Jimmy Akingbola is a dynamic actor living and working between Los Angeles and London producing and managing TCN events, creating business relationships and expanding the TCN brand in the USA. Akingbola is best known for his roles as super-villain – Baron Reiter – in DC Comics’ superhero drama, ARROW; the sharp-shooting surgeon – Antoine Malick – in the BBC’s award-winning hospital drama, HOLBY CITY, and the hilarious character – Mick in Rev. Plus Valentine – in the SKY1 comedy In The Long Run starring Idris Elba
Jimmy is a graduate of the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, in London. Moving effortlessly between stage, television, film and theatre roles, he has enjoyed the privilege of working alongside stars such as Dustin Hoffman, Sir Ian McKellen, Idris Elba, Bill Bailey, Sally Hawkins, Naomie Harris, Aml Ameen, John Boyega, Kathy Burke, Riz Ahmed, Stephen Amell, Jimmy Jean Louis, Rosie Marcell, Chizzy Akudolu, Tom Hollander, Olivia Colman, Joseph Marcell, Danny John Jules, Don Warrington and Robbie Gee.
Jimmy Akingbola is an award-winning actor/producer and Co-Founder ofThe TriForce Creative Network, an organisation set up to promote equal opportunities in the entertainment industry. The company has enjoyed unprecedented success: in just 15 years it has become a trusted source for the industry to discover diverse talent including new actors, writers, directors, and other behind-the-scenes technical crew.
I had the pleasure of interviewing him on past and current projects.Read below for his interesting answers.
1. Jimmy what a pleasure to interview you. How have you been?
Hi Marian I’m good thanks its been a great 2019 so far. I recently went travelling and spent a few weeks in Bali and then Ghana. I think I was trying to get as much sun as I could because it looks like I’m going to be working in London now for quite a few months. Which is nice though because I get to see my family and friends.
2. You’ve been living in LA how has this been?
Living in LA has been fantastic. I’m a sun lover so me and LA are a great match. I know I keep going on about the weather but I think it really does affect me. The sun in LA gives my mind and body such a positive boost. It helps me be the best version of myself. I feel like I have more energy and a big get up and go attitude. Anyway enough about the weather! I was also able to launch my company TriForce Creative Network’s actors event MonologueSlam in LA at the Chinese Theatre. Plus I have a great group of friends in LA I call them my LA Family.
3. You were beloved on UK screens in Holby City. What have you been up to film and TV wise since then?
Ah thank you! Yes I loved playing Antoine Malick in Holby City he was definitely an iconic character. After Holby City I worked with DustinHoffman in Esio Trot and then booked two American projects one was aNetflix film called Spectral and the other was a History Channel drama called Sons of Liberty. My first job after I moved to LA was playing Baron Reiter in Arrow and acting opposite Stephen Amell and since thenI have worked on numerous shows such as NCIS, Scorpion, MacGyver andThe Machine. I’ve also managed to do a few films like Rise starringJimmy Jean Louis and Full Dress starring Christopher Abbott.
4. Film, TV or theatre? And Why?
I think I have to say film because for me doing it can sort of feel like a mixture of all the mediums in one. And I like that. Although at the same time I would say that TV is the new Film and there are lots of exciting TV shows out there at the moment. But Theatre for me is my first love, so I’m always open to doing theatre if it’s a brilliant script and role. Hmmm…not sure if that’s a proper answer but it will have to do…
5. What projects have brought you back to the UK? I know you are filming In the long run with Idris Elba. What has it been like to work with him?
Over the last few years I have been brought back to the UK to shoot shows like the political comedy Ballot Monkeys on Ch4 and Fungus theBogeyman on Sky1. In 2016 I was on stage at the Royal Court in the play Father Comes Home From The Wars Part 1,2,3. And recently I had to fly back because I booked an ITV job called Cheat which stars BAFTAWinner Molly Windsor. Right now though I’m in the middle of filming Season 2 of In The Long Run with Idris Elba for Sky1. Working with Idris is a dream come true, we are both from the same area in EastLondon and have a few mutual friends. And yet we didn’t really know each other. But on set Idris is very playful, generous and there’s great chemistry between us. I rarely corpse with laughter but working with Idris has changed that. He has us all laughing in the middle of takes because he is actually very funny and naughty on set, which I feel gives us all the permission to have fun and do the work at the same time. Working with him has been like working with one of my big brothers, there is a lot of banter had. Maybe it’s our Canning Town banter coming out. Although we are having a lot of fun I still get to see the serious business side to Idris. It’s been an interesting learning experience watching him operate as an Executive Producer on the show because he really is on it and knows his stuff. You have to respect what Idris is doing right? Essentially he is creating shows and films that are telling our stories and providing great roles for actors like Aml Ameen (Yardie) myself and Madeline Appiah (In TheLong Run) Its very selfless and inspiring.6. On the acting scene who is inspiring you.
6. On the acting scene who is inspiring you? So many actors are inspiring me right now on the acting scene, people like Letitia Wright, Cynthia Eviro, Jo Froggatt, John Boyega, Riz Ahmed, Melanie Liburd, Oliver Stark, Wunmi Mosaku and Nicholas Pinnock to name a few. Oh and my niece Fola Evans Akingbola she is killing it right now in Siren! I’m hoping to be her manager one day and retire lol!
7. How do you prepare for your roles?
My preparation is different every time because it depends on the typeof job and character. Some of the basic things I do though is lots of research on the script and character. I always like to work on my characters look and physicality. And of course a characters back story is also important.
8. If you could pick any character to play what would it be and why?
Being a big supporter of diversity and inclusion I would love to produce a film or TV Drama with a fully diverse and inclusive crew, cast and production team. Playing Justin Fashanu because I’ma big football fan and his life story is so heart breaking and yet ground breaking. A lot of people don’t know the full story which involves him being fostered, gay and becoming one of the best players in the UK.
9. Two things you love about London and LA?
I love London summers because when the sun is out everybody is so happy and out in the parks or streets. London for me then becomes the number one city in the world. And I love the theatre scene in London it’s so inspiring because we see some of the best plays and acting in the world. When I’m in LA I love hiking in the mornings or evenings catching the sunrise/sunset is just beautiful. I also love the fact that LA has multiple beaches and rooftops to take advantage of.
10. One thing you want our readers to know about Jimmy?
I want the readers to know that I’m the co-founder of TriForce Creative Network (www.thetcn.com) TriForce Creative Network is a unique company, creating opportunities for individuals and companies to develop and thrive within the industry. Its mission is to put talent in front of those with the power to move careers forward.
The company launches careers and supports talent through numerous events such as the celebrated MonologueSlam, WritersSlam and the TriForce Short Film Festival at BAFTA. A phenomenal series of initiatives means that opportunities are constantly being created for people from all backgrounds to develop and thrive in the business no matter what their circumstances.
Interview by Marian Kwei
Image credits go to The Masons