Popular Nollywood actor Nonso Diobi has finally addressed the persistent rumours of rivalry and constant comparisons with his colleague, Mike Ezuruonye, shedding light on their relationship and shared experiences in the film industry.
During a candid interview with Labista, Nonso took the opportunity to discuss various aspects of their professional journey, including the ongoing fan-driven rivalry, issues of mistaken identity, and how their undeniable on-screen chemistry has influenced their careers.
The actor revealed that he entered the Nollywood scene before Mike Ezuruonye and highlighted a pivotal moment when they appeared together in Mike’s debut film. Nonso candidly shared that their similar appearances often led to frequent mix-ups by fans, causing some confusion early on in their careers.
“Photogenically, we look alike a lot. Sometimes, when I see a poster with Mike on it, if I don’t look closely, I think it’s me. It happened to me a lot, and it happened to him too,” Nonso explained, further elaborating on how this resemblance played a role in shaping their respective journeys in Nollywood.
Nonso admitted that the constant cases of mistaken identity initially frustrated him, as fans would often confuse one actor for the other. However, over time, he and Mike found a way to use these comparisons to their advantage, rather than allowing them to drive a wedge between them.
In fact, Nonso revealed that they eventually leveraged their resemblance and chemistry to convince directors to cast them in movies together. This collaboration resulted in iconic on-screen pairings that became widely appreciated by audiences, showcasing the duo's talents and compatibility.
Speaking about the fan-driven expectations of rivalry, Nonso said, “Just the way fans feel about us, we feel the same way too. At first, it was difficult, but we made it work and turned it into a bond.”
His perspective has earned him praise from fans, who lauded his maturity and willingness to celebrate his colleague instead of indulging in competition. This revelation has further cemented his reputation as a team player who values collaboration and unity within the industry.
Nonso’s comments have sparked conversations among fans, with many expressing admiration for the way he and Mike have handled the situation over the years. It’s a testament to their professionalism and the mutual respect they share as Nollywood stars.
Watch the video below …
“The fans wanted a rivalry.”
Nonso Diobi speaks about comparisons with Mike Ezuruonye. pic.twitter.com/JYvX86n5ld
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 4, 2024
