Nollywood veteran Richard Oguntimehin, fondly known as Don Richard, is facing the toughest role of his life—a real-life fight for survival.
Known for commanding screens in Yoruba classics like Oba Omo and Olugbare, the actor has now gone public with a deeply emotional appeal: he is battling kidney disease and desperately needs help.
From Spotlight to Struggle
In a heart-wrenching video shared by actress Biola Bayo, Don Richard breaks down, describing how his once-promising health and career have crumbled under the weight of chronic illness and mounting medical bills:
He sold his house and his car for just ₦1.5 million to fund treatment.
Now broke, he borrows money to stay alive and has told his wife, “Another man is a lucky man,” fearing he may not survive to raise their twin children.
“I never smoked, never did drugs. I even stopped drinking two years ago—and that’s when this began,” he revealed with visible anguish.
When the Body Betrays
Richard’s story is filled with cruel irony. Just as he adopted a healthier lifestyle, his kidneys began to fail. He warns that internal damage to organs like the kidney, liver, and lungs often goes undetected until it’s too late—a silent epidemic in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Medical experts have told him he needs up to ₦30 million for complete care, an amount far beyond his current reach.
A Cry for Help, A Call to Action
With no medical insurance or industry welfare to fall back on, Don Richard is turning to the public. His account details have been circulated online through colleagues like Biola Bayo to rally Nigerians for support.
“I am not ashamed to ask,” he says. “Life has humbled me.”
A Legend Refuses to Fade
Don Richard’s voice is weak, but his spirit is not broken. The actor, who began his journey at NTA in 1989, insists he’s not done with his art.
“Professional actors don’t retire,” he declares. “I’ll return to set when I’m strong again.”
His determination shines through despite everything—proof that the stage still calls to him, and so does his love for storytelling.
Beyond One Man
His plea is not just personal. It echoes the silent cries of many aging Nollywood stars suffering in obscurity without medical safety nets. His case revives urgent questions:
Why do so many icons end up alone when sickness strikes?
Where is the structured support for Nigeria’s cultural heroes?
The Bigger Picture
Healthcare Access: Richard’s ordeal highlights the need for emergency medical funding for veterans in Nollywood.
Public Health Awareness: His message about invisible organ damage could save lives.
Community Compassion: His survival now depends on the empathy of fans and strangers alike.
Final Curtain Call? Not Yet.
As Don Richard lies in wait—tired, but still hopeful—his story becomes more than a call for donations. It’s a national reflection on how we care for those who once brought us joy. The actor may be down, but if Nigeria listens, he may rise for one more performance.
