Deyemi Okanlawon: How Netflix Sparked My Return to Acting

Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon has revealed how the rise of streaming platforms such as Netflix reignited his acting career after he had previously quit the industry to return to corporate work.

In an interview with News Central TV, Okanlawon shared that he left acting around 2019 due to financial instability and took up a marketing role at Silverbird Film Distribution.
“I actually quit acting,” he said. “I went back to work as head of marketing because, at the time, the figures just didn’t add up.”

With a background in chemical engineering and business, Okanlawon explained that his return to corporate life was driven by the need for financial security. However, the landscape of Nollywood soon changed as streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Showmax transformed the industry, bringing global exposure and better pay structures.

“Then COVID happened,” he recalled. “Everyone was home watching films. I had just finished projects like Omo Ghetto: The Saga, King of Boys, and Blood Sisters, and everything blew up at once.”

The pandemic marked a turning point, propelling his work to international audiences and positioning him among Nollywood’s leading actors in the streaming era.

“The same industry that couldn’t pay me enough to survive a few years ago was suddenly producing films that were topping Netflix globally,” Okanlawon said.

He noted that the industry’s growth taught him the importance of patience and perseverance. “Sometimes the industry just needs to catch up to your dream,” he added.

Okanlawon credited streaming for “democratizing storytelling,” allowing Nigerian stories to reach global audiences, and urged upcoming actors to prioritize professionalism, discipline, and continuous learning.

“You can’t just rely on talent anymore,” he advised. “You have to treat acting like a career—learn the craft, understand contracts, build relationships, and stay humble.”

Reflecting on his journey, Okanlawon expressed gratitude for the evolution of Nollywood and how it aligned with his career comeback.