“I Stopped Accepting Thug Roles To Avoid Being Trapped In One Character” — Bimbo Thomas

Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has openly discussed her deliberate choice to step away from “thug” roles that initially brought her fame, in order to avoid being typecast and to showcase her versatility as an actress.

In a revealing interview on the YouTube channel Old Secrets, Bimbo Thomas reflected on her early career breakthroughs in movies like Omo Ghetto and Eruku Nla, where she portrayed tough, street-smart characters. These roles earned her recognition but also led to a flood of similar role offers, which she felt threatened to confine her career to a single character type.

 

“Beat the Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally.”

Buy book from Gumroad or Paystack

“I have played several roles including housewife, market woman, and mother. I will take on any role as an actor, but I stopped accepting thug roles for a while because I felt they wanted to box me in, to put me in a corner,” Thomas explained. Her decision to pause accepting such roles was strategic; she wanted audiences and casting directors to see her range beyond the stereotypical tough-girl image.

As a graduate of Creative Arts from the University of Lagos, Bimbo Thomas emphasized her ability to adapt to different roles and languages, comfortably acting in both English and Yoruba films, though she admits Pidgin English is not her strongest suit. This background underscores her versatility and commitment to diversifying her acting portfolio.

Thomas began her acting career as an apprentice with the Odun Theatre Group, which laid the foundation for her professional growth. Since then, she has featured in numerous Nollywood productions, including the original Omo Ghetto, its sequel Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Eruku Nla, and Omo Poly, each time broadening her artistic expression and audience appeal.

Her candid revelations highlight a common challenge many actors face: the risk of being pigeonholed into repetitive roles. By consciously choosing to reject typecasting, Bimbo Thomas not only preserved her artistic integrity but also expanded her career opportunities, proving that versatility is key in the dynamic world of Nollywood cinema.

This strategic career move serves as an inspiration to actors and creatives alike, demonstrating that sometimes taking a step back from what is familiar can open doors to new possibilities and richer artistic fulfilment.

 

💔 “She said she loved me. And for fifty-two years, I believed her.” 💔

Buy The Book "The Longest Lie: A Husband’s Journey Through Love, Betrayal, and Redemption" From Gumroad