Chizzy Akudolu is an actress, comic, and TV star.
Identified for her roles as Mo Effanga in Holby Metropolis, Mercy in Finest Pursuits, and Lola Akande in The Girl within the Wall, she can be a workforce captain on Sorry I Didn’t Know, ITV’s longest-running present from a Black-led manufacturing firm.
In its fifth sequence, Akudolu joins fellow workforce captain Eddie Kadi and host Jimmy Akingbola to take audiences on a humorous and insightful journey by means of Black historical past.
We spoke to Akudolu in regards to the present’s success and what it means to succeed in this milestone.
Please introduce your self …
Hello, I’m Chizzy Akudolu, actor, author, host and new, humorist. I’m an Eastender.
Describe your life in a single phrase or a sentence …
Joyous and unpredictable. That’s two phrases. I’m grasping.
Why are we right here?
I consider I used to be placed on this earth to make individuals smile. What’s the that means of life? I believe we solely discover out once we die. (Preserve it gentle, Chiz).
As an actress identified for drama and comedy, how does your performing expertise assist you win factors on the present?
I’m unsure my performing expertise helps to be sincere. I’m a type of individuals who is aware of some obscure issues. I like a quiz and I’m a little bit of a sponge.
What’s been essentially the most stunning truth about Black historical past you’ve realized on Sorry I Didn’t Know?
It needs to be John Blanke. He was a trumpeter in Henry VII’s courtroom after which moved on to Henry VIII’s. He requested the then King for a pay rise. Now, I’m pondering, Henry was insulted and chopped off this head, however no. John bought his elevate. There’s even a tapestry depicting him enjoying his instrument.
In case you may select any historic determine to affix your workforce, who wouldn’t it be and why?
Richard Pryor, undoubtedly. He may not know the solutions however he’d crack us up. The episode would find yourself being 3 hours lengthy.
What does being part of Sorry I Didn’t Know imply to you personally?
It’s such a dream to be part of this present. To movie one sequence was superior sufficient, however to repeatedly be requested again is an absolute honour. We’ve turn out to be an actual household, forged, crew and manufacturing. The blokes and gals at Riverside Studio the place we movie, are all the time so welcoming too. We’re a present about black historical past and being the longest-running present created by a Black-led manufacturing firm signifies that we are actually part of that Historical past. Fraser and Minnie have created one thing very particular.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU…
If not this, then what? Catching Serial Killers for the FBI. I studied Criminology and for some time, I believed that’s what I used to be going to do.
What’s made you unhappy, mad, & glad this week? Unhappy – the fixed hatred and persevering with conflicts all over the world. Mad – London drivers. All the time London drivers. Glad – having been away for two months, my cat has lastly forgiven me and has began sleeping on my mattress once more. I simply adore him.
What are you watching? Day of the Jackal. Cracking script and top-notch performing.
What are you studying? Kids of Advantage and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi. Simply found Audible (I do know, so late) and am at the moment listening to it on there. I’m getting by means of books quicker.
The final movie you watched? Communicate No Evil with James McAvoy. That’s one tousled movie.
The final play you noticed? I really can’t bear in mind. I assume which means I have to see extra theatre.
The final stay music occasion? Beyoncé in 2023. Hoping to see Jodeci this Christmas.
What’s at the moment in your playlist? Beverley Knight’s The Fifth Chapter. The One I’m Gonna Love is one in all my favourites though they’re all fab songs.
What podcast are you listening to? I don’t hearken to Podcasts. I do know, loopy, proper?
What’s in your bucket record? Asia. By no means been. Notably Japan. I do karate and I’d love to go to Okinawa the place it originated.
The place’s your glad place? With my Nephew and Nice Niece. They discover me hilarious. I’m in my aspect after I’m with them.
Have fun another person … Cynthia Erivo. I noticed her on stage on Broadway and fell in love with that voice. So glad she’s getting the credit score she deserves with Depraved.
Have fun your self … I like doing my Psychological Well being Monday movies. They’re catharticand appear to provide others a contented buzz too.
What’s subsequent? Little Disasters for Paramount Plus. We filmed it within the Summer time in Budapest. Nice job!
The place can we discover you?
Insta: @lil_bit_of_chiz
Twitter: @chizzyakudolu
@tiktok- @lil_bit_of_chiz
Fb : chizzy akudolu- although I hardly ever use it
The place can we watch you at work? ITV on Sundays in Sorry, I Didn’t Know. I’ll be doing a little extra stand-up within the new yr, so… Netflix particular, perhaps…