Jimmy Akingbola is greatest recognized for his work throughout tv, movie, and theatre.
His profession consists of notable appearances in Ted Lasso, ITV’s The Tower, and, extra lately, the reimagined Recent Prince sequence, Bel-Air. Akingbola can be a producer and co-founder of Triforce Productions, alongside Fraser and Minnie Ayres.
Collectively, they created the ITV sequence Sorry I Didn’t Know, a singular comedy panel present that has turn into ITV’s longest-running sequence from a manufacturing firm led by Black creatives. Hosted by Akingbola, the present options two groups of comedians, headed by staff captains Chizzy Akudolu and Eddie Kadi, as they take audiences on an eye-opening and humour-filled journey by means of Black historical past.
We spoke to Akingbola concerning the present’s success and why he thinks it resonates with audiences.
Please introduce your self …
My title is Jimmy Akingbola, I’m an actor, producer and co-founder of TriForce Artistic Community. And I’m a British-born Nigerian.
Describe your life in a single phrase or a sentence …
Blessed.
Why are we right here?
I’m right here to advertise and have a good time the truth that our panel present Sorry, I Didn’t Know is in its fifth Season and it’s ITV’s longest-running present from a manufacturing firm led by Black creatives.
What’s been probably the most stunning truth about Black historical past that you simply’ve realized on Sorry I Didn’t Know?
Essentially the most stunning truth I’ve learnt is that a lot of Black Historical past continues to be hidden or ignored inside right now’s society.
If you happen to may select any historic determine to affix your staff, who wouldn’t it be and why?
I’d love Nelson Mandela to affix my staff so he may inform Eddie Kadi off for doing impersonations of him.
What’s probably the most rewarding a part of internet hosting a present that highlights Black historical past in such a enjoyable approach?
Essentially the most rewarding half for me is with the ability to have a good time and acknowledge so lots of my friends and mates who’ve impressed me all through my life. And to remind them that also they are part of historical past. Too many occasions we give folks their flowers when they’re gone as a substitute of whereas they’re right here with us.
How does it really feel to be a part of Sorry I Didn’t Know, now recognised as ITV’s longest-running present from a Black-led manufacturing firm, each as its host and a member of the manufacturing staff?
We really feel very proud and a bit bit emotional if I’m sincere. When myself and Fraser Ayres arrange TriForce Artistic Community we might all the time speak about eager to make an influence by means of the work we create. We have been impressed by exhibits like The Actual McCoy and Desmond’s. Illustration and Inclusivity is one thing we’ve all the time embraced and you may see that while you watch Sorry, I Didn’t Know and particularly while you see the picture of our unbelievable manufacturing staff.
You’ve had an unbelievable profession, what have been the largest highlights for you to date?
My largest highlights to date must be the 12 months 2024 due to the 5 exhibits I’ve out proper now on a number of totally different platforms. My pal despatched me the record lately… it goes Bel-Air (PeacockTV/Amazon), The Tower (ITV/BritBox), In The Lengthy Run (Netflix UK/Sky), Deal with With Care (ITV/PeacockTV) and final however not least Sorry, I Didn’t Know (ITV).
How do you stability dramatic roles like Geoffrey in Bel-Air with lighter initiatives like Sorry I Didn’t Know?
I simply attempt to keep open and drift as every job requires one thing totally different from me. I get pleasure from mixing up the mediums and characters because it helps to maintain me sharp as an artist and likewise I feel it makes it exhausting for folks to pigeonhole me.
You’ve labored in each British and American productions, how does the business differ on both aspect of the Atlantic?
I feel within the US your work hours are for much longer, so you must be sure you tempo your self and have nice stamina.
As somebody who’s performed such a various vary of characters, is there a dream function or venture you’re nonetheless hoping to deal with?
Sure, there’s a large record. I’d like to do a retelling of James Bond, Jason Bourne and John Wick. After which possibly a UK model of Hitch.
Attending to know you …
If not this, then what? Supervisor or Agent for Actors or Footballers
What’s made you unhappy, mad, & glad this week? I’m mad at the truth that Liverpool drew with Newcastle this week as we have been minutes away from one other 3 factors.
I’m unhappy to listen to that Bel-Air is ending however I’m glad that we get to shoot a season 4 particularly throughout these unprecedented occasions.
What are you watching? Black Doves on Netflix
What are you studying? Dwelling Double by JaSheika James and Janeika James
The final movie you watched? Exhibiting Forgiveness – written and directed by Titus Kaphar
The final play you noticed? Shifters – written by Benedict Lombe
The final reside music occasion? Killer Mike and Dave Chapelle on the Apollo
What’s at the moment in your playlist? My brother Sola Akingbola’s new album How Ought to I Half 1.
What podcast are you listening to? Jay Shetty’s On Objective
What’s in your bucket record? To go to the 7 wonders of the world
The place’s your joyful place? Any sizzling nation with a delicate white sand seashore and blue ocean
Have a good time another person … Cynthia Erivo – she’s a pal and she or he’s simply getting higher and higher with each efficiency
What’s subsequent? I’ve created a scripted TV present based mostly off of my documentary Deal with With Care and I’m in the midst of assembly streamers and networks about making it. And I’m manifesting a Geoffrey Spinoff for Peacock TV, in my head it’s referred to as “G”.
The place can we discover you? @jimmyakingbola on insta, ticktok, Snapchat and Spill.
The place can we watch you at work? I’ve so much to be thankful for 2024 has been a busy 12 months. You may at the moment watch my work on many various platforms. See beneath:
BelAir – @PeacockTV
The Tower – @ITVX & @BritBox
In The Lengthy Run – @NetflixUK
Deal with With Care – @PeacockTV & @ITVX
Sorry I Didn’t Know – @ITV