Not available for older content•1 min•Published: Sun Aug 10 2025
Lilian Afegbai Speaks Out: From Background Extra to Netflix Spotlight
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• Syndicate Correspondent
Visual representation of subject: " perspective"Fly News Wire (2026)
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai, known for her standout role as Idia in the Netflix crime thriller To Kill a Monkey, has opened up about a frustrating experience in the industry. Despite her talent, she reveals that friends and colleagues in production often sidelined her by casting her only as an extra—even in big projects.
She shared how this persistent relegation to background roles became a norm, stating:
“People that I know, friends in the production industry, casting me as an extra and not an actor… when you remind them, they say you should come and play extra.
The Netflix Turning Point for Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai’s role as Idia in Netflix’s To Kill a Monkey showcased her depth and talent, winning praise from audiences and critics alike. The performance marked a major shift, proving she could excel in lead roles.
Breaking the Nollywood Cycle
Nollywood actress Lilian Afegbai’s journey highlights Nollywood’s typecasting problem, where personal connections often influence casting decisions. Her success on Netflix proves that persistence and skill can overcome these barriers.
