- Bucci Franklin revealed that his father abandoned the family during his childhood
- The actor admitted he turned to drugs while struggling with the emotional impact of growing up without a father
- Franklin credited his mother’s support and sacrifices for helping him overcome addiction and achieve success
Award-winning Nollywood actor Bucci Franklin has spoken candidly about his troubled upbringing, revealing how growing up without a father negatively affected his life and pushed him towards drug abuse at a young age.
The actor made the emotional revelation during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, where he discussed his childhood struggles, personal battles and eventual rise to success in the Nigerian movie industry.
Speaking openly about his past, Franklin described his early years as chaotic and emotionally difficult, explaining that his father abandoned the family while he was still very young. According to him, his mother was left with the responsibility of raising him alone under challenging circumstances.
“I was a hot mess as a child. My dad abandoned me. My mum raised me alone, and I turned to drugs,” the actor disclosed during the interview.
Franklin explained that the absence of a father figure created an emotional void in his life, which contributed to some of the poor decisions he made while growing up. He admitted that he struggled with drug addiction for a period before eventually overcoming it with the support, sacrifices and determination of his mother.
The Nollywood star praised his mother for refusing to give up on him despite the difficulties they faced, noting that her resilience and encouragement played a major role in helping him rebuild his life and focus on his future.
He credited much of his personal growth and professional success to her unwavering support, describing her as the foundation behind his achievements in the entertainment industry.
Franklin also used the opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by single parents, particularly mothers who raise children without assistance. According to him, parenting alone can be emotionally, financially and mentally exhausting.
The actor stressed that children, especially young boys, benefit greatly from having a father figure present in their lives. He explained that the lack of guidance and emotional support from a father can leave lasting effects on a child’s development if not properly addressed.
His emotional testimony has since resonated with many Nigerians on social media, with fans praising him for speaking honestly about addiction, family struggles and mental health challenges often hidden from public view.
Many supporters also commended the actor for using his story to encourage young people facing similar situations to seek help and remain hopeful despite difficult beginnings.