Debate as Patience Umeh Questions Chioma Chukwuka’s Role Choices

Veteran Nollywood actress Patience Umeh has sparked debate after claiming that her colleague, Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, avoids kissing and romantic roles in movies.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Where Is The Lie podcast, Umeh stated that Chukwuka’s Catholic upbringing shaped her strict approach to the kind of roles she accepts. “Chioma Chukwuka was brought up in a very Catholic home. She doesn’t accept kissing or romantic roles in movies. I’m saying this out of experience. She was a legionary. She has been a good girl,” Umeh remarked.

Her comments quickly generated mixed reactions among Nollywood fans, as many recalled films where Chukwuka had indeed played characters in romantic relationships. Critics of Umeh’s statement pointed to evidence contradicting her claim, noting that Chukwuka has featured in several productions where on-screen intimacy was part of the script.

Most recently, the award-winning actress appeared in the Nollywood film Seven Doors, where she shared a kissing scene with her co-star, Femi Adebayo. The performance drew attention for its emotional depth and appeared to challenge the notion that Chukwuka avoids romantic portrayals.

Chukwuka, who has been in the film industry for over two decades, is widely celebrated for her versatility and for often portraying roles that reflect strong moral and family values. While she is known for maintaining a scandal-free image and for her public expression of Christian values, she has not publicly declared a refusal to take on romantic roles.

The discussion underscores a recurring debate within Nollywood over how personal beliefs and cultural backgrounds influence role selection among actors. Some performers openly reject roles that conflict with their convictions, while others choose to adapt for the sake of storytelling.

Patience Umeh’s comments also highlight the weight of perception in the industry, where reputations are sometimes shaped by past role choices rather than a full catalogue of performances. For Chukwuka, whose career includes both traditional family-centered roles and contemporary romantic dramas, the conversation raises questions about how audiences reconcile an actor’s personal beliefs with their professional range.

As of press time, Chioma Chukwuka has not publicly responded to Umeh’s claims.