INTERVIEW: I don’t enjoy going for auditions, says actor Ozzy Agu

Ozzy Agu is not your typical actor. The Business Administration graduate has also ventured into hosting and was recently selected as part of the 2025 Berlinale Talents at the Berlin International Film Festival. In this interview with TheCable Lifestyle, Ozzy discusses his journey into acting, role models, his dislike for auditions, and upcoming projects.

TheCable Lifestyle: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?

Ozzy: I come from a very loving household, and we always used to play together. Anytime we watched films, we would create some of the actions we see on the screen. Jackie Chan was a huge favorite in our house. So, we would do some karate and break something and then my mom and dad would be very upset.

But it was the way we had fun and I never thought I would be an actor per se. I just kept growing up with… Economics was my favorite subject in school. I used to draw but those were doodles on my notebooks. When I got bored with class, I did some drawing but when you are an African kid you are pushed towards something more concrete for a career.

So I leaned more toward Economics because I liked that. But as time went on and more experiences and watched more films, I think I saw a film and I thought to myself maybe I can do that. The thoughts just stayed with me…

But I received a lot of encouragement and I guess the rest is history. I have just been sort of doing it since then.

TheCable Lifestyle: Who are your role models in the industry?

Ozzy: Acting is a spiritual art form, sometimes you almost have to open yourself up and be possessed by these characters. And some of the actors that I have seen do that very well, they are very generous and they give themselves completely to the service of the story.

Lupita Nyong’o does that, Chiwetel Ejiofor also does that, and David Oyelowo. There is this guy named Mark Rylance who is more stage. There are a lot of them that anytime I see their performance, I am really moved by it. My good friend Kunle Remi and in addition to Kunle, Buchi Franklin. You see Buchi, shout out to him.

TheCable Lifestyle: What has been the biggest challenge of being an actor?

Ozzy: I guess the biggest challenge would be the typical challenge that all actors go through, once you finish a job, you are pretty much unemployed until the next job comes. So, you always have to keep yourself out there and always be auditioning. Some people enjoy auditioning, but I do not like it if I am being honest. But I prefer the creative side when we get into rehearsals leading up to, the premier production date or getting on stage in front of an audience. That is pretty much the only obstacle I see, which is not a big deal, but that is the one for me.

TheCable Lifestyle: What was your reaction after you got the role in ‘Deeper’?

Ozzy: I’m excited. the producer Lani is someone whose talent I’m well aware of and the opportunity to work with him was always something that I’d look forward to. So after the auditions and whatnot, I was happy. I was happy because I got to work with people that I admire. It can’t be overstated, working with people you like in this new series.

TheCable Lifestyle: You spoke about actors completely giving themselves to the script, in ‘Deeper’ did you do a lot of that?

Ozzy: Absolutely. Because I happen to watch it, there is a scene with Mr Jegede where he needs his money. That scene, the way it plays out, was particularly memorable for me because of the interaction with my co-stars who played Mr Jegede and Annie as well. There were a lot of really dramatic moments and that required a lot of listening and staying present. Because no matter who you are and how you prepare for a role on your own or a scene, you do not know what the other person is preparing. So when you show up that day, you have to be open to their interpretation as well and let that affect you. That was crucial in a lot of scenes in ‘Deeper’.

TheCable Lifestyle: Where do you see yourself in the next five to ten years?

Ozzy: I literally have no idea. Hopefully, I would still be telling wonderful stories, entertaining audiences and the world.