A man from Sunderland, talks about going to a private school & finding happiness.
Growing up in the 90's must of been challenging, on a day to day bases what was it like?
I would say I grew up more in the 80's then the 90's! To be perfectly honest the most challenging event of that time was being put into a private school and the place did me no favors whatsoever, other than coming out with some decent enough qualifications I guess. Having experienced going to a comprehensive school was like something out of the dark ages- called by your surname constantly and having pretty dire facilities along with a case of unless your parents knew the teachers personally then you would be stuck in the art room rather than having a bash on one of the 3 computers they had- which consisted of the classic BBC Model B and then just before I left the Acorn Archimedes. In my years there, probably spent about 3 hours on one of those machines.
Other than school, found growing up relatively straight forward and stress free- of course there were only 3 tv channels to start with- including what I recall as being no at certain times- they used to play some test card which consisted of a girl with a stupid clown and a blackboard. For all that there were some top quality shows to pass the time- Airwolf, Street Hawk and for school holiday entertainment- Wackaday with Timmy Mallett.
What is your best memory of you growing up?
Not too sure- probably the couple of trips to Disney World! I managed to go back in 2004 and 2005 and it's still a magical place.
How has life changed for you?
Still never feel like I've grown up- but stresses and strains of life are the biggest changes. One of those where just need to get on with it I think!
In that change how do you think people have changed?
I don't think people have changed at all, other than advances in technology such as the Internet. People I feel are on the whole naturally selfish and don't seem to have a thought for anyone else. Obviously there are exceptions but that is the general rule.
If you could be prime minister what would be the first thing you would change and why?
Just to treat people of Britain fairer. Its right when they name our country as 'rip off Britain' and also I would sort the petrol prices out and get rid of the corruption that underpins the whole set-up.
I've heard that you have an application on your iPhone that tells you the exact time and date of when you are going to die. Are you not scared that you know the date?
Yes I am scared- but its a kind of morbid curiosity! I got it from www.deathclock.com. Give it a whirl.
What is it in life that makes you carry on?
Because you have to. There is no turning back, only forwards. Plus I have a fantastic family to look after!
If you could have ANYTHING in the world right now what would it be and why?
If I could have anything it would be happiness, as that is something everyone strives for. Obviously money is a factor and to be mortgage free(which is a lottery win away) would be marvellous.
Turning the time back, would you have done anything differently?
Pondered that before. Now of the view that your life is pretty much planned out- so can't really think I would do something differently, as the outcome would be the same.
What is it like living in Sunderland?
Really, really run of the mill- probably worse places to live. However, the pretty much constantly poor weather never fails to amaze me- i.e we seem to have all of 2 days of summer.
To talk more with Dave follow him on Twitter @davemead.
Saturday 17 September 2011
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Michael Obiora
Casualty's Lloyd Asike played by Michael Obiora talks about dealing with Coeliac disease & Michael Jackson.
What is it about acting that you enjoy?
I've always loved telling stories, and to me this is a big part of the job: stepping into a character's existence and telling a story from their point of view. My favourite part of acting is the bit between 'action' and 'cut' on set, and the bit between 'curtain up' and 'curtain down' on stage.
In all the roles you have played which one has been the hardest and why?
No part has been easy for me. There are some that are more fun than others- it's nice to be 'silly' in comedy, or to get away with things in certain roles that I perhaps wouldn't in real life. I would say the thing I find most difficult in a role is to not judge the character I'm playing. As an actor I have to make a choice about how I'm going to be a vessel for that particular character's existence. But I try my best not to let my own opinion of the character's actions influence my performance. It's not always easy to strike that balance.
You are currently in Casualty what is it like being in such an intense show?
This is the first time that I've joined a long running show as a regular. I've never had a schedule like this as an actor. I think everyone involved with the show works very hard, and I have a new found respect for those who work in the medical profession. As an actor it's nice to join a show with such a strong fan base and I feel certain responsibility to maintain the standard that the loyal viewers come to expect.
What do you think you can bring to Casualty that the viewers will enjoy?
I feel I always bring a strong energy to the parts I play, no matter how big or small. I can already see that the viewers are enjoying the energy I've brought with Lloyd.
Michael Jackson is your idol what is it about Michael that you adore?
Michael Jackson was my idol when I was a child. Before I was old enough to be aware of the nonsense outside of his music. I fell in love with the magic he brought to the stage. I had never, and still haven't seen anything like it- the adulation. The commitment he put into his performances. I very much doubt there will ever again be an artist to reach such heights.
If you could be any animal what would you be and why?
I quite like that question! I can't choose only one though! I would love to be able to fly, so maybe an eagle- their wingspans are amazing! I'd also love to be the king of the jungle, so a lion! To me they are the best looking animal in the world- the power and the hair! Then there's a panther. They are beautiful- black and shiny!
What is your guilty pleasure ?
Sweets, cream liquers and crunchy things!
What is it like having Coeliac disease?
The hardest thing was being diagnosed only 5 years ago. To go through 20 years of my life building up eating habits, and then suddenly having to change them. It's still an adjustment for me- I couldn't believe the amount of foods that have wheat and gluten in it. Eating out and dinner parties take a lot more planning ahead. As does choosing airlines and staying in hotels. Being coeliac is a burden but it's made me so much more aware of my health, and it's not the end of the world.
If you weren't an actor what do you think you would be doing right now?
I really don't know. I began as a child actor, so I've been doing this for more than half my life. It's hard to imagine having done something else. But I do think it's important for me to have interests outside of acting as it can be consuming. I'm also a writer- but there are similarities to being an actor. The story telling aspect and the bubble it can keep you in. If I could instantly slip into another profession, I'd be a football player. In my imagination I'm a premiership footballer!
What advice would you give teenagers that are thinking of giving up school?
I'm always a little uncomfortable when it comes to giving advice. I'm still young and trying to navigate through my own life. I really do believe in doing the best you can in whatever you do, and if people want to look at you as some sort of role model, then that's up to them. I would never want the burden of trying to be an example to people, the only responsibility I have is to be as good a person as I can, and if I'm fortunate to have children in the future then that would be my number one role- being an example to my child or children. I look back on school fondly, and sometimes not so fondly. I went to a rough school, and being a child actor my childhood was unconventional. O know a lot of people who left school early- I left at 16- and many of them regret it, and some are happy. Just always try your best and live in the now.
What is it about acting that you enjoy?
I've always loved telling stories, and to me this is a big part of the job: stepping into a character's existence and telling a story from their point of view. My favourite part of acting is the bit between 'action' and 'cut' on set, and the bit between 'curtain up' and 'curtain down' on stage.
In all the roles you have played which one has been the hardest and why?
No part has been easy for me. There are some that are more fun than others- it's nice to be 'silly' in comedy, or to get away with things in certain roles that I perhaps wouldn't in real life. I would say the thing I find most difficult in a role is to not judge the character I'm playing. As an actor I have to make a choice about how I'm going to be a vessel for that particular character's existence. But I try my best not to let my own opinion of the character's actions influence my performance. It's not always easy to strike that balance.
You are currently in Casualty what is it like being in such an intense show?
This is the first time that I've joined a long running show as a regular. I've never had a schedule like this as an actor. I think everyone involved with the show works very hard, and I have a new found respect for those who work in the medical profession. As an actor it's nice to join a show with such a strong fan base and I feel certain responsibility to maintain the standard that the loyal viewers come to expect.
What do you think you can bring to Casualty that the viewers will enjoy?
I feel I always bring a strong energy to the parts I play, no matter how big or small. I can already see that the viewers are enjoying the energy I've brought with Lloyd.
Michael Jackson is your idol what is it about Michael that you adore?
Michael Jackson was my idol when I was a child. Before I was old enough to be aware of the nonsense outside of his music. I fell in love with the magic he brought to the stage. I had never, and still haven't seen anything like it- the adulation. The commitment he put into his performances. I very much doubt there will ever again be an artist to reach such heights.
If you could be any animal what would you be and why?
I quite like that question! I can't choose only one though! I would love to be able to fly, so maybe an eagle- their wingspans are amazing! I'd also love to be the king of the jungle, so a lion! To me they are the best looking animal in the world- the power and the hair! Then there's a panther. They are beautiful- black and shiny!
What is your guilty pleasure ?
Sweets, cream liquers and crunchy things!
What is it like having Coeliac disease?
The hardest thing was being diagnosed only 5 years ago. To go through 20 years of my life building up eating habits, and then suddenly having to change them. It's still an adjustment for me- I couldn't believe the amount of foods that have wheat and gluten in it. Eating out and dinner parties take a lot more planning ahead. As does choosing airlines and staying in hotels. Being coeliac is a burden but it's made me so much more aware of my health, and it's not the end of the world.
If you weren't an actor what do you think you would be doing right now?
I really don't know. I began as a child actor, so I've been doing this for more than half my life. It's hard to imagine having done something else. But I do think it's important for me to have interests outside of acting as it can be consuming. I'm also a writer- but there are similarities to being an actor. The story telling aspect and the bubble it can keep you in. If I could instantly slip into another profession, I'd be a football player. In my imagination I'm a premiership footballer!
What advice would you give teenagers that are thinking of giving up school?
I'm always a little uncomfortable when it comes to giving advice. I'm still young and trying to navigate through my own life. I really do believe in doing the best you can in whatever you do, and if people want to look at you as some sort of role model, then that's up to them. I would never want the burden of trying to be an example to people, the only responsibility I have is to be as good a person as I can, and if I'm fortunate to have children in the future then that would be my number one role- being an example to my child or children. I look back on school fondly, and sometimes not so fondly. I went to a rough school, and being a child actor my childhood was unconventional. O know a lot of people who left school early- I left at 16- and many of them regret it, and some are happy. Just always try your best and live in the now.
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