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In life, we often come across individuals who leave an indelible mark on our hearts, inspiring us with their unwavering spirit and compassion. Among them is John Akanmu, a young man I have had the privilege of knowing since he went to school with one of my sons.
I was delighted to catch up with John Akanmu and interview him and really reconnect with him on his journey from boy to man.
John Akanmu: The Man. The Interview
From the very beginning, it was evident that John's presence would be significant in both our lives. As their friendship grew, John and my son became best mates, growing up together as brothers and forging a bond that would stand the test of time.
One can't help but be captivated by John's captivating smile, which perfectly mirrors the warmth that resides within his heart.
Over the years, I have witnessed him evolve into a remarkable young man; an actor, dancer, model and entrepreneur, and one that I couldn't be prouder for him to call me 'Aunty Bev'.
It is truly heartening to see how his experiences have shaped him into a person of humility, kindness and an innate ability to lead and mentor others.
In this blog post, we will delve into the incredible transformation of John; a journey that has seen him grow from a spirited young boy into an inspiring young man and one that has featured in the recent Mission Impossible film!
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to read our wonderful interview with this amazing man. The blog will (probably not) self-destruct in 5..... 4.... 3... 2..
Your first performance role came as part of the Isles of Wonder Opening Ceremony at the London Olympics in 2012. How did that come about?
I went to a performance arts school called The BRIT School for college.
The school tend to present its students with opportunities and London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremonies happen to be one of them and I went for it!
You also appeared in the 'Vossi Bop' music video with Stormzy. How did you get the part and what was that like working with him?
I have an agent and they send me bookings and jobs to audition for regularly. The job came in I went to the audition and I got it!
Stormzy is a great guy, easy to work with and humble too.
Your latest and most high-profile role to date is in the latest Tom Cruise blockbuster Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1. When you received the call about appearing in Mission: Impossible can you describe your emotion at the time?
It's funny because initially, I went in as an extra and I didn't know what film it was due to its high profile.
I only accepted it because I wasn't working due to the pandemic lockdown in 2020. I'd been working as a full-time actor for at least 2 years before the lockdown, so it was really challenging to go back to an 'extra'.
Were you able to share this exciting news with your family and friends?
Well, since it began as an extra role, there wasn't much to be excited about! If anything it was the opposite of excitement and I kept to myself on set as I didn't want to be noticed as an extra.
When you met Tom Cruise what were your impressions of him and what advice did he give you?
I was amazed when I first saw Tom Cruise, like I said, I didn't know what film I was working on and I didn't bother to find out, since I did not want to be there.
So when Tom came in to say "hi" to all the extras and thank us for coming into work because COVID was still around and there were a lot of rules and regulations for film production to follow, he thought it would be nice to come and thank us, which made us all feel special and appreciated, well that's how I felt.
It was after this that I realised I was an extra in Mission: Impossible!
What were some of the key differences in terms of scale, resources and overall production experience from the other work you'd done?
My production experience began to change after a day or two on set.
I was in a big hall with the rest of the extra cast when I was called to go on set for the director to see my face.
The director, Christopher McQuarrie, was on the train set while I was standing out waiting, at some point, he came to the train window to get a good look at me and gave a thumbs-up to the Assistant Directors (ADs). Then I was escorted back for a costume change.
I had about three people now working on my costume and dressing me up. At this point, I still wasn't sure what was going on but I kept cool and relaxed.
Once my costume was confirmed I was escorted straight back to set and ushered onto the train set where the 1st AD (Assistant Director) welcomed me to set and kindly asked me to wait for a brief moment for Christopher to finish his conversation with Vanessa Kirby, whom I will later be working closely with.
The 1st AD went to notify Christopher that was waiting when he saw me, he came up to me with a big smile and made an announcement at my arrival for the rest of the cast and crew, letting everyone know I'm here to play The White Widow’s Henchman!
My production experience began to change drastically from that moment!
Tom Cruise is renowned for doing his own stunts, were you able to see this along with his preparations to execute these stunts?
Unfortunately, I didn't witness any of Tom’s stunt performances but we were in a few scenes together and I got to see him act, which was so inspiring and incredible acting alongside him.
How professional were the teams you worked with on the movie?
Everyone was professional! Which I believe is expected when working on a film as big as Mission: Impossible!
What were some of the unique challenges you faced while working on the movie?
This was indeed a unique challenge as I never anticipated it. Before I began working on Mission: Impossible, I was also offered a theatrical role in an immersive adaptation of the BBC's classic sci-fi series Dr Who in 2020, which was to commence in May 2021.
I concluded with Mission: Impossible in March 2021 but then I was called to come back to film Mission while I was in rehearsal for Dr. Who!
I almost couldn't believe it, I am double-booked and I was informed that Christopher needed me! My jaw dropped to the ground.
I kept pondering in my mind how I got here where a big Hollywood director like Christopher McQuarrie required me! Then negotiation began with the producers of Mission: Impossible, the producers at the BBC and my agent.
In the end, the BBC gave me about a week or two to go back on Mission: Impossible which means they had to fit the filming schedule now to suit MY schedule, which itself is bizarre if you ask me!
With those challenges how did you overcome them?
I definitely prayed. I stayed in communication with all parties and hoped for the best.
How were you treated as an actor on the set of the movie and what does that tell you about mentorship and leadership?
I was treated exceptionally well as a cast compared to when I was an extra, which made me appreciate it even more.
Also seeing how Tom relates to everyone regardless of their status really inspired me to do the same.
Did you feel supported and respected by the crew and fellow cast members?
Oh absolutely! The respect began as soon as I was announced as the White Widow's Henchman by Christopher.
The cast treated me as equals and I remember an occasion when I walked in with Tom from outside onto the set.
The walk was about a minute, but almost everyone got to see it and we were casually talking and laughing. I remember seeing some of the crew’s faces thinking “Who's that guy??”
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your work in the entertainment industry as part of the filming was done during this time?
COVID delayed a lot of things, especially in the film industry.
We had to get tested every other day and we weren't allowed to be too close and a bunch of rules which made things harder and more complicated.
What was it like rehearsing and filming during that challenging period, and how did you adapt to the new safety protocols on the set of Mission: Impossible?
It was a strange period and was challenging to get used to.
I think the main challenge for me was when we constantly had to wear a face mask, even while on set.
The only time we were allowed not to wear a mask was during a film take and, as you can imagine, one can get used to wearing a mask for so long that you end up wearing one during a take which happened a few times.
As an actor, preparation is crucial. How did you approach your role in the movie, and did you receive any advice or insights from the seasoned Hollywood stars you worked with?
I didn't have much to prepare for other than to look good and strong for the camera, which came naturally to me... But at some point, while filming, Christopher said something I had no idea what it meant, so I asked a fellow cast member Frederick Schmidt who played Zola, and he helped me out.
The entertainment industry can be competitive and fast-paced. How did you find a balance between staying focused on your work and enjoying the experience of working on a high-profile movie set?
I have trained my mind not to see anyone as a competition and to focus on myself.
If anything I humbled myself and learn from other actors that have been doing it longer than me and had more experience.
I was able to have a delightful time on set by choosing to learn from others, rather than thinking I needed to be better than them.
Being in a supporting role may present unique challenges. How did you remain motivated and dedicated to your part, even if it wasn't as prominent as the leading roles?
Because I came in as an extra it was easy to stay dedicated to the part I was given as it was never mine to begin with.
What drives your passion for acting, regardless of the size of the role?
I love being on set, even when the call time is at 6 am or I'm having to wait a long time to go on set.
Because I love it so much the size of the role does not matter to me, as long as I get to work and the role is not an extra role! (lol!).
Looking back at your journey as an actor, what advice would you give to aspiring actors who are pursuing their dreams in the entertainment industry?
Do everything you know to get yourself out there, then search for information on how to get to where you want to be.
This could be talking to a fellow actor that might be doing better than you, watching interviews with established actors to hear their success stories and lastly having a plan to achieve your goals.
I know it sounds cliche but you will be surprised when your plan goes to plan, but that can only happen when you have a plan!
Your faith is an important aspect of your life. How did it play a part in the work you did on the movie and other projects?
My faith plays a major part in my career.
Acting is a tough career choice and it will make you doubt what's possible at some point if not all the time.
What I have come to realise is to stay in constant communication with the Lord! This is actually what got me the role in Mission Impossible.
It was during lockdown when I wasn't working and I didn't have a house. I stayed at my ex-girlfriend’s house which turned out to be a terrible idea, as it was very toxic. Then I slept on my brother's couch for a few months, this was a lot to bear.
I still remember sitting by myself for the first two/three days on set just praying and not socialising with anyone, I kept praying at home and on set.
Then naturally without any effort on my part to be cast in Mission: Impossible, the opportunity came.
I did not audition, the crew did not go around asking who would like to be cast and yet, I was chosen. I believe it is called “Grace”.
Did it influence your approach to your roles or interactions on set?
Mmm, I'm not sure but not afraid to talk about and I think I shared my faith with some people on set.
How did you stay resilient and committed to your craft throughout your career?
Well, there are good days and bad days for sure! I kinda gave up acting for a few months just last year (2022) into early 2023.
I believe what keeps me going is my relationship with God, supportive friends and giving thanks for what the Lord has already done!
Can you share some highlights or memorable moments from those projects?
I have a few highlights from working on Mission: Impossible, but the one that really surprised me was when Tom and Christopher invited me to a private screen of Top Gun: Maverick months before the release date.
How did this project contribute to your growth as an actor and a professional in the entertainment industry?
To be able to say I've worked with a major Hollywood director and with one of the biggest movie stars in the world is huge growth and respect from fellow actors and industry professionals.
The film took 2 years to make. How have you grown in that time and what wisdom can you share on mentoring?
My patience has increased tremendously since working on Mission: Impossible.
I came to realise that the things we want don't usually happen when we want them to, so have faith, put your trust in God and be patient.
What's next for John Akanmu?
I’m playing Louis Armstrong in a movie coming out in 2024 called Bonhoeffer (formerly God's Spy).
I've also been appointed as the Creative Director of the House of Sofas an internal design company based in Kensington.
Finally, as I have known you since you were a kid at school, I take it that 'Aunty Bev' will have a spot on the red carpet next time?
Absolutely! No questions asked!
A huge thank you to John for sitting down with us and sharing his journey. We hope that you enjoyed this insight into the life of an actor and how it feels to be part of such a large production.
You can keep up-to-date with John on Twitter, where he's @JohnDunamis and, if you're interested in working with him, he's represented by talent agency Simon & How.
If you enjoyed with interview with John and would like to show your gratitude, please consider buying me a virtual coffee by clicking the button below. Bottomless thanks.
Love this! So inspirational!!
What an incredible story of hope and possibilities that inspire, coming from an incredible and humble role model! Thank you for this.