Nollywood veteran Yomi Fash Lanso has offered a reflective look into his decades-long journey in the Nigerian film industry, pointing to discipline, self-control, and deep character understanding as key drivers of his longevity and success.
The award-winning actor, widely recognised for his commanding roles in Yoruba-language films, shared his thoughts in an interview with Sunday Sun, where he discussed what separates a professional actor from others in the industry.
According to him, the ability to fully transform into different roles is what defines true professionalism in acting.
“That is what separates a professional actor from a regular one. You must be able to switch roles. I don’t carry the same face or mannerisms into different roles. Everything appearance, movement, and expression, must reflect the character,” he said.
He explained that preparation goes beyond memorising lines, stressing that actors must internalise the essence of each character before stepping on set.
“Understanding the character deeply makes it easier to switch. You must transform for each role. Once you get the ‘character bible,’ you must be able to build and present that character properly—that is what being an actor means,” he added.
Fash Lanso also highlighted the importance of adaptability when working with directors, noting that some performers make the production process smoother through full immersion in their roles.
“We also have what we call ‘directors’ actors.’ They understand the job and make things easier for the director because they immerse themselves fully in the character,” he stated.
His remarks reflect a broader conversation within Nollywood about craft, discipline, and evolving standards in performance, especially as the industry continues to expand its global visibility and professional depth.
With a career spanning many years and hundreds of film appearances, Yomi Fash Lanso remains one of the respected figures in Nigerian cinema, particularly in Yoruba-language storytelling, where his versatility and screen presence have become defining features of his work.