Regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest actors, Akin Lewis surely knows his onions in the creative industry. Having begun acting in 1973, the same year he joined a drama group led by Bode Sowande, a Nigerian professor, writer and dramatist. Akin played the lead role in Why Worry’, a 1980 comedy sitcom on NTA Ibadan, which earned him a critical acclaim. He became more famous with his role in Tade Ogidan’s 2005 hit movie, ‘Madam Dearest’, where he became more popular. In this chat with MUTIAT LAWORE, the 62-year-old First Class degree holder spoke about his sojourn so far in the make-believe world plus his booming career, playing the rich man’s role, among others.
Talking about ‘Your Excellency, ’ a new movie you took part in, how would you describe it?
I played the role of Olalekan Ajadi, in ‘The Excellency’. He is a billionaire, a very garrulous man, full of life; he is just a bundle of joy and a progressive man. He contests every four years until one big party decides to make him their candidate and everything changes.
How easy was it connecting to that billionaire role?
Yes, it is very easy for me but that does not mean it was not a challenging role. I had to infuse about 10 politicians that I know into the character. It was very challenging but we got there. This is like the star of the stars. I really enjoyed this movie; this is the biggest film of the year.
Knowing that you have worked with several directors; how will you describe working with Funke Akindele-Bello, as a director of the movie?
Funke is like a child to me. I’ve known her for a very long time. I’ve worked with her on several projects and it’s a pleasure for me. I’ve known her from day one that she was going to direct the film and it wasn’t a problem for me. I helped her in every way I could. It is needless to say that Funke worked her fingers to the bone on this particular project and the result is the positive response we are reading and hearing around town.
Why is it that you don’t take up other roles except the rich man?
Well, I might have accepted such role a long time ago. But now I look rich and I am rich. So, I guess that is the reason I cannot be given any other role to play. Professionally, I can act any role, but also in the professional point of view, it is hard for me to be seen or cast me as a poor man. Usually I get millionaire and billionaire roles.
Don’t you feel you are being stereotyped?
No, it is not stereotype for me to have money or not to have money. You can have money and be a bad person. There are several other ways, that I can be rich, but in different character.
So, why did you leave acting for the corporate world?
No, I never left. I went to the office in the day and then go for movie shoots at night. And I did well on the job; I never used my employer’s office time for acting. I would shoot movies on weekends, when on holiday and during my annual leave. Apart from the talent, you need to be disciplined as an actor.
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Having gone into the business world and sat on the boardroom, as a director, I can tell you this for sure.
Having witnessed over four generations of the Nigerian film industry, what would you consider to be the biggest difference?
Well, essentially, the biggest thing that has changed is money and it has blindfolded many of the young talented people. Today, you have to give me the script first, I read it, and I like it. Conversely, we have a lot of instruments these days and a lot of money, though it is too heavy and I wish it is well spent and evenly.
What do you mean by saying you wish it was well spent?
It is because it is only a few people (actors) that have access to those funds and only a few are well paid in the industry. This is an industry that has a lot of young talented people. I have been in the industry for the past 46 years. I have been on the mountain top and it has been awesome. I have also been in the valley. I have been happy and I have been sad. I know the secret of plenty and I know the secret of small. That’s just the way life is.
What is the secret of your enduring career?
I’m very diligent, I’m first on set. I’ll come, sit quietly in my space; I do my job, then leave. But I guess I have a lot of grace because there are several superstars out there.
Most times you refer to yourself as a premium actor, why so?
Why I say that is because I am informed, and sought after in this profession that I have been doing for more than four decades now; 46 years to be precise. And everybody knows where I stand, and I am one of the well-trained actors in this profession. So, people look for me and they pay the price.
Talking about price, is your fee that high that scares people away from working with you?
No, I have done some jobs, where they just fuel my car and my hospitality. It is not that my fee is high; it is because I am the one they need and I have been able to establish that relationship with everyone that needs me. Even If they don’t have money, but the production is a good one, there are ways that it can be done.
How have you been able to manage fame till now?
Well, I think it has to do with experience. You know, at the initial stage when you are just taking off, you won’t know how to manage it, but as time goes on, you become conscious of the people around you and how whatever happens to you will affect them. Part of my efforts is that I do solid interviews; I don’t run after interviews for interview sake. Yes, we have been through a lot, but we have been able to manage it.
Would you say your sojourn in the corporate world helped you to avoid bad press?
Well, I don’t have any scandalous thing in my life or anything to hide. So, I guess that is the reason some people stay away from me. And that is the way I want to live my life; scandal-free, and neat. But for actors that live on scandals, I believe it is because they are still young. By the time they get it right, they will know that it does not pay.
Don’t you consider yourself lucky, as you are one of the very few active veterans while we only get to see others when they are in dire need of assistance from the general public?
To be honest, I can only say I am grateful to God for life and family for how far I have come on this job. I have gotten married on this job, I have children, I live in my own house, I have my car and all of that. I’m saying this with all due respect and not because I am trying to bring people down. Now, actors from my set got trained just for the job alone and unfortunately, most directors just use you and dump you. I realised this early enough and that enabled me to see the future ahead fast. That made me go into the corporate world. I diversified earlier in my career and I have very good results to show for this.
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Are you saying that actors need to foresee the future early enough to make better plans?
Yes, you have to think. This job is not as spectacular as other jobs. If you get paid N2 million today, as an actor, unfortunately, some people will squander the money the next day. A veteran and, in fact, every actor, must learn to save and set some money aside for the future. Yes, you can buy those choice cars you fancy, but don’t forget to take care of your children and your family. I have tried to do all of these responsible things and I’m still on this job. Not all actors are irresponsible and, yes, acting is a serious job.
As a thespian, what do you look out for in a script?
There are good and bad scripts, and I am well trained, remember I said that. Since I have been trained to recognise a good script; which must have a beginning, middle and an end. I should be able to detect which is best for me to be parr of. For instance, it must be well defined and must have a very challenging role for me. When all those are there, it will be acceptable to me. This comes with my training and should apply to all actors.
