Funke Akindele, Nollywood actress and box office queen, has opened up about her mental health struggles and the challenges she’s faced in her career.
Speaking candidly during her appearance on the LiveWithChude talk show, she shared her experiences of overcoming depression, social media bullying, and personal losses, while expressing gratitude for the love and support she continues to receive.
Funke expressed gratitude for the opportunity to inspire others through her story. “Sitting with Chude reminded me that our stories are meant to inspire and spark a change,” she shared on social media, alongside clips from the event.
The actress revealed that the death of her protégé, Jumoke Aderounmu, pushed her into depression, a struggle made worse by online trolls who blamed her for the tragedy. This, combined with the passing of her mother, backlash from her political endeavors, and public scrutiny of her failed marriage, took a toll on her mental health. Seeking therapy, she said, was crucial in helping her regain strength.
Funke’s honesty about her struggles highlights the resilience behind her success. Over the years, she has become an icon in the industry, with projects like the Jenifa franchise cementing her legacy. She recently encouraged young creatives to embrace hard work and perseverance, sharing that her path to stardom was anything but easy.
Reflecting on her journey, Funke said, “Nobody made me a star but God. My success comes from hustle, hard work, and a belief in myself.” She also recalled how industry mentors supported her vision for Jenifa’s brand and urged her to keep building on its success.
Also Read:Funke Akindele announces plans to contest elections again
