Nollywood actor Joseph Benjamin: "Failed movie roles led me to become a cab driver in the United States."

The 46-year-old admitted that he moved to the US after being promised movie jobs by someone who eventually let him down.

On the most recent episode of Teju Babyface Deep Dive, a podcast presented by comedian Teju Oyelakin, Joseph Benjamin made this statement.

"I came to America on a promise that I had some gigs waiting for me," stated Joseph Benjamin. I thus believed I would land gently. I got a one-way ticket, packed up all I owned from Nigeria, and traveled to America.

"I was given a nicely furnished home and everything else. The individual I was meant to book a deal with then informed me two days later that "those our financiers have pulled out." They have a problem.

I then asked, "So, what should I do? You'll have to start paying rent in this place starting next month, he said. In Nigeria, the cost of a month's rent was the same as a year's rent.

"I'm thinking, 'I'm not making any money, what should I do?'" I'm at a loss on what to do. I had to figure out what to do after being thrust into that world. Where might I go? I have nowhere to turn.

“My phone was buzzing, like, ‘When are you coming back to Nigeria? We have this gig for you.’ $1,500 was all I came to America with. How do I buy a ticket to go back to Nigeria?”

In order to pay his bills in America, Joseph Benjamin also admitted that he drove for Uber, Lyft, and delivered products for Amazon.

"And after that, I received a car. What should I do with the car, I wonder? They added Uber. To pay my bills, I drove for Lyft and Uber.

"I transported many Nigerians; my Uber app name was Joseph. They recognize me as the one three minutes into the trip or as soon as they enter.

"One woman had to even phone her husband before she agreed to take photos with me. Even some of those around me told me, "Boss, you'll make it."