Nollywood actor and filmmaker Lateef Adedimeji has revealed that his early decision to take emotional roles and cry frequently on screen was a calculated move to create a unique identity for himself in the competitive Nigerian film industry.
The actor disclosed this during an interview on The Morayo Show, where he spoke about his journey into Nollywood, the challenges he faced while trying to gain recognition, and the strategy that helped audiences remember him.
According to Adedimeji, entering the industry was not easy, especially as many people initially recognised him because of his resemblance to a senior colleague. Although he considered the comparison a compliment, he wanted to build a reputation based on his own talent and individuality.
“When I came into the industry, it was quite challenging. I resembled one of my senior colleagues whom I love so much. People would say, ‘That guy who resembles Odun, Odun’s brother.’ It was a beautiful thing because they were comparing me to someone great, but at the same time, as a practitioner, people need to know you for something of you,” he said.
The actor explained that he took time to study the industry and identify areas where he could create a strong impression. He eventually focused on emotional performances, particularly crying scenes, which he believed many actors did not pay enough attention to.
“So I had to sit, did a lot of research, I asked myself, ‘What is it that people are not paying much attention to that is still important?’ So if I were given a role where I only had to shed tears for two seconds, I would mount pressure on it and make those tears come well,” he said.
His approach soon became a defining feature of his performances, with fans beginning to associate him with emotional scenes. The recognition eventually earned him the popular nickname “crying machine.”
“So at one point, people started calling me a crying machine. They didn’t know my name, but they would say, ‘That guy who cries so much in movies’ when describing me,” he said.
Adedimeji noted that the reaction showed he was gradually building a personal brand within the industry because audiences were beginning to identify him with a particular strength.
“That was when I knew I was getting somewhere because people were beginning to identify me with something that is of me; then, eventually, you get to know my name,” he added.
Beyond emotional acting, the filmmaker stressed that versatility remains essential for anyone hoping to achieve longevity in entertainment.
“As an entertainer, you have to be versatile. You have to know a bit about everything,” he said.