Nollywood actor Bucci Franklin has shared a deeply personal story about his upbringing, shedding light on the struggles of growing up without an active father figure. In his heartfelt revelation, he took time to commend single mothers everywhere for their remarkable strength, sacrifices, and resilience in raising children against the odds.
Speaking in an in-depth interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo on YouTube, Franklin recounted the reality of his childhood. Although his father was alive, he explained that his absence during his formative years left a void that greatly impacted him. The actor revealed that the lack of paternal guidance exposed him to unhealthy influences as a teenager, which shaped many of his early life experiences. “As a kid, I had my woman shege. It is not easy to be a single parent. My mum had to go to work. Not having a father figure is quite difficult,” he admitted, while simultaneously praising his mother for her courage in singlehandedly raising him.
He emphasised the critical importance of a male role model in the life of a growing boy, noting that mothers can provide endless love and care but that a father’s presence, or at least a male mentor, is invaluable. “Maximum respect to women out there taking care of their children by themselves. But you need a man in your life. If you do not want to get married, you need a brother to play that role. For boys especially, you just need a father figure,” Franklin stated, stressing how guidance from a male role model helps balance upbringing and discipline.
Opening up further, Franklin candidly discussed the missteps of his teenage years. He confessed that without the structure a father might have provided, he experimented with alcohol, cigarettes, and romantic relationships at a young age. “I was into girls, drugs by drugs, I mean cigarettes. Drinking beer at a very young age. Coming back home completely wasted,” he admitted, highlighting the pitfalls that many fatherless children face without consistent male direction and discipline.
Despite the struggles of his past, the actor said he has come to terms with his father’s absence and has chosen forgiveness over bitterness. “My dad is good, but he was not in the picture. I see him now for the man he is, not the man he was. I have forgiven him,” he explained, showing maturity in dealing with unresolved issues from his childhood. Franklin shared that forgiveness has helped him move forward with peace and given him a healthier perspective on family relationships.
The actor paid glowing tribute to his mother, Mrs Joy, who he credited as the driving force behind his personal growth and the man he has become today. He praised her sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering love, stressing that she stood as both mother and father throughout his upbringing. “The man that I am today, and that I would continue to be, is because of Mrs Joy,” Franklin declared, reinforcing the irreplaceable role she played in his journey.
As a final note, Bucci Franklin encouraged teenagers and young people growing up without fathers to seek positive role models who can guide them in the right direction. His candid reflections not only shine a light on the emotional struggles of fatherless children but also highlight the remarkable resilience of single mothers raising the next generation. His story stands as both an encouragement to those navigating similar paths and a powerful tribute to the countless mothers who carry the weight of parenthood alone.