Actor cum model, Ifeany Williams, first runner-up in the Next Movie Star reality show in 2010, has featured in a number of movies, including Oloibiri, starring Olu Jacobs and Richard Mofe-Damijo. He speaks to DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI on his rise to success, among other issues.
HOW do you feel working on the Oloibiri project?
I feel proud working with the likes of Uncle RMD, Uncle Olu Jacobs, Aunty Taiwo Ajai-Lycett and others. It is an experience that any young actor would ask for. And to be sincere, I am more grateful than proud at the moment. Working with them has opened my eyes and shown me some things that will help me in the line of my career.
Working with these A-list actors, was there any gap to indicate that you are new in the game?
No, it was not difficult at all working on the same set with them. RMD is a professional player when it comes to Table Tennis. And we had fun while shooting, because he always beat me to the game any time we started a new round. Though I always started strong, but find out that, he always defeated me.
But there was nothing to indicate that I was just an upcoming act. I remember him coming to me to and saying ‘this is your time, kill it’. If he was feeling like an A-list, I’m sure; he won’t come to me to tell me that. I refer to him as my godfather and he calls me his son. They were all open-minded.
Can you say working with them was easy, because you are close to them?
To be candid, I have never worked with Uncle RMD and Ivie Okujaye before in life. It was on this project that we met. And that is where the relationship started.
How prepared are you when you hit fame?
Presently I am leaving everything in the hands of God, because He is the only One that can guide my footsteps and pilot my life. I won’t allow fame to change any part of me or affect me in any way as my career climbs to the top. First of all, I will always try to be humble as my father has taught us. So these things I try to do.
How was it like trying to convincing your parents on being an actor?
The way my career started, they all came to love it. It was not like I came out to them to say I wanted to be an actor. After secondary school, I left home to start finding my way and build my career. I remember the number of times that my mom and dad would call to say, they saw me on the TV. And they always encourage me and pray for me on such occasions. My family have been very supportive. And you know when your family supports you in whatever you do, and then you have nothing to be scared of.
Presently we have outfits that manage artistes, are you under any?
No. I am on my own now. But I also play a minor character in Tinsel.
But it is believed that everyone on Tinsel is a major character?
Well, you can’t compare all the characters on the soap. So it depends on the character you are playing. But right now, I won’t say I am a major character in Tinsel.
What are your plans?
Well as an actor, you are supposed to be everywhere, where you are needed. So I am definitely keeping my eyes and ears open for any auditions. This is my life and passion. And all I am praying for is the opportunity, and a good script to show to the world my skills. And with that, I am going to get there. That is the way to get the best out of you, by meeting with the right people.
Presently which do you feature in more?
I have more movies than soaps at the moment. But I plan to feature in both. Because as an actor, you should be able to take up any job, as long as it has a message to pass across to the audience.
The post I LEFT HOME TO FIND MY CAREER PATH–IFEANYI WILLIAMS appeared first on The Nation.