the same podcast about his own stint as a cab driver in America, highlighting the unpredictability and challenges of the entertainment industry both at home and abroad.
“I got to America on a promise that I had some gigs waiting for me,” Benjamin disclosed. “But two days later, the person who I was supposed to book a deal with said to me, ‘Those our financiers have pulled out. They have an issue.'”
Brainard’s and Benjamin’s narratives offer a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination required to navigate the unpredictable paths of success, both on screen and off, in the global entertainment industry.
