“I cried for weeks and refused to eat” – Funke Akindele opens up on the pain behind the fame
Behind the spotlight, awards, and constant smile, Nollywood star Funke Akindele has revealed a deeply human side — one filled with heartbreak, personal loss, and silent suffering.
In a powerful and emotional conversation on the WithChude podcast, the actress and producer recounted how she struggled through one of the darkest seasons of her life. From losing her mother, to the collapse of her marriage, to her defeat in politics, Akindele shared how she barely held herself together.
This is the kind of story that shows even our strongest stars are human.
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“I do not like to mourn,” she admitted. “When my mom passed, I just wanted to get over it quickly. But I almost died. My heart was aching.”
She went on to recall a moment when an online scandal pushed her to a breaking point. “Something happened online, and for the first time, I went live and begged, ‘Please leave me alone. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Someone came, acted in my movie, got paid, and left. Why are you blaming me?’”
The usually composed actress revealed the weight she’s been carrying quietly. “I lost my mom. I lost my marriage. I lost an election. And yet, I had to go back to work to survive. I have children to raise by myself. I was overwhelmed. For the first time, I cried. I broke down for weeks. I was alone and refused to eat.”
Funke’s honesty is a powerful reminder that even those who inspire us carry scars we can’t always see. Her story resonates with anyone who has ever faced personal loss while trying to stay strong for others.
Despite everything, she’s still standing. Still creating. Still mothering. Still fighting.
