My Late Husband Restricted Me From Acting – Iya Awero Reveals
Veteran Nollywood actress, Idowu Phillips, popularly known as Iya Awero, has opened up about the personal sacrifices she made for her marriage, revealing that her late husband once restricted her from acting.
In a recent interview, the respected Yoruba film icon shared that during the early years of her career, she faced strong resistance from her husband, who felt uncomfortable with her active involvement in the movie industry. According to Iya Awero, the pressure to choose between her passion and her home became a major challenge.
“My late husband didn’t like me acting. He didn’t stop me outrightly at first, but over time, he started putting restrictions, and it was very tough,” she said. “There were roles I couldn’t take, locations I had to miss, and opportunities I had to turn down just to keep my marriage intact.”
The actress, who has spent over five decades in the Nigerian film industry, noted that despite the difficulties, she never gave up on her dreams entirely. She explained that she found ways to remain connected to her craft, even if it meant playing fewer roles or working behind the scenes for a period.
Today, Iya Awero is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in Yoruba cinema, known for her powerful portrayals of maternal roles and community figures. Her contributions have helped shape the Nigerian entertainment landscape, inspiring generations of actors and filmmakers.
Her revelation has sparked conversations online about the sacrifices women often make in relationships and how cultural expectations continue to shape career choices, particularly in the entertainment industry.
As Nollywood continues to evolve, voices like Iya Awero’s shed light on the untold stories behind the screen — stories of resilience, passion, and the complex balance between family and ambition.
