Yvonne Jegede Says Her Father Once Rejected Acting Career

Before Yvonne Jegede became one of Nollywood’s familiar faces, she had to fight for something many African creatives understand too well — convincing family that entertainment is real work.

According to Sunday Sun, the Nigerian actress, filmmaker and entrepreneur revealed that her father initially did not see acting as a noble profession. Years later, that same father now proudly tells people that he is Yvonne Jegede’s dad.

For Jegede, the attraction to entertainment started at home. She had a late uncle who was an actor, and seeing a celebrity visit their family house left a strong impression on her as a child.

Her deeper step into the industry came through filmmaker Charles Novia, who helped guide her in the early days. But the first spark, she said, came from watching her uncle’s world up close.

Like many parents of that generation, Jegede’s family wanted a more traditional path. Medicine, law, engineering and other “safe” professions were the dream for many households, while entertainment was still viewed with suspicion.

Jegede admitted that it was difficult to convince her father to support her acting dreams. She also described herself as a rebellious child at the time, which made the battle even more intense for both sides.

But the story has changed. Today, her father no longer hides from her career. Instead, he celebrates it.

Her first screen appearance came in Blaze of Glory, a TV series produced by Alpha Vision, then owned by Tajudeen Adepetu. Jegede played a non-speaking character in one scene, but that small role opened the door to everything that followed.

She later moved into film production in 2014 after encouragement from producer ChinneyLove Eze. Jegede had just returned from school and was trying to find her way back into Nollywood when Eze pushed her to produce her own film.

That decision helped her grow from actress to filmmaker. Jegede went on to win Best Dual Performance for OJ Sisters alongside Uche Jombo, while another project she produced and co-executive produced with Marilyn Campbell won nine awards at the TIF Festival Awards.

Beyond the awards, Jegede said acting has opened doors for her. It has connected her with important people, brought opportunities and helped shape her place in society.

Still, she believes fame comes with pressure. She explained that society often expects actors to behave according to the image people already have of them, forgetting that celebrities are human beings with private struggles and bad days.

Jegede also spoke about marriage, saying she has been married before and is now divorced. While she still sees marriage as a beautiful institution, she said she is currently more focused on meaningful work, personal growth, community and empowerment.

Her story also goes back to Edo State, where she was born in Agenebode, Etsako North. She spent parts of her childhood in Kano, Edo and Lagos, and as the first of 10 children, she developed a strong sense of responsibility early.

That upbringing, she said, shaped her nurturing side and made her someone who finds it hard to ignore problems around her.

For young girls who look up to her, Jegede’s message is simple: be original. In an industry that can easily push people to copy others, she believes authenticity remains the strongest foundation.

Yvonne Jegede’s journey is not just a Nollywood success story. It is also a familiar African family story — one where a dream once questioned at home becomes the same dream that brings pride, purpose and a name people now respect.