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As the Nigerian movie scene becomes more competitive and vibrant, one name that will continue to resonate with the people is Samuel Oniyitan, popularly known as Big Sam, one of the top-rated and most sought-after actors presently. Big Sam who has a professional background as a Marketing Researcher is fast soaring higher in the movie industry with his unique approach to movie production, using his valuable experiences to motivate movie lovers. In this interview, the Lagos State-born multi-talented Actor, Director and Producer whose net worth is over $800,000, is proving to the world that his talents extend far beyond corporate marketing and his latest movie set to be premiered soonest. Excerpts.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in acting
My name is Samuel Oniyitan, I am an actor and a movie producer. Am a graduate of HND Marketing and MBA Business Management. I was born and brought up in Lagos, Isolo to be precise. Before being an actor, I have worked with several International and Multinational companies which gives me lots of experience in market research.
What inspired you to pursue a career in acting
It all started when I was a kid, I started watching Yoruba movies like Koto Orun and others which makes me love acting, I usually act in primary school and also in church then, moving to secondary school, my passion for acting keeps on as I was also involved in most acting in school then, so after then, two of my closest friends whom we are both acting in school continue on that part to join Nollywood movie. But I chose to continue with my studies in a higher institution. Then, In 2001, there was this movie that was shooting in my school campus which involved the likes of Yomi Fash Lanso, Saheed Balogun and other top actors. I had the opportunity to meet my old friends back then in my secondary school days, he’s now one of the biggest directors in the industry. He introduced me to some of the actors and I was asked to join the extras. After then, I continued my studies, did my masters and got chartered after several years of working then in 2017, I realized that, this is what I have passion for, fame is good so this brought me fully back into joining the Nollywood industry. And by God’s grace, things have been working for good.
What kind of role are you interested in playing? Any dream roles
My dream role has always been the bad guy thing, I like bad guy role but people have been choosing me for good guy role like husband, boyfriend, descent guy which I don’t really have any challenge in that role anyway, but I like bad boy role which I can act it so perfectly like the Shanty town (Scar role) and something of that kind.
How do you prepare for auditions and performance
Am not really the audition type, but in most cases I have no choice I have to do it, I always have an idea, in a situation where by I don’t have an idea, I always pick some of my role model, their acting like some of their movies, then, pick any of their character that I know am good at.
What has been the most challenging role you have played so far? How did you overcome the challenge
My own movie ‘ABEKE’ was so challenging, my role was supposed to be a lover boy but in the twist of the story that the lover boy of a thing has to turn to tragedy, I have to go through being a sad guy all through the movie. The director realized I used to be so loved among the people, playing with everyone and so happy around people always, so he used that against me and changed the initiative, stopping people from getting close to me, no one was ready to attend to me. I was so lonely on set unknown to me he set this up among others that this is the only way he can get me to play the role so well, so been so lonely before going to set, feeling bad already prepared me so well for the role which later gave me an Award as best actor 2021 (Bon Award).
Can you share any memorable experiences or funny anecdotes from your acting journey
I could remember my first time, it was on set, I was paired with one of the popular female actress, I was giving her lots of trouble, they have to record my shots several times, when the director was now furious so she said you are the one that brought an unprofessional actor on the set. I felt so bad and embarrassed. I was really angry then but in the long run, I focused and faced my challenge. Since then, I have improved dramatically and today, I am a professional actor and producer by God’s grace.
Who are your biggest influences or role models in the acting industry
Yomi Fash Lanso, I love him with passion, he’s my role model, Funso Adeolu, Odunlade Adekola, Richard Mofe Damijo RMD, I love him so well too. I’m a guy who wants to be the male version of Genevieve Nnaji anytime, any day.
Are there any actors or actresses you would love to work with in the future?
Lots of them, though I have worked with Deyemi Okanlawon in the past, and I still want to work with him, I wish to work with Adesua Etomi and also Genevieve Nnaji. I pray she returns to the movie industry one day. I also wish to work with RMD and also I have worked with Wole Ojo and I would like to work with him again.
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow as an actor
Hard work, because at times the industry will not encourage you but since I am focused and know why I’m here. I try to face my direction and be focused and I know I will surely get there, that’s the motivation I have.
Are you among the people who believe that hard work still pays
Absolutely, I believe in working hard, digging for gold, not from space. Because, in the end, it pays.
What advice would you give to other aspiring actors who are just starting out?
I just believe they need to know why they want to be an actor, and they should be focused on their goals as long as possible. I’m begging them not to be distracted because they are the only ones that can distract themselves. They just have to raise their heads up, look straight and be focused. I’m sure that they will achieve their greater goals in the industry with strong determination.
Sometimes ago, you took a break from the industry. Why did you have the break
So many things happened, I wasn’t myself, I was having issues with some directors which I don’t really know why most of them were against me then, so many things happened which I won’t be comfortable discussing it here, I think they said I stepped on toes which I don’t really understand and that was why they stopped calling me for movies and at some point I was not financially stable, I was bankrupt so I had to go back to my drawing board and I left the industry for like 6 – 11 month, but along the line I was trying to step down from acting but my movie Abeke got me various awards. In the process, I got the best actor (Bon Award) and also nominations from different awards. One of them was from the AMVCA Awards in 2022, among others which was a big motivation for me to come back.
As a producer, do you have any projects you are currently working on
Yes! Mayowa Cross, this movie is going to be a blockbuster and greater than Abeke will be on screen soon.
Currently, you remain one of the most sought actors in the movie industry. How does this reflect on your net worth been around $800,000 as an actor?
Yes, this has really help me financially, it has also increase my net worth. It’s just a struggle that pays cos that is what I love doing passionately. I can comfortably put my net worth around 800,000 USD.
