Renowned Nollywood actor, Stan Nze, has once again set tongues wagging after making strong statements about the expectations placed on actors in the Nigerian film industry, particularly when it comes to performing dangerous stunts. The actor, who has built a reputation for his versatility and award-winning performances, stated emphatically that no movie role, no matter how big, is worth endangering his life for. He described the idea of putting one’s life at risk in the name of art as pure “stupidity.”
Speaking during an exclusive interview with The Nation, the talented star explained that while he is committed to delivering the very best of his craft and giving audiences authentic portrayals of characters, there are clear boundaries he will never cross. According to him, stunts in movies are designed to be carried out by professionals, and it would be reckless for an actor to step into such a role simply to impress fans or earn accolades. He further noted that these professionals, known as stunt actors, are specially trained, well-experienced, and properly paid to handle physically demanding and risky performances.
Reinforcing his point, Stan Nze highlighted that no award, level of fame, or audience applause could ever justify gambling with one’s life. He pointed out that actors who attempt stunts meant for specialists are essentially gambling with their safety and creating unnecessary risks that could lead to tragedies on set. He expressed that even if such stunts were to lead to recognition as the best actor in Africa, the glory would be meaningless if it cost him his life.
“Why would I risk my life jumping from a dangerous height in a movie? Jumping characters are done by stunt guys. That’s their job. They are called stunt actors who are well paid for such roles. They have the experience of how to jump and do other things,” Nze explained during the interview.
The celebrated Rattlesnake actor further emphasized that professionalism should never be confused with recklessness, adding that there is a huge difference between being committed to one’s craft and being careless. He made it clear that it would be foolish for any actor to put their life on the line for a film scene, only for fans to move on quickly after a tragedy. According to him, such unnecessary risks are not worth the fleeting moments of applause they might bring.
“I’m not going to be foolish and jump a dangerous height just because I want to be the best actor in Africa, and then people go do one minute of silence and move on. It is stupidity. I will only do the ones I’m meant to do, so that the stunt men can do their job too,” he added firmly.
Stan Nze’s perspective sheds light on an often-overlooked conversation in Nollywood about the safety of actors and the importance of valuing life above accolades. His words serve as a reminder that while movie-making is about storytelling, it should never come at the expense of human life. The actor’s stand has sparked widespread discussion among fans and industry players, many of whom agree that actors must prioritize their health and safety while leaving high-risk performances to trained stunt professionals.