Nigerian actress and trained engineer, Etinosa Idemudia, has stirred fresh conversations about the mental and physical demands of Nollywood, saying that acting is far more tasking than engineering.
Speaking on the Bold Enough To Say It podcast, the Blood of Enogie star compared her years in both professions, concluding that acting requires a unique mix of emotional depth, endurance, and creativity that many people underestimate.

“I have been an engineer and I have been an actor. No offence to my colleagues in the engineering world, but I dare say that being an actor is much more tasking,” Etinosa confessed. “It’s a crazy kind of work. It’s a mad people’s work.”
She added that actors often sacrifice sleep, family time, and personal comfort for the sake of performance – something she says outsiders rarely understand.
“Don’t let those people who close by 5 p.m. come and insult us,” she said with a laugh. “We sometimes work overnight for days, all in the name of bringing stories to life.”
For many outside Nollywood, acting may look glamorous: designer clothes, red carpets, and social media fame. But the reality, according to Etinosa and other insiders, is far from easy.
Actors often spend long hours on set, sometimes under harsh weather conditions. They face emotional exhaustion, public scrutiny, and the pressure to stay relevant in an industry that never sleeps.
Industry veterans like Kate Henshaw and Ramsey Nouah have also spoken about how acting tests emotional stamina more than most professions.
In one interview, Kate Henshaw revealed that filming demanding scenes “feels like therapy mixed with trauma,” while Ramsey Nouah once said that acting “takes more than talent — it takes emotional control and mental flexibility.”
Etinosa, who holds a degree in Engineering from Covenant University, didn’t abandon logic or technical skill when she switched careers. She says both fields require discipline and creativity – but acting, unlike engineering, demands that you live out multiple lives emotionally.
“Engineering taught me problem-solving, but acting teaches me empathy,” she said in an earlier interview. “You can’t fake emotions on set. You have to dig deep.”
Her comments have since gone viral, sparking debates across social media about whether artistic professions get the respect they deserve.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While some fans praised Etinosa for speaking up, others felt she downplayed the complexity of engineering.
A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Acting might be stressful, but let’s not compare it with engineering. Try designing a bridge under pressure!”
Another fan countered:
“What Etinosa said makes sense. Acting drains you emotionally and mentally. It’s not just fun and games.”
This divide highlights a broader conversation about how society values creative work compared to technical professions – a debate that continues to grow as more Nigerians pivot from STEM fields to creative careers.
The Demands of Nollywood
Nigeria’s film industry is one of the busiest in the world, producing hundreds of movies annually. Yet, behind the glamour are actors facing burnout, delayed payments, and sometimes unsafe filming conditions.
Etinosa’s remarks bring attention to an often-overlooked truth: success in Nollywood comes with sacrifice. As she put it in a recent Instagram post, “People only see the fame, not the sleepless nights or the emotional toll.”
More Celebrities with Similar Sentiments
Etinosa isn’t the only one comparing her acting journey to other demanding careers:
Funke Akindele, a former lawyer, once said filmmaking challenges her more than law practice ever did.
Banky W, who juggles music, acting, and politics, admitted that “artistic work looks glamorous but drains your soul if you don’t rest.”
Nancy Isime also shared that shooting intense emotional scenes often leaves her “mentally tired for days.”
These confessions indicate a growing openness among Nigerian entertainers about the hidden pressures of the craft.
READ ALSO: Tacha Breaks Guinness World Record with 145 Makeovers in Lagos
Whether or not one agrees with Etinosa’s comparison, her point touches on a universal truth – that passion-driven professions require a different kind of energy.
Acting, like engineering, demands skill and commitment. But unlike blueprints and equations, it asks for something deeper: your emotions, your presence, and your ability to become someone else – over and over again.