Yetunde Wunmi: The Price of Passion for Acting

In a candid interview with BBC Yoruba, veteran Yoruba actress Yetunde Wunmi shared the sacrifices she made for her career, revealing the high cost of pursuing her passion for acting. The 64-year-old actress has been in the industry for nearly four decades, starting her journey as a stage performer in 1982 under Sunday Akinola’s ‘Feyi Kogbon’ theatre group.

Yetunde Wunmi’s love for acting began when she was just a young woman. She recalled a memorable encounter with Adelove, who brought a stage drama to Danjuma film close to her residence. "I cannot forget Adelove. He wore all white that day and came with a white car. Everybody ran towards him, and I also went closer to make sure I touched his clothes. I was very happy. I felt like I touched a gold. That was when I developed interest in theatre," she said.

However, her passion for acting came at a personal cost. Her marriage ended due to her dedication to her craft. Yetunde Wunmi confessed that she never regretted her decision, attributing her success to God’s graciousness. "I lost my marriage due to my love for this theatre. But I never regretted being an actress since then because God has been gracious to me," she stated.

Despite the challenges she faced, Yetunde Wunmi’s career has been marked by success and longevity. Her story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following one’s passion, even if it means making sacrifices along the way.