Though he has been on and offthe movie industry for close to 20 years, but Eric Obinna has proven time and again that he is a consummate professional whenever he hit set.
The indigene of Imo state and graduate of Theatre Arts from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in Anambra State in this interesting interview with publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine, AZUH LILIAN, he talks passionately about his craft as well as why he sees himself as a local man fashion wise.
What makes a good actor?
Talent and the ability to learn is what makes a good actor
What stands Eric Obinna out as an actor?
What stands me out as an actor is my ability to interpret various roles convincingly, if you need me to be funny, you have got yourself a comedian, if you need me to be holy, you have got yourself a man of God, if you need me to be a traditionist, you have got yourself a herbalist.
What got you interested in acting in the first place?
I got interested in acting by constantly watching movies and dramas on television, and through that developed a liking for the profession.
What is your general assessment of Nollywood?
Nollywood is still unfolding, growing, improving, and the process, making world statements.
Can you recollect the first time you acted; your first ever acting role?
My first acting role was as an extra or background actor in the movie; ‘Blood of the Orphan.’ I can’t quite remember the year now.
What is your state of origin and local government?
Like I said I’m from Imo state, Isiala Mbano local government
What is the most memorable role you have interpreted and why?
I have really done a whole lot of memorable roles, but recently I played the role of a dibia in a very popular Africa Magic original series ‘Masquerades of Aniedo’ and that character remains very memorable in my acting career, because it was so challenging, that even the producers and directors were like ‘would he really be able to pull this character through?’ but at the end of the shoot, it was congratulations all around for a job well done.
Which is the worst role you have played?
I played the role of an abusive father in a short film, and I really hated playing that role, but what can I do? It’s the nature of the job.
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
Nothing stays permanent, nothing stays forever, make the most of every moment that you have got, because it may be taken away from you forever in a twinkle of an eye.
Who are your movie icons?
I have quite a lot but for the singular purpose of this interview I would mention Chief Akin Lewis, Frank Eche Ben, Onyeisi Ichie Pete Edochie, and a host of others.
How many movies have you featured in?
I really have not featured in a lot of movies surprisingly, since I came into the industry, I don’t think I have featured in more than let’s say 20 movies.
Describe Eric Obinna in a nutshell?
Eric Obinna is kind hearted, which is why a whole lot of people tend to take or want to take advantage of me. I’m gradually learning to be a little hard hearted/ Eric Obinna is very loving and caring, very understanding, a very calm, quiet soul, diligent and intelligent, honest and abhors lies and deceit.
How many awards do you have to your credit?
Honestly not so many, just a few, which makes me wonder sometimes if these people are not seeing all my efforts.
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
God gave me a heart that never gives up, no matter the circumstances, I’m always very hopeful.
How affordable is Eric Obinna; what are your charges?
Eric Obinna is affordable according to the nature of the job, let me not fix any particular charges, let’s just say I’m negotiable.
When was the last time you wore a suit and what was the occasion?
If I ever wore a suit, it must be for a movie shoot, I don’t like that costume at all
Which is your favorite; corporate, casual or native attires and why?
Honestly, when it comes to fashion, I’m a stark illiterate. I wear casuals a lot, they are fast and easy, whether ironed or not, I sweat less in casuals, and it makes me feel and look smart.
What is your best fashion accessory?
Unfortunately, I don’t wear accessories, I don’t wear wrist watches, I don’t wear necklaces or any kind of jewelries, I don’t even wear rings on my fingers, not that I see anything wrong with those things, it’s just that I don’t feel comfortable wearing them.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion means dressing up and showing up in what makes me comfortable, simple, neat, casual, classic.
What is your favorite color and why?
My favorite color is blue, it has always been, I think I have a kind of affinity with the color blue
What does style mean to you?
For me style is more like an attitude rather than appearance, character over showmanship
What is your favorite food and drink?
My favorite food is beans, and every other thing that go with it, like fried or boiled plantains, yam, potatoes, etc. For drinks, any soft drink or water is fine with me
What is your best fashion accessory?
No accessories, I’m a local man .
How do you relax?
Music, music and again music, and maybe a little movie here and there
What is the most common thing in your wardrobe?
Casuals, T-shirts, knickers sneakers
Who is your best dressed Nigerian man and why?
Honestly, I don’t judge dressings, I’m not a fashion enthusiast, so I’m happy with everyone’s dressings
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
I have traveled a lot, theatre has taken me to a lot of places, but there’s no place as fantastic as my hometown, my village
Share your happy moments with us?
Life has not really given me a lot of happy moments. I struggled and worked through my childhood that I didn’t even know when I became an adult, the few happy moments I could remember were the ones I had with my mother when she was here.
What is your philosophy of life?
Be good to people no matter how cruel they are to you, bear no grudges, walk away from what hurts you often, keep your hearts and minds free and pure
What’s your advice for those upcoming actors who see you as a role model?
I always tell them to be patient, to never give up no matter the number of ‘Nos’ they get at auditions, and to be willing to be corrected and taught, their time will always come
What are the three things your fans do not know about actor Eric Obinna?
That I’m not very wealthy. That even though I look harsh most times, I’m actually a very calm and accommodating person. That I give not out of the abundance that I have but out of the very little that I have, and sometimes, what I give could just be everything that I have.
What’s the highest amount you have spent on a fashion item?
Very little for myself, except I’m spending it for others, then that would be very much.
