Last week, Akin Lewis, a veteran actor and filmmaker, was featured in Independent Newspapers as he celebrated 50 years on stage.
Just a few hours ago, the seasoned actor took the time to reflect on his remarkable journey in Nollywood and the challenges he has faced throughout his life.
Akin expressed his belief that life truly begins at 50. He reminisced about joining a theater group led by Professor Bode Sowande, a former Don at the University of Ibadan, exactly 50 years ago.
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He revealed that he had a major clash with his late father, who believed that pursuing a career in drama was not a path to a promising future. Akin’s father was an engineer at the Nigerian Railways, living a comfortable life before rising to the position of Senior Service Executive.
According to Akin, his father considered his chosen profession as something only dropouts would resort to. Fueled by his father’s words, he ventured into the world on his own.
Akin spoke of the six years of arduous work he put into theater, radio, and television before finally achieving breakthrough success with a Tele-comedy series that dominated the airwaves on Channels 3, 4, 5, 7, and 11 in the early 1980s.
He acknowledged that his rise to stardom marked the beginning of his battles, both physical and spiritual. He emphasized that the challenges only grew larger as his fame expanded.
Akin acknowledged that today, as a renowned star, he is recognized worldwide, and he is grateful to God for that. However, he admitted that his battles have been immense.
The talented actor affirmed that he has faced enemies in his personal life, at work, and even in his leisure activities, both locally and internationally. Despite it all, he expressed gratitude for being alive, vibrant, strong, and still actively working. He recognized the continuous presence and work of God in his life.
Akin paid tribute to his fellow colleagues with whom he started his journey, including those who have passed away, those who have transitioned to other professions, and those who are both in and outside the country.
He expressed deep appreciation for his teachers, who ensured he became the best in his craft, and extended his thanks to two mentors who have been his bosses along the way.
Akin thanked his wife and Kings that stood by him. He affirmed that he has very few friends and numerous enemies who drove him to God and they are still around.
In concluding his post, he said, “I thank God Almighty without whom I am nothing. I’m Dr. Akintola Abdul-Razak Akin-Lewis. MA, FTA, TDG and I say Life begins at 50”.
This post triggered reactions online as fans and celebrities sent lovely remarks.