You’ve probably seen her face on your screens, and might know her by the characters she’ve played. But who really is this amazing art that graces our screens with so much passion and talent
Lets find out.
Describe Damilare Kuku in 5 words.
Damilare – Determined, Strong, Funny, Religious, and Liberal
How did acting begin for you, share with us your journey to fame. What’s your story?
Damilare – I always knew I wanted to act. I grew up watching a lorry load of films and in retrospect, the stories, the characters in those movies helped me to find my path in life. For example, I knew I wanted to sing because I watched ‘Sound of Music’, I knew I didn’t want to get pregnant out of wedlock because I watched ‘I need to know’ produced by Unicef, and I knew I wanted to experience love because I watched ‘Yemi my lover’. These stories taught me or rather, reinforced some of the teachings already instilled me. I studied theater arts and even bagged a Masters degree from the same field of study from the University of Lagos, so I already began chasing my dream from secondary school. However, I started auditioning in 2012 and the first audition I attended was for Tinsel.
The journey has been quite interesting, I have learnt to let go of every experience that doesn’t make me happy or that pulls me back into the past. I have met really amazing people, I have grown both as an artist and as a person, I am still in the process of growing and I am sure I will never stop growing.
My story is not complicated, I am a person who believes strongly in the power of storytelling through the arts and I am happy to be in a room with people of like minds. My happiest moments are usually when I am with God, spending time with myself and loved ones or when I am on set.
You’ve been in a quite a number of movies! Can you list your recent works and how did you get those roles? How would you describe the experiences?
Damilare – Television – Ebony Life’s Castle and Castle, Africa Magic’s Hotel Majestic and Blessing Egbe’s Ten Virgins.
Film – The Outcast, Chatroom, Bodyguard and Zahra.
Stage – Kakadu the musical (2013-2016), Childe International and Ewa.
I got the jobs because I auditioned for them. The experiences vary and with each job, there is a new tone. I usually just find my balance amidst all the madness and I commit to telling the character’s story because that is what makes me happy.
On your journey to fame: What movie would you say brought you to limelight?
Damilare – I think every job I have done has served a purpose. There is no particular film that I would mark out to be the one film. I am building a body of work and with each job, my face becomes more familiar. I don’t like to be the actor that is known for playing that one character so well that people can only identify me by that job alone. I want every job to be so remarkable that each time people see me on screen, they are not sure what to expect when it comes to my style of delivery.
How do you feel about social media bullies? And have you ever been trolled on social media?
Damilare – I don’t pay much attention to bullies, they are everywhere. My approach to bullying is to ignore them till you no longer remember they exist. I have been trolled and I am sure I will still be trolled. However, for the persistent ones, I just delete comments or block accounts.
What projects are you currently working on? What should we expect from you before the year runs out?
Damilare – I just finished a job with the producers of ‘Rule no 1’. I can’t really list the jobs you should expect because I am not in charge of when the production companies decide to release the jobs. That said, my manager and I are in talks with a number of productions that I auditioned for, If those jobs pan out, then great, otherwise, I am open to opportunities that would come.
Are you single? In a relationship? Or secretly married? What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done for love?
Damilare – I am single. The craziest thing I have ever done was that I drove from my house to my ex’s house at 12 am. I was worried about him because he was going through a rough patch.
What would be a question you’d be afraid to tell the truth on.
Damilare – I am a very private person. There are a lot of questions I wouldn’t want to answer.
Would you say you’re living the life you’ve always dreamt of?
Damilare – Not yet but I am getting closer day by day.
If not acting, what other profession would you have chosen?
Damilare – If I was not an actor, I would be a chair.
Internationally, which Actor would you like to work with? And in Nigeria? Why?
Damilare – Meryl streep, I love her and I want my career path to be similar to hers. In Nigeria, I want to work with Genevieve Nnaji, she is a remarkable woman and I could learn a lot from her.
What is the strangest thing you’ve being required to do as an actor?
Damilare – I don’t do strange things; if it is important to the story and the character I will do it. Otherwise, I say no.
As an Actor, What has been your favorite role? And what role would you consider your most challenging role so far?
Damilare – My journey has only begun, I have enjoyed every character so far and every new role is a challenge as I am not the characters I play.
What’s your most memorable acting experience?
Damilare – I liked the last job I did with the producers of ‘Rule no 1’, it was fun working with everyone on set, and I met some really amazing actors.
