Damilola Royal: The resilient actress with a heart for charity
Damilola Royal is not a name that requires much introduction in Nigeria’s bustling film industry. Born Akinola Yusroh, the actress has carved a niche for herself with her talent and quiet determination. Hailing from Osun State, Damilola Royal’s rise to prominence has been far from smooth, a fact she wears with pride.
Reflecting on her journey, Damilola Royal’s story begins in the classrooms of City Nursery and Primary School and stretches through Bisola College of Art and Science to the Federal School of Statistics in Ibadan.
“I am calm, reserved, and gentle,” she says, summarising the personality that contrasts with the demanding nature of her profession. But beneath that calm exterior lies a story of grit and resilience.
“I have faced many challenges as an actress,” she admits. “From unwanted sexual advances from men to struggling with funding my movie projects, sidelining in the industry, and constant cash constraints, it has been a tough road.” Yet, she remains undeterred, viewing these trials as formative experiences. “In all of these, I am grateful. It has helped smooth my journey over time.”
Her resilience, however, isn’t limited to her professional life. Damilola Royal is equally dedicated to giving back to her community, a calling that has defined much of her off-screen persona. Growing up, she recognised that not everyone had the same opportunities she was afforded. “It made me realise that giving back to the community does not cost a thing,” she explains. “I’ve taken it upon myself to help the elderly and less privileged in my own little way.”
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Damilola Royal attributes this selflessness to the example set by her mother. “My mum taught me the importance of giving. She would give away anything she felt was needed by someone else. That has stayed with me,” she recalls warmly. “There’s a saying: ‘givers never lack.’ I believe in it deeply. Being kind and doing good for others comes back to you.”
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While her philanthropy brings her fulfilment, Damilola Royal remains grounded in the realities of the entertainment industry. She has seen countless aspiring actors fall prey to the pitfalls of fame, and she offers a sober warning to those coming up behind her.
“One of the major errors actors fall into is the desperation to be famous,” she notes. “Desperation drives people to extremes, and it’s a dangerous path. For younger actors, my advice is to avoid that trap. If you are truly talented, your time will come. Fame that is built on talent lasts; fame that is built on desperation is fleeting.”
In a world where the pursuit of stardom often overshadows the craft, Damilola Royal emphasises the value of patience. “Be calm and reserved,” she advises. “If you have talent, stardom will come naturally, and your worth will be recognised by everyone.”
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Her final words to aspiring actors are filled with wisdom born from experience. “Stay determined, focused, and avoid distractions,” she says. “The beginning may be tough, but the rewards will come in time. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Damilola Royal’s journey, marked by both struggle and generosity, serves as a testament to the strength of character. She remains a symbol of quiet resilience, balancing her career with a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. For Royal, the road ahead is bright—not only for her own star but for those she seeks to uplift along the way.
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