Enterprising Yoruba actress, Adebanke Adeyeye, popularly known as Debanke, has revealed how heartbreak and professional betrayal nearly cut short her acting career.
Speaking in an interview with Potpourri, the actress recounted how a failed relationship once forced her to temporarily abandon her passion for acting, leaving her emotionally shattered.
“I would choose money over love any day because I have tried love and it didn’t work for me. Love can come later,” she said, adding that she believes in walking away from relationships where love and respect no longer exist.
Beyond personal heartbreak, Debanke also disclosed that she faced a painful professional setback when a marketer she trusted allegedly produced a movie based on her story without her consent and handed it to another actor.
“I cried the day I heard he was shooting it and the day the movie came out,” she said, noting that the experience, though devastating, strengthened her determination to succeed. “Life goes on because my dream is bigger than that.”
Tracing her journey into entertainment, Adeyeye said her passion for acting began during her primary school days when she actively participated in social and creative activities. She credited the encouragement she received from people around her as a major factor that inspired her to pursue acting as a career.
The actress also spoke about challenges within the movie industry, expressing concern over what she described as the condescending attitude of some established actors toward emerging talents. She further criticised desperation among some individuals seeking opportunities through questionable means, stressing that such practices undermine professionalism in the industry.
While acknowledging that physical appearance can sometimes open doors, Adeyeye emphasised that intelligence and creativity remain her guiding principles when relating with people.
Looking ahead, the actress said her ultimate ambition is to become one of Nollywood’s greatest storytellers, maintaining that her primary motivation for joining the industry is to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences.
She also addressed societal stereotypes surrounding successful women in Nigeria, particularly actresses, noting that many people unfairly associate success with immoral behaviour. According to her, such perceptions are harmful, and she urged the public to judge individuals based on their achievements and character rather than assumptions.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Debanke has continued to carve a niche for herself in Nollywood, earning admiration from movie lovers with standout performances in productions such as Addiction, Elesan, Nkan Egbin, Deep Silence, Dark Room, and Time.
Source: Vanguard
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