In this exclusive interview, we delve into the life and career of Samuel Oniyitan, a prominent figure in the thriving Nigerian film industry, Nollywood. With his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, Samuel has emerged as a rising star, captivating audiences with his remarkable performances. Join us as we explore his journey, aspirations, and the challenges he has encountered along the way.
Samuel Oniyitan, a talented actor and movie producer, hails from Lagos, specifically Isolo. With a background in HND Marketing and an MBA in Business Management, Samuel gained valuable experience working for various international and multi-national companies. However, his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Samuel’s love for acting began in his childhood, as he was captivated by Yoruba movies like “Koto Orun.” He took part in school plays and church performances, nurturing his passion for the craft. In secondary school, two of his close friends pursued acting in Nollywood, further fueling his desire to join the industry. After completing his studies and gaining professional experience, Samuel realized his true calling in 2017 and fully committed to his acting career.
While Samuel has often been cast as the good guy, such as a husband or a boyfriend, his dream role is that of a bad boy. He aspires to portray complex characters like the infamous Scar from “Shanty Town” and similar roles that challenge him as an actor.
Although not a fan of auditions, Samuel always approaches them with a clear idea of the character he wants to portray. If he lacks inspiration, he turns to his role models in the industry, studying their performances and selecting a character that suits his skills.
Samuel considers his role in the movie “ABEKE” to be his most challenging. Initially set as a lover boy, the character took a tragic turn, requiring him to embody sadness throughout the film. The director cleverly isolated Samuel from the cast and crew, denying him their usual camaraderie. This loneliness and emotional turmoil prepared him to deliver an outstanding performance, which earned him the Best Actor award at the 2021 Bon Awards.
One of Samuel’s most memorable experiences was during his first time on set, working alongside Wunmi Toriola. He struggled with his performance, leading the director to express frustration and blame him for bringing an unprofessional actor to the set. Although hurt and embarrassed, Samuel used this experience as motivation to improve his skills. Since then, he has grown into a professional actor and producer.
Samuel draws inspiration from several influential figures in the acting industry. He admires the talents of renowned actors like Yomi Fash Lanso, Saheed Balogun, and others who have made significant contributions to Nollywood. Their dedication and success serve as a constant source of motivation for Samuel as he continues to carve his own path in the industry.
