Odogwu role brought me money, but I won’t be typecast — Actor Uzor Arukwe

Arukwe. Photo: Instagram/ @uzor.arukwe

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has said his role as Odogwu in the movie Love in Every Word changed his life, bringing him more money and brand deals, but expressed concern that producers increasingly want him to play similar characters.

Arukwe spoke during an episode of CreativiTea, hosted by Lynda Aguocha and posted on Thursday.

“It changed my life, I can’t even lie. More money started coming, a lot more brand deals, and then all the producers in Nollywood now want to kill me with Odogwu character,” he said.

The actor said he did not want to be restricted to one type of role, insisting that his identity as an actor should allow him to explore different characters.

“I’m an actor through and through. So you can’t put me in a box. It’s not even possible,” he said.

According to him, producers often want him to reprise the character because they appear confident that the investment will pay off. He urged them to take chances on other characters as well.

“The same way someone took a chance on that character, you can also create another character and give it to me, and God can breathe upon it, and then it would do well in itself as well,” he said.

Arukwe also cited Hollywood, where, he said, some actors become associated with particular roles, such as police chiefs or villains. He maintained that he wanted the opportunity to play varied characters, including interesting Igbo roles.

The actor acknowledged that Odogwu had developed recognisable mannerisms that producers wanted him to reproduce, adding that he could adjust the character’s portrayal to suit different stories.

“You can tone him down. You can push him up, but there’s a mannerism that he has that a lot of people want,” he said.

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Despite acknowledging the financial benefits of the role, Arukwe insisted that he would not allow it to define his career.

“I mean, it’s bringing money, but I will not be typecast. Never. I will not be put in a box,” he said.

Love in Every Word, produced and directed by Omoni Oboli, premiered on YouTube on March 7, 2025, and quickly became a viral hit.

The romantic drama recorded more than two million views within its first 24 hours and surpassed 11 million views in its first week.

Arukwe plays Obiora, popularly known as Odogwu Paranran, a wealthy and confident Igbo businessman who pursues Chioma, played by Bamike “Bam Bam” Olawunmi-Adenibuyan, with the intention of marrying her.

Known for his lavish gifts, bold declarations of love, distinctive accent and mannerisms, Odogwu won viewers’ attention.

Arukwe’s portrayal made the character a social media sensation and sparked conversations about romance, generosity and expectations of men in relationships.

The film went on to surpass 34 million YouTube views by October 2026, with its popularity fuelled by social media conversations and the spread of catchphrases associated with Arukwe’s character.

Its success also led to a sequel, Love in Every Word: The Wedding, released in October 2025.