VETERAN ACTOR, ALEX USIFO-OMIAGBO OPENS UP ON HIS LIFE, CAREER AND FAMILY
As the tough-talking and fire-spitting Talab Abass in Zeb Ejiro’s defunct soap, Ripples, Alex Usifo-Omiagbo “waaooed” us with his distinct acting style. As an old breed and corrupt politician in Reemmy Jes’ Dirty Game, he elevated his bestial tendencies a notch higher. But Mr. Usifo-Omiagbo, ever clean-shaven and with this incomprehensible serious-minded look, is human after all. He also loves and wants to be loved in return. He shared with us his unfinished business at SS Peter and Paul Seminary in Ibadan (Oyo State) where he took a shot at priesthood; his other side as well as so many other things. The actor – who lost his mother in 1970; became born-again in 1991 and once hawked fried fish and fruits to complement his parents’ meager earning – spoke with AZUH ARINZE. Excerpts…
You just finished another movie, Dirty Game. What role did you play there?
I played a gubernatorial aspirant.
How will you describe the role?
Quite challenging and exciting. Challenging in the sense that it was a political affair and you should be able to convince people. Exciting in the sense that I enjoyed the whole thing; the directing, the acting and the few people I met on the set.
How will you describe the movie, Dirty Game?
It’s something to look forward to because it is like an expose on our political life, all the intricacies and intrigues…
What will you say made you agree to be part of Dirty Game?
Well, it is a fine story. It is an up to the minute story; up to the minute in the sense that it is current and having worked with Teco (Benson) before, I was sure I was going to enjoy myself on set.
Now, let’s go personal. Who is Alex Usifo-Omiagbo?
(Smiles) Alex Usifo-Omiagbo is a born-again Christian. He’s a totally detribalized Nigerian. And that justifies why he doesn’t like talking about tribes or where he is from. He simply sees himself as a Nigerian and the name too implies that he is a lover of mankind. Alex actually means a lover of mankind. Maybe we should stop there.
When and how did you start acting?
Maybe I should say before I started acting, I had desired it and somehow I just knew I could do it without any formal training. So, I walked up to the controller of Drama, NTA, Ilorin (Kwara), Ray Yusuph. He encouraged me. Funnily, I wasnt auditioned. He just gave me a role (Mr. Davis) to go and study and I studied it and we went on set. Not the same day. It took about one, two weeks. It’s an experience I like recounting because he was there and he kept on encouraging me.
What year was this?
That was in 1984.
Which production was your first as a professional actor?
The Return of the Native by Jimmy Atteh.
How did you come about playing tough and wicked roles?
I wouldn’t say my very first role was a tough one. On one occasion, I was invited to Turning Wheel by Jab Adu. That particular role was Vendetta. So, I played the villain. That was the first bad role and that kind of inspired me before I got Talab Abass in Ripples. It was Dede (Mabiaku) that told me about it. He actually took me to Zeb Ejiro because he was in Vendetta and said I will fit in. I went, I saw Zeb and Andy Amenechi, they auditioned me and that was it.
What has people’s reaction towards you been like, considering that most of them find it difficult to separate the actor from the real person?
It’s only natural for people to think that you act who you are. But some try to still show me that they know that it is all acting, while those who believe he must be acting himself watch me from a distance.
You have not been embarrassed on the road before because of your bad roles?
Not at all.
Why is your hair perpetually clean shaven? A trademark, identity or what?
I just feel an artiste should stand out. That’s what I believe. It’s more like a trademark, an identity, like you said. That’s all.
For how long have you been like this?
A very long time. Even before I started acting. During my secondary school days. Except that it wasn’t consistent then. I saw it and I knew I liked it and that was it.
Around what year are we talking about here?
Many years ago. Between 68-72. I’m happy to say it because I’m not a little boy…You know, age is a nice thing…Even in the seminary…
(Interruption) So, you were once in the seminary?
Yes! I was in SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Bodija, Ibadan.
Why did you drop out?
That’s a long story I wouldn’t like to delve into. But I wasn’t driven. I left on my own.
Why?
Like I said, it is a long story and I do not think it is important. But I will always say I wasn’t driven. I left voluntarily.
Okay, since you don’t want to tell us why, tell us what you hate about yourself?
(Thinks for some seconds) Em…If I have to think about it, it means I don’t have any (Laughs).
Okay, what do you like most about yourself?
Boy! These are very smart questions. You know, I’ve never really thought about these, but I know I’m a very selfless person. I can please people and displease myself. But I can’t say I hate that because it is an element of love.
Let’s talk about your family…
(Cuts in) My wife is Princess. We have two kids, a girl and a boy. The girl is Sarah and the boy, Isaac Alex Jnr.
How did you meet her, that is, your wife?
(Laughs) This is an in-depth interview o! I met her through her senior sister who was my model because I used to have a modeling agency. I first saw her photograph and I liked what I saw and you know, through her sister, I met her physically, liked what I saw…There was a witness in my spirit that she was going to be my wife. From there, we started dating, a courtship started, it lasted for 3 solid years before we finally got married.
When exactly did you get married?
November 27, 1993.
Wasn’t your wife scared the first time she met you considering the bad boy image acting had bestowed on you?
No! Funny enough, she wasn’t watching television, it was when we started going out that she started hearing stories like you are not scared of this guy and all that.
With the stories now, didn’t her behaviour towards you change in any way?
No.
So, what kind of person is your wife?
My wife is beautiful, she is God fearing, very loving, very caring, understanding…
What do you dislike about her?
Well, I just know that she is highly emotional and that gives me some concern occasionally. I can’t say I dislike that though because there is beauty in being emotional.
What does your wife dislike about you?
I have a very wonderful wife. She hardly complains, instead we sit down and discuss. My wife likes dialogue and I normally create room for that…We can always talk things over. She does not complain.
How do you see the industry?
The industry is young and vibrant, but like other businesses or industries, it has its problems too.
Could you please tell us what some of these problems are?
There is a kind of mediocrity, we have mediocre producers, mediocre directors. Even among artistes. There are certain people in the profession who are not supposed to be there. But they are there because they believe they can make money from it or they just want stardom. What I think is that some people should think very well before jumping in…It is like some jumping into journalism. Is he rugged? Can he stand the hazards?
So, what do you think is the way forward or the easy way out of the doldrums?
We are already having associations…different ones…NANTAP has been there, NAG is there and others. But I think that if these associations are sincere, honest…they may be able to address the problems. They may not be able to do it immediately, but I believe that if they are sincere, they can do it someday.
Do you have any phobia?
Maybe I should use a scripture here. There is a verse that says the Lord has not given me the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, love and sound mind.
What’s your day usually like?
Well, if I’m working, very busy. If I’m not, I just stay at home and read the word of God. I’m also in love with the dictionary. I enjoy the presence of the Lord and I like having my quiet time.
As a voracious reader, which is the best book that you have read?
(Laughs) The Holy Bible is the best, the book of life. It does not change. It covers all aspects of life – physical, spiritual, financial, just name it.
What are your hobbies?
Reading and listening to gospel music. I find time to exercise myself. I try and do some sit ups and press-ups because I have the propensity to be fat.
Do you have any regret?
I will say no because I’m a very hopeful person. I learn from my mistakes.
As a little boy, who did you look up to as a role model?
I didn’t have a role model as a little boy. I watched movies al-right, but I never wanted to be the John Wayne. I was crazy about Indian movies, but didn’t want to be like them. I’m not white. I’ve always wanted to be myself. The only person I’ve always loved is Jesus Christ. In primary school, I was a mass server. Even in secondary school, I still was. I’ve always been righteous. I like human rights people: Martin Luther King Jnr., Mandela, Gani. Non-violent, but rugged fighters who fight for human rights. They have their weaknesses, but the fact that they fight for human rights, that’s what I like about them. If you talk about men of God in this country, or anywhere, I like Jesus because Jesus is our role model.
Let me ask you this final question, why do you want to be like Jesus?
Because Jesus is our role model. Even without knowing any man of God, if you know the Bible and that God created us, that’s enough.
