Nollywood actor Don Richard has opened up about his devastating health challenges, emotional trauma, and financial downturn he experienced after quitting smoking and drinking.
In an emotional interview with actress Biola Bayo on her podcast Talk to B, the actor broke down as he recounted the toll his illness has taken on his life, family, and career.
“I have nothing left,” he said. “My wife left me because I’m broke. She now avoids me. She doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore.”
In a surprising turn of events, Richard said his health began to decline mysteriously two years after he gave up smoking and drinking to live a healthier life.
The actor, known for his character roles, was shocked when the sickness crept in at a time he thought he was doing everything right.
He disclosed that doctors diagnosed him with kidney issues, and his financial state quickly crumbled as the cost of treatment became overwhelming.
“I sold my car for N1.5 million,” he said. “I had to trek every day from Bariga to Chemist, to Unilag, to Iwaya, Sabo, Yaba, Ojuelegba… then take a cab across the bridge. I did this for eight months.”
The actor admitted that he fell into deep despair, to the point of considering suicide.
In a heartbreaking moment, he recalled telling his estranged wife, “Mummy Twins, another man is a lucky man. If anything happens to me, take care of the children.”
Don Richard said the financial pressure was too much to bear. When he was told he would need N30 million for treatment, he cried out to God.
“I said, ‘God, I don’t have such an amount. You are my life secret. If you leave me, people will know my secret.’”
He criticised the way many people prepare only for the good side of life. “God’s plan for marriage is for better or worse,” he said.
“Most people prepare only for the ‘better’ side. They forget that storms will come.”
The actor also shared a painful interaction with a friend. “He asked me what I wanted. I said, ‘Please just look for a place for me to rest—even if it’s borrowed.”
Don Richard first hinted at his health troubles earlier this year, noting that he never expected illness after abandoning destructive habits.
“It’s a lesson,” he warned listeners. “Don’t assume you’re healthy just because you feel good. Take care of yourself. Get checked.”
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