Interview by Roman Portnoy
Photography by Brogan McNab
Styling by Ashley Galang
Grooming by Ian Russell at Cadre Artists
Babs Olusanmokun is an actor best known for his roles in Dune, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Too Old To Die Young, and Black Mirror. You can currently catch him in the pivotal role of Asher the Torturer in the new movie Book of Clarence.
Hello Babs, thank you for joining us today. Your next movie “The Book of Clarence” comes out this month. Can you share some details about your role in the film and what attracted you to this project?
Good to be here. I play the role of Asher The Torturer in “The Book of Clarence.” Asher’s a commanding presence. He owns and trains gladiators in this film. I was attracted to the project because of director Jeymes Samuel. I ran into Jeymes just a bit after he had seen me in Roots around 2016-ish I believe, and he had really kind words for my work in it. We’ve been talking about working together ever since. So when “The Book of Clarence” came about.. I jumped in. It was a text to a FaceTime chat of I want you in this. And I said, there’s no place I’d rather be brother. There was a bit of schedule juggling, but the teams made it happen.
The movie is described as a biblical comedy. Did you have any challenges working on this type of movie?
Not at all. It’s all storytelling and this film, as funny as it is, has something beautifully layered into it that connects to any human with an open heart. It’s a story of redemption.
What was it like working with the cast and crew of “The Book of Clarence”?
It was wonderful. From working with a cast of actors that I was looking forward to dancing with, to sharing some downtime, amazing food in wondrous Matera (southern Italy). To watching how Jeymes ran his set with such a gloriously vibrant spirit. Lots of hard work from the crew as usual. Great time! It was time well spent.
Who are some actors or directors that have had a significant influence on your career?
Nicolas Winding Refn who directed me in “Too Old To Die Young” opposite Miles Teller. Loved working with him. Nic had us doing endless takes. Denis Villeneuve, Dune -first studio film. I was offered Dune off my reel, and when I arrived in Budapest, Denis says “Babs, from what I see on your reel, you should be doing bigger roles so if you don’t want to do this, I understand.” He spent some half-hour telling me all about the film, when really I had thought we’d chat for five minutes and he’ll go about his busy day. Of course, I’m doing it! The Jamis climatic fight scene plus a bit of dialogue just before that was all it was on the page. But as time passed, he kept writing me in with those pieces from the Paul Atreides visions. I had been a full on fan of Denis’ work since his film “Incendies” so to be working with him with such a positive and respectful energy was an inspiring experience. I’m a confident guy but Denis’ trust in my work was a special boost.
Reuniting with director Guy Ritchie for “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is an exciting development. Tell us about your experience working with him again, and how has the dynamic evolved since your previous collaboration?
Yes indeed. It was great to link up with Guy again. I had a good time on “Wrath of Man” so I was very much interested when “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare ” came about. A wild take on WW2 that should be a ride! It’s a more substantial role than what I did for him in “Wrath of Man” so we had a lot more time on set together. A lot of digging through the what and why of the scenes with Guy on most mornings. It was simply a more involved experience and I really felt Guy’s creative spirit in a meaningful way on this one.
You work on the Paramount+ Star Trek series “Strange New Worlds”. The franchise has a passionate fan base. Have you had any memorable interactions with fans of the series?
“Star Trek- Strange New Worlds” has been a trip. The fans are very passionate indeed. It’s a blessing. I see them everywhere and they are always so mindful of one’s space. I thank them for that. I had a train steward on the Eurostar between Paris and London going on and on to the carriage about how he hoped they enjoyed the food and hoped nobody got sick because it would be terrible and so on and so forth. He was walking up and down the aisle saying all this. It went on for a while. Really good entertainer. Then he caps his speech off as he walked right by my seat and says under his breath “And if somebody does get sick, we have Dr M’Benga on board to save them” – smiles and walks away. My wife and I couldn’t stop laughing for a while. His discretion at that moment just got me. They of course never warn you about their food, possibly being bad and getting sick on the train so this guy must have created that speech just for that finale. Such a funny controlled performance.
How do you feel you’ve evolved as an actor since the beginning of your career, and what do you attribute to your growth?
I’d say my passion and love for the work and my work ethic has driven my evolution over time. It took some time to understand that I can’t fit into everything and into any random project. I’m not a random guy in looks or spirit. Making peace with that and channeling a lot of energy into auditions/projects that actually really turned me on started motoring my journey in this business. It’s simply better to have a longer road but meaningful experiences.
We’ve seen more Nigerian actors gaining recognition on the international stage. In your opinion, how can the industry continue to build on this momentum?
Yes, it’s very exciting to have actors like myself, David Oyelowo, Folake Olowofoyeku, Chiwetel Ejiofor and others continue to grow in recognition for our craft. In my opinion, we just have to keep showing up, getting those roles, show that it is possible, and continue to work hard to be noticed, have our stories told and be supportive of one another in any way we can.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are just starting their journey in the industry
As some of my old acting teachers in New York always said. “If you can possibly be happy doing something else for a living, please go do that thing.” It’s a rough path to take. But if you’re committed to doing so – study the craft. Respect the craft. Nurture the craft always. Practice. Practice. Practice. Get on stage as soon as you can. If you’re planning to do screen work, get yourself on camera as much as possible. Be very prepared for your auditions/self-tapes. Your competition is not fucking around, so don’t fuck around. Be hard on yourself but also find times to be gentle with yourself.
Congratulations on earning your Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Babs. Can you tell us about your journey in martial arts? Are there specific lessons or skills from your Jiu-Jitsu training that you find applicable to your acting career?
Thank you. I received my jiujitsu black belt back a good while ago. I started in Karate as a kid. Then I found jiujitsu in my early 20s in New York and very much took to it. I ended up teaching it for many years in NY. It’s an art form so you’ll have similarities. Whether in terms of movement/physiologically and also psychologically. Like acting, one must study/practice/drill consistently to improve in jiujitsu. Preparation is also key if you want to be any good!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
