Meet MIKE O | ACTOR

We had the good fortune of connecting with MIKE O and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MIKE, what role has risk played in your life or career?
“I’ve gotten to a point in life where if I do not take the risk – I am actually losing! Which is funny because, it used to be the other way around and that you lose something by taking the risk. But I say the opposite because in this industry you can’t get far without being courageous, without being bold or confident. Taking risks is how you grow in that.
Usually when I’m hesitant on taking the risk, it is out of fear but I have to remind myself – God didn’t give me the spirit of fear. Therefore, if I have a strong desire to do something, I.E. take a risk – I’m going to do it.
The role its played for me is that it gives you permission to establish yourself – your true self. It allows you to find your character, and you can embrace it unapologetically.
Risks are a good thing to welcome. It gives you longevity because you are making yourself open to new and surprising things. It is definitely a learning curve and if it fails well… you know what didn’t work haha and you are a step closer to finding out what does.
Without taking some risks in life, you can limit yourself and that is a question you’ve always got to consider.
Is this limiting or enhancing me?
Ultimately, it’s a way to operate in Faith because at the end of the day, you’re still going to be fine”

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
“What sets me apart from others is that I don’t operate the same way others do. Believe me, I be trying but it just never works for me. If everyone was to go left, I’ll probably go right.

I mean – to be fair, I’m just letting Jesus lead me through at this point. I say that because we have a tendency of trying to take control but we have to legit surrender to God and let Him do His thing and what He has planned for me is different from what He has planned for you or someone else because we are all wonderfully made with details and qualities that set us apart. So it’s not even a me vs others thing. It’s just me and this is who you are getting.

How I got to where I am today… I was stubborn to say the least. Actually let me not say stubborn – I just knew I wanted to be an Actor from like 10 so I didn’t entertain any other career paths or alternative plans. Did Drama in secondary school, then went to the BRIT School then went to Drama School, Graduated and Now I’m Repped and auditioning.

That’s the good part of the story.

However out of those 5 positive points I listed, there are 1000 negative points to go with it and probably more. There were series of: Doubt, Depression, Anxiety, Fear, Confusion, REJECTION – you name it. There were many downs than ups and I really want to emphasize that because it didn’t “just happen”. I went through multiples trials and tribulations to get to this point and even here – although I’m thankful for where I am today – I’m still needing to work harder to get to where I really want to be.

It’s not easy. The challenges, the extra work, the dedication and all for it to lead to another set of challenges, extra work and dedication! Yea it’s not easy!

But, in any aspect of life or career field you may be in, we all face that. I can talk about challenges of being an Actor but there are, in addition, challenges of being a Black Actor too and I can talk about that until the second coming but what I’ve learnt is to take whatever comes your way, one step at a time.
That’s how I’m overcoming it. I haven’t overcome it. I don’t know if I will get to a point where I can say, “I’ve overcome this acting thing.”

Because it’s a marathon. You will get tired, you will want to quit but don’t! Keep going cause it will pay off! There are testimonies to it paying off for other actors and if God can do it for them then what more can he do for me and you.

Challenges and Obstacles will come, it’s inevitable but we can keep going. For in due time, we will reap the rewards if we do not give up!”

What the world should know about me…
I am that I am! What you see is what you get.
I am different and unique – you either like me or you don’t.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“Shoutout to JESUS CHRIST! haha. No but seriously without God, I would not be where I am without him. It’s a cliché line – I know, but it’s so true. He is The way, The Truth and The Life. I have to give Him the praises due to His name. I thank God for the people He has allowed me to come in contact with.
Kobna Holdbrook-Smith – FANTASTIC ACTOR! and such a kind, gentle mentor of mine. Him as a person and then his work…Top Tier!
My Older Cousin Deborah Oyelade. The worlds going to know her soon! Actor as well my cousin and witnessing her journey, her consistency and drive is inspiring!
My Friends, Family, Extended Family, My church.
I mean I’ve been blessed with a variety of different people through different forms and at different points in time that has helped me along my journey so shoutout to all of them and no I not going to forget any of y’all once I “make” it ha!

Books
The BIBLE! – You learn something new everyday!
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Reading it again cause it was too good!

My Drama School – Guildford School of Acting. God sent me there for a reason and they have been very supportive during my time in training.

And Shoutout to my Agent. TEAM UA! They saw my package, believed it in it and now I’m signed and auditioning for projects which is great!”

Website: https://www.unitedagents.co.uk/mike-o#acting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeo.official/

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12896619/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
PHIL SHARP JOHN CLARK