Uzor Arukwe Reflects on Success of ‘Odogwu’ Role and Desire for Diverse Characters

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has shared how his role as Odogwu in the movie Love in Every Word changed his life. He said it brought him more money and brand deals. However, he is worried that producers want him to play similar characters too often.

Arukwe spoke about his experiences during an episode of CreativiTea, hosted by Lynda Aguocha. He expressed that while the role has been financially rewarding, he does not want to be limited to just one type of character. “I’m an actor through and through. So you can’t put me in a box,” he said.

He explained that producers are eager for him to reprise the Odogwu character because they believe it will be successful again. However, he urged them to take risks on new characters. “The same way someone took a chance on that character, you can also create another character and give it to me,” he said.

Arukwe noted that in Hollywood, some actors become known for specific roles, like police chiefs or villains. He wants the chance to play a variety of characters, including interesting roles that reflect his Igbo heritage. He acknowledged that the Odogwu character has become popular, but he believes he can adapt his portrayal to fit different stories.

Despite the financial success of the role, Arukwe is determined not to let it define his career. “I will not be typecast. Never. I will not be put in a box,” he stated. The film Love in Every Word premiered on YouTube on March 7, 2025, and quickly became a hit, reaching over 34 million views by October 2026.