How I Wore A Smile For The Camera But I Was D*ying Inside – Linda Ejiofor shares her story.

Most people know me as the cheerful, ever-smiling Nnenna from The Johnsons. I laugh a lot. I’m that friend who’ll crack a joke even when things are falling apart. But what many don’t know is that one of the darkest moments of my life came while I was pretending to be happy in front of a camera.

It was a regular shooting day. Lights, crew, action. I was mid-scene, laughing on cue like nothing in the world was wrong—when my phone started buzzing nonstop. At first, I ignored it. Then I saw my sister’s name flash repeatedly. I froze. Something in me knew. Something wasn’t right.

I rushed off set, heart pounding like it was about to burst. When I answered, her voice broke: “Linda, it’s mummy. She’s not breathing right. We’re rushing her to the hospital.” I dropped the phone.

You know how people talk about hearing ringing in their ears when they get bad news? It’s real. I couldn’t hear anything else. Just that sound. I was shaking. I was supposed to go back in and finish my scene like everything was fine. I couldn’t. I just couldn’t.

I called Ibrahim, crying uncontrollably. I didn’t even know what I was saying. My makeup was ruined, my lashes falling off. I felt like I was crumbling in public, like everyone was watching me fall apart in slow motion.

By the time I got to the hospital, everything was a blur. Tubes. Beeping machines. Nurses running. My mother was fighting for her life—and I was sitting there wondering how someone so strong could suddenly become so fragile.

I held her hand, whispering prayers through tears. And in that moment, I realized something:Fame doesn’t protect you. Success doesn’t shield you.Pain finds everyone.

She survived, by God’s mercy. But I came out of that experience different. Softer. Wiser. Grateful.

I’ve played many roles on TV—but that day, I wasn’t acting. I was just a daughter, broken and terrified. So here’s why I’m telling you this: Behind every smile you see, someone might be hiding a storm.Behind every photo, a fear.
Behind every “I’m fine,” a silent scream.

Don’t be afraid to check on your strong friends and if you’re the strong one don’t wait till you break. Speak. Cry. Rest.

👇 Drop a ❤️ if you’ve ever had to smile through pain. And tell me what moment almost shattered you, but didn’t? You’re not alone.