By Glam & Essence
Veteran Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme, who recently made a successful comeback into the world of acting with his outstanding performance in the latest Nollywood film on Netflix called Shanty Town, revealed the real reason he took a break from the movie industry, as well as shunned public outings.
In an interview he gave on Channels Television, Chidi opened up about his battle with Bell’s Palsy, an ailment he likened to a stroke.
Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes sudden weakness in the muscles on one side of the face. In most cases, the weakness is temporary and significantly improves.
According to what doctors told Chidi, the ailment is incurable as they insist no treatment is known to cure it.
Chidi said it has affected one side of his face, making it difficult for him to make public appearances.
As a result, he decided to take time off the movie industry and focus on doing other business.
He admitted being involved in the promotional tour for 76, as well as attending the Toronto film festival. But while preparing to attend the British International Film Festival in the UK, he came down with Bell’s Palsy.
According to Chidi, “It was my first time hearing it and It comes like a stroke and affects one side of your face and gives you a droop.
“As an actor, if you come out with something that affects your face, you can imagine what I was going through at the time. I thought it was something I could move around with, I thought I was going to come for the biggest premiere of 76, but the attention would be focused on me instead of the film. So I decided to take time off and sort out that problem that needed my face to be in top shape.”
Since Shanty Town aired, Chidi has been trending for his superb delivery in the movie.
