What made you want to become an actor?
Why do we make art? I do it for the adventure. For exploring feelings and memories, getting to express myself, making others feel what it is I’m feeling. Plus it’s fun. But I also believe the ‘reasons’ are unimportant… there’s an inner compulsion.
Who is your favourite writer for the stage or screen?
August Wilson.
Who is your favourite actor?
Viola Davis.
What has been your proudest moment?
My mum came to press night for One Night In Miami… at the Donmar Warehouse. I play Sam Cooke and there’s a moment where I sing to the audience. I sang to my mum. Her face. Ha! She was so proud. She looked so cute grinning from ear to ear. Oh and I left out a minor detail – it was my birthday that night! I’m Nigerian and in my country we celebrate our birthday’s with our mothers. It’s her birthday too because she gave birth to you on that day. So it was a special moment for me. I felt very proud.
Have you ever been star struck while acting? If so, by who?
Never been starstruck.
What is your favourite London hang out?
My kitchen 🙂 cooking.
Can you tell us what is next for you?
I can’t wait for people to see The Pass. It’s in cinemas December 9th.
Arinzé can be seen in One Night in Miami…which will run at the Donmar Warehouse from 06 October until 3 December 2016, Crazyhead currently on E4 on Wednesdays at 9pm and The Pass which will be released in UK cinemas 9th December.
Interview by Ian Casey
Photography by Andrea Vecchiato
Clothes: Coat by Antony Morato – Bomber by Antony Morato, Shirt by Antony Morato, watch by Rolex – Long Sleeved top by Diesel – Blazer by Antony Morato, Shirt by Antony Morato