Actress, Mercy Johnson has revealed that she had challenges getting movie roles in the dawn of her career due to her dark complexion.
Now considered as one of the top actresses in Nollywood, Johnson admitted that she was once told she was too dark to play a movie role.
She revealed this in an interview published my Punch Newstoday, Saturday, November 5, 2016.
“It is very true that when I was starting out in the movie industry, it was difficult to get roles because of my complexion.
“I faced that a lot and I tell people that my success is just grace. Somebody once told me that I am too dark but that is where the grace and favour of God comes in.
“Regardless of everything, most of the dark-skinned actresses that are my contemporaries made it.”
She however denied that she was picky about the movies she featured in, stating that it was all about what appeals to her.
“It is not true that I pick just any movie role. People are different and what appeals to one person might not appeal to the other.
“One of my most popular movies is ‘Dumebi Goes to School’ and I know how many actresses rejected that script before I accepted to do it.
“That movie has been one of the highest selling movies in Nollywood till date. I think it is not fair for anyone to say I just jump on any movie production.
“As human beings, our strength is in our diversity and differences; this means that what you call trash might not be trash to someone else.
“I select my scripts and I work with all of my heart because acting is my passion. When I read a script and it appeals to me, I have fun while I do it.”
The actress, who won a recognition for Best Actress at the2013 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards has featured in notable works such as “The Maid” (2004), “White Chapel”(2011) and “Baby Oku In America” (2013).
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