Lateef Adedimeji Reveals Reason Behind Frequent Movie Tears
Nollywood star Lateef Adedimeji has opened up about why he often appears in tears on screen. He says the emotional performances are a conscious choice to set himself apart from his colleague, Odunlade Adekola.
When he first entered the industry, audiences frequently mistook him for someone who merely resembled Odunlade. Determined to be recognised for his own talent, Adedimeji decided to cultivate a signature trait — his ability to cry convincingly.
“At some point, people started calling me the crying machine. They don’t know my name, but they describe me as that guy that cries a lot in movies,” he explained. The nickname stuck, and his tearful scenes became a talking point among fans.
The Birth of the Iya Peju Character
Adedimeji also spoke about his popular comic persona, Iya Peju. The character was conceived during the COVID‑19 lockdown, initially as a light‑hearted experiment. He did not take it seriously at first, but as viewers began requesting more sketches, he realised its potential.
“The Iya Peju character started in lockdown, and it wasn’t something I took seriously until people started asking for more,” he said. Since then, the role has become a staple in his comedy sketching his versatility beyond dramatic roles.
About the Author
