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Veteran Nollywood actor Clemson Cornell, popularly called Agbogidi, has recalled a memorable experience he had with actress Liz Benson while working on a movie.
The actor said Benson once became so convinced by his appearance and performance as a native doctor that she refused to proceed with a scene involving him.
Cornell explained that his portrayal was so convincing that the veteran actress initially believed the production had brought an actual traditional healer to the movie location rather than an actor playing a role.
According to him, Benson became uncomfortable after seeing him fully dressed and made up for the character. She reportedly decided she could not continue with the scene because she believed the man standing before her was a real native doctor.
Cornell shared the story while appearing on the WHERE IS THE LIE podcast, where he discussed his career and some of his experiences portraying characters associated with traditional African spirituality.
The actor has become particularly recognised for playing native doctor roles in Nollywood movies. His ability to transform into such characters has made his appearances memorable among viewers who follow Nigerian films.
Reflecting on the incident with Benson, Cornell said her reaction demonstrated how convincing his performance and appearance were at the time.
Beyond the story about the actress, Cornell also used the opportunity to speak about traditional worship and its place in African history.
He argued that traditional religious practices existed long before Christianity arrived on the continent. According to him, people who practised indigenous forms of worship should not automatically be considered evil simply because of their religious beliefs.
The actor maintained that African societies had their own spiritual systems and traditions before the introduction and spread of Christianity.
His comments come amid continuing conversations about the portrayal of traditional religion in Nollywood, where native doctors, traditional priests and spiritualists have featured prominently in many films.
Cornell’s career has seen him take on several roles connected to these themes, making him one of the actors frequently associated with such characters.
The actor has also experienced difficult moments outside his professional work. In 2022, Cornell and fellow actress Cynthia Okereke were kidnapped after leaving a movie location in Enugu State.
The two actors were held by their abductors for approximately one week before eventually regaining their freedom.
Despite such experiences, Cornell has continued his career in the Nigerian film industry.
His latest revelation about Liz Benson has once again drawn attention to the lengths actors sometimes go to make their characters believable.
For Cornell, the incident remains an entertaining memory from his time on a movie set, while his wider comments have offered insight into his views on African traditions and the roles he has portrayed throughout his career.
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