Muyideen Oladapo, the Nollywood star better known as Lala, says it is “unprofessional for actors to get tattoos,” arguing that it can limit their careers and typecast them in specific roles.
In a recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, the actor explained that theatre practitioners must maintain a versatile appearance to adapt to various characters.
Lala emphasised that visible tattoos could create challenges during casting, as some roles may require them to be covered — a process that is not always practical or possible.
He contrasted the profession of acting with that of footballers or musicians, who, he noted, can freely get tattoos because their careers do not require them to embody multiple characters.
“We are models; in the way we dress, the way we look. Any agency can come to me because of the way I look and I must be able to switch to it. We have to keep fit. We use some things that people think they are real. I used to wear studded earrings before,” he said.
“I do not have a tattoo. My tough character is not up to the level of drawing a tattoo. Professionally, it is not a good thing for any actor to draw tattoos on themselves. This is because you would have stereotyped yourself to a certain role.
“They draw it those days because they are not artistes. If I draw tattoo in an exposed place, they would start looking for something to cover it. Some roles will not wait for you to cover such. You must not do it.
“Even you should not fix Saudi Arabia tooth. Footballers can have tattoos. Musicians too can draw tattoos because they do not play different roles.
“You can do fashion. There are also some artificial inscriptions.”
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