In Nollywood, wearing multiple hats isn’t just a trend; it’s a testament to grit, passion, and complete creative control, especially for actor-directors. While directing movies is already a formidable task, some Nigerian filmmakers have chosen to raise the bar by stepping in front of the camera in their productions. Whether making cameo appearances or playing lead roles, these actor-directors bring a unique personal stamp to their projects, blurring the lines between storyteller and subject.
This bold practice, embraced by some of the industry’s most dynamic talents, highlights both the power and the potential risks of creative immersion. Let’s explore the top Nigerian filmmakers who have mastered the dual role of directing and acting in their films, and in doing so, redefine what it means to be a modern Nollywood auteur.
7 Nollywood Stars Who Direct and Act in Their Own Films
1. Biodun Stephen
2. Kunle Afolayan
3. Funke Akindele
4. Ramsey Nouah
5. Stephanie Linus
6. Femi Adebayo
7. Toyin Abraham
1. Biodun Stephen
Biodun Stephen.
A true multi-hyphenate, Biodun Stephen has become known for her subtle yet deliberate appearances in her films. Her storytelling is often laced with personal voice cameos or brief on-screen moments that provide emotional continuity.
In I Am Anis (2025), she plays a pivotal role as a prostitute. She has previously appeared in Mother’s Love (2019), Picture Perfect (2016), and Pain and Beyond (2022), among other notable works. Her style reflects narrative restraint, often opting for symbolic roles that leave a quiet but lasting impact.
2. Kunle Afolayan
Kunle Afolayan
A master of genre storytelling, Kunle Afolayan frequently includes himself in his films, often portraying roles that serve as thematic anchors. He directed and starred in Irapada (2006) and The Figurine (2009), the latter cementing his status as a leading voice in modern Nollywood. He made cameo appearances in Phone Swap (2012), The CEO (2016), and Ijogbon (2023).
In Aníkúlápó (2022), Afolayan appeared as an elder in the king’s council while directing the film’s sweeping epic vision.
3. Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele.
No list is complete without Funke Akindele, whose larger-than-life screen presence is matched by her commanding control behind the camera.
She starred and directed Your Excellency (2019), Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), and Battle on Buka Street (2022). In A Tribe Called Judah (2023), she played a matriarch while co-directing the film. Her latest, Finding Me (2025), continues the trend, showcasing her as both star and director.
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4. Ramsey Nouah
Ramsey Nouah
Once Nollywood’s quintessential leading man, Ramsey Noah, has transitioned smoothly into a commanding director.
He made his directorial debut with Living in Bondage: Breaking Free (2019), in which he also portrayed cult leader Richard Williams. He returned with another directorial and acting combo in Tokunbo (2024), deepening his filmography with layered characters.
5. Stephanie Linus
Stephanie Linus.
One of the earliest female filmmakers to direct and star in her films, Stephanie Linus (formerly Stephanie Okereke) uses her platform to amplify social issues.
She directed and starred in Through the Glass (2008) and the critically acclaimed Dry (2015). Her storytelling seamlessly merges personal performance with advocacy, creating emotional resonance that extends beyond entertainment.
6. Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo.
Blending Yoruba cultural richness with modern storytelling, Femi Adebayo seamlessly juggles directing and acting.
He directed and played lead roles in Jelili (2011) and Survival of Jelili (2019). In King of Thieves (Ògúndábède) (2022), he embodied the formidable Agesinkole while co-directing. He also starred and directed in Seven Doors (2024), a Yoruba period drama series.
7. Toyin Abraham
Toyin Abraham.
Bold and entrepreneurial, Toyin Abraham has positioned herself as both an on-screen favourite and an off-screen creative powerhouse.
She starred and directed in Imade (2023) and led the spiritual drama Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper (2022) as producer, originator, and lead actress. In The Ghost and the Tout Too (2021) and Alakada: Bad and Boujee (2024), she served as both creative director and lead performer.
These filmmakers don’t just tell stories; they live inside them, often playing characters whose struggles and triumphs mirror their own real-life experiences. In a fast-evolving Nollywood, their ability to lead from both behind and in front of the camera sets a new standard for creative ownership.
In Nollywood, the actor-director role is no longer just a rarity; it’s a respected craft. These creatives are telling Nigerian stories their way, and that authenticity continues to move audiences, both at home and across the globe.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why do Nigerian directors act in their films?
A: Often, it’s a combination of passion, creative control, budget constraints, or simply the belief that no one else can bring the character to life better than the director. It’s also a way to connect with the story on a personal level.
Q: Is it challenging to direct and act at the same time?
A: Yes, it’s challenging. It requires intense preparation, time management, and trust in the crew. Balancing objectivity while performing can be tough, but many have mastered it through experience.
Q: Does acting in their films affect a director’s vision?
A: It can, both positively and negatively. Some directors bring added emotional depth to their films when they’re personally involved, while others may risk losing narrative objectivity.
Q: Who was the first Nigerian filmmaker to do this?
A: While several early Nollywood pioneers directed and acted in their films, names like Hubert Ogunde, Zeb Ejiro, and Tade Ogidan are often cited among the earliest to popularise the practice.
Q: Are these dual roles becoming more common?
A: Absolutely. With Nollywood’s growth and increasing demand for personal storytelling, more filmmakers are choosing to take complete control by acting in their work.
