‘Acting income alone won’t buy you a Range Rover’, says veteran actor Bimbo Manuel

Veteran Nigerian actor Bimbo Manuel recently spoke about the financial struggles faced by Nollywood actors, revealing the economic realities of the industry.

During an appearance on TVC’s popular talk show, Your View, the 66-year-old addressed the common misconception of wealth among Nigerian actors.

Responding to a host’s comment about the stark transparency differences between Hollywood and Nollywood in terms of actor fees, Manuel explained that cultural and industry factors contribute to this contrast.

He highlighted how the lack of open disclosure around earnings and contracts fuels misunderstandings, leading the public to perceive actors as wealthier than they often are.

“The experience you had counts, it suggests to whoever wants to hire what fee you command. It is also not a fixed rate, it fluctuates.”

Bimbo Manuel also addressed the question of whether Nigerian actors could afford high-end vehicles through their acting careers alone.

“The actors you see flaunting Range Rovers and mansions in Ikoyi are living fake lives,” he stated. “There is no actor in Nigeria that would say he or she can buy a Range Rover from acting fees alone.”