Producers denied me movie roles for being dark – Mercy Johnson

Renowned Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson -Okojie , has revealed
how some movie producers and directors refused to give her roles in
their production because of her dark complexion, as they mostly
preferred to cast fair- skinned ladies at the expense of dark- skinned
ones.
She noted that she faced a lot and went through so many obstacles
for being dark.
The mother of three, in a chat with the Punch, said, “I faced that a lot
and I tell people that my success is just grace.
“It is very true that when I was starting out in the movie industry , it
was difficult to get roles because of my complexion.
“Somebody once told me that I am too dark but that is where the grace
and favour of God comes in.
“Regardless of everything, most of the dark- skinned actresses that
are my contemporaries made it.

According to her , “It is not true that I pick just any movie role. People
are different and what appeals to one person might not appeal to the
other.
“One of my most popular movies is ‘Dumebi Goes to School’ and I know
how many actresses rejected that script before I accepted to do it.
That movie has been one of the highest selling movies in Nollywood till
date.
“I think it is not fair for anyone to say I just jump on any movie
production. As human beings , our strength is in our diversity and
differences; this means that what you call trash might not be trash to
someone else .
“I select my scripts and I work with all of my heart because acting is my
passion .”