Veteran Nollywood actor Akin Lewis has for the first time publicly addressed a deeply painful chapter from his past, revealing how the sudden and unexplained end of his first marriage shattered him emotionally.
The Unexplained Departure That Caused Deep Pain
During a candid appearance on the African A-List Podcast on December 9, 2025, the respected screen icon was asked to recall an incident that caused him intense suffering. His response was immediate and raw. "Maybe when my first wife left," Lewis stated. "I still don't understand why till today. I don't understand why."
He detailed that the marriage ended abruptly over 20 years ago without any warning, conflict, or explanation. "For no apparent reason, she just up and left. So if you're looking for pain that gave me intense pain, that's the one," the actor revealed. The separation was especially devastating because it was completely unexpected; they shared three children and were, by his account, on good terms prior to the breakup.
Two Decades of Healing and Reflection
The lack of closure left Lewis emotionally shaken, searching for answers that never came. He admitted that the pain lingered for many years, and it has taken him more than two decades to find the strength to discuss it openly. "That I'm even able to talk about it now helped me overcome so many things," Lewis shared, indicating his journey toward healing.
This profound personal crisis forced the actor to undergo significant emotional growth and reconsider his perspectives on love and life. Instead of allowing bitterness to consume him, Lewis made a conscious decision to redirect his energy.
Turning Heartbreak into Strength and Career Focus
Akin Lewis chose to channel his emotional turmoil into personal development and a deeper commitment to his craft. This painful period became a pivotal turning point, fueling his dedication to a career that now spans an impressive over five decades across theatre and film.
The veteran actor has since rebuilt his life. He is now remarried and has another child. Reflecting on the past, he noted with a sense of peace, "Let's just say everybody's happy where they are." The experience fundamentally changed how he views relationships and taught him resilience and emotional discipline.
In the same interview, Lewis also addressed professional challenges, expressing disappointment at the occasional lack of respect shown to veteran actors in Nollywood by some producers. He emphasized that their decades of dedication, training, and experience should be valued with fair compensation and professional regard, not taken for granted.
