Actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje touched down in London town to film scenes for his upcoming BBC/HBO series Nemesis and caught up with Pride’s Mary Bello to talk about being fearless.
Fearlessness is definitely something he knows a thing or two about. The London born actor cum renaissance man was once studying to become a lawyer but decided to follow his heart and head to LA to become an actor. The move paid off and Adewale has starred in major movies like Congo and the huge TV series Lost. Thinking of striking out to do something amazing and different this year? Well, read on for some inspiration.
Taking the leap
I would say that one of the biggest things in life when going for your goals is being fearless. I always knew I wanted to act and be involved with the arts. I was always passionate about film and how actors convey their emotion. But before I could make anything happen in that realm I had to study law. My father is a barrister and two of my sisters are lawyers –it’s almost like a family tradition! I took it as far as I could, studying until I got a Master’s. Once that was out of the way it was all about Hollywood. I knew I was going to make it, LA was the place to be. So I hopped on a plane, set up over there and started to hustle. I audition and yes, there may have been a few setbacks but I was determined.
Making it
I landed my first role in the movie Congo and that was it. The film did really well, I got a chance to showcase my talent and soon more roles came my way- both TV and film. Personally, if there is something you want to go for the key is to keep striving and pushing forward. People often say you should have a back up plan in case your chosen plan in life doesn’t work out. I never really had a back up plan because I never really planned to fall over. But I would say education is an important thing to have studying is vital no matter what you decide to do with your life! Knowledge is great grounding and it certainly makes me a better actor.
Stand out from the crowd
The next role I’m playing is Crain in the BBC/HBO show Nemesis. It’s an espionage drama and there has never been anything like this on TV. My character heads up the outfit the show focuses on and that’s rarely the position of the black character. It’s great to take on new challenges and to do what’s unexpected. There’s a movie that I’ve written called Farming which I plan on directing. The script won an award at the Sundance festival. I’m really excited about taking this to the big screen.
Adewale will be starring in the movie Best Laid Plans, out February, and Nemesis will screen on the BBC in 2012.
