Veteran Nollywood actress Jaiye Kuti has no plans to retire from acting anytime soon. With a career spanning decades, the celebrated thespian envisions herself continuing to act well into her 80s and beyond.
In a recent interview, Kuti expressed her unwavering passion for her craft, stating that she believes acting is a lifelong vocation. “If you’re not lazy and you remain focused, the future is very bright. I see myself at 80 still doing this. This isn’t a job you retire from. Even at 100, fans will still want to see your face. That’s how beautiful this job is,” she said.
Kuti also emphasized the importance of education but pointed out that it is not the only determinant of success in the industry. “Education is important, but it doesn’t mean that those without it are not relevant. Some actors have unique skills in body language, facial expressions, and instinctive reactions that can’t be taught in school. They didn’t learn it from books, yet they excel at it,” she explained.
Regarding young actors prioritizing social media popularity over refining their craft, the comic actress urged them to stay focused and undeterred by industry gossip. “Don’t be discouraged by any news. Some people say that directors or producers will harass you; nothing like that has ever happened to me. A director can like an actor; having a preference is not a crime. We live in a civilized world, and this is the AI era. Many of us are willing to discover new talent,” she shared.
Known for her youthful appearance despite her years in the industry, the star of “Aye Afunwa” revealed that maintaining her looks is part of her professional discipline. “In entertainment, you don’t want to look old because what you sell is your face, body, and personality. You have to keep renewing yourself. That’s why people don’t see us as aging— even though the age is there, we keep rebranding. I walk a lot; I prefer walking as my daily exercise. I also drink plenty of water to keep myself healthy,” she said.