The Actors’ Society

Jimmy Akingbola is a highly sought after and popular figure within the acting Industry known by everyone he meets as “the nicest of guys”; Jimmy Akingbola truly is Mr. Nice. Having graduated from ALRA Drama School in 2000, Jimmy has worked consistently ever since, working his way up from the bottom to the top of his field.

“I’ve always believed in “the craft” of acting and wanted to learn everything that I could about the profession. Everything I could cram into my head.”

And Jimmy isn’t kidding. Having gone from the actor’s staple diet of small roles in The Bill, Doctors and Holby City when he first started, to the RSC and leads in TV dramas, currently most recognizable as his PC alter ego Neil Parker in BBC’s Holby Blue (Where he has been nominated for Best Male TV Performance - Screen Nation Awards 2008/9). The prime time cop drama taken from the “Casualty” Franchise used TriForce Promotions for their monthly unwind:

“It’s been a beautiful time for me. Made some new, true friends and it seemed to make sense to weave TriForce and Holby Blue together. Everyone (who worked on Holby Blue) knew that they could have a hassle free, great night, guaranteed each month. That means a lot when you don’t get much free time”

Jimmy has garnered numerous high praised reviews and accolades in his time as an actor, and received the TMA Award for his performance in Joe Penhall’s play “Blue Orange”. Not only a fantastic personal achievement to Jimmy, it was the first time that an award had been given to an actor for Blue Orange in its many years run.

He recently finished portraying Jimmy Porter from John Osborne’s classic play “Look Back In Anger”, the first time a black actor has taken the role. At the end of 2008 Jimmy was playing Othello and getting superb 5 star reviews for his performance in Frantic Assembly’s “Othello” set in the heart of West Yorkshire.  When asked about his experience as a black actor, Jimmy simply smiles:

“I’m very proud of my heritage but I wouldn’t say it defines who I am. You look at Denzel Washington and Will Smith and it doesn’t even come into your head. I’d like to get my career to that place. Take TriForce nights for instance, all colours, all ages, all departments and all walks of life. That’s what I’m talking about.”

Jimmy Akingbola aka Mr. Nice is the social butterfly and the heart behind TriForce Promotions, and brings his many years party experience to the group. Having been to literally hundreds of premieres, screenings, product launches and parties, he adds a unique experienced perspective to all of TriForce’s events:
“You know when you come across something- a film or a book, whatever. And it is so good that you want to share it with everybody? That’s how i feel about TriForce. We’ve created something unique and good hearted and I want others to have a piece.”

- How long he has been in the business and what tips can you give to new comers to the business?

“I have been acting professionally now for 8 years slowly working my way up that career ladder that we all have in our heads. I have been blessed with some amazing jobs working with and along side people like Ian Mckellen, Kathy Burke, Roger Lloyd Pack and Rudolph Walker. I get asked a lot for advice and I normally answer but telling people to learn as much as they can when they are in their training because the rest will come on the job once you start working. Also go to see a lot of theatre and film and learn about the type of people you like or would like to work with. Even if you see something that’s bad you can still learn from it. It’s important to know what type of work you like. And last but not least make sure you remember the names industry people you meet. Also make sure you write letters to casting directors and directors out of 50 letters one may only reply but that one could be a special one that leads to a job!”

- What is Jimmy up to now? When can we catch him on TV or Plays coming up?

“At the moment I’m doing a bit of radio for BBC Radio 3 with British comedian Will Smith. I have had a few auditions and will hear if I got them in the next few weeks. My main focus at the moment is LA. I hope to go over there for pilot season because I’m ambitious and I feel the bridge for British actors especially black actors has become more accessible.”

In the mean time check him out on Holby Blue http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/holbyblue/