He came into limelight during the Nollywood era with his unique martial art style of acting and action movie stuntman.
Popularly known as Natty Bruce but Nathaniel Bruce Idimogu who hails from Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State has stuck to his guns in his area specialty improving his art at each and every movie he features in or produces.
Contrary to his villain movie-roles, the gentleman founder, Marital Arts Actors Association of Nigeria (MAAAN) and Bolo Yeung of Nigeria in this interview with the publisher of SOLIDNEWSNG.COM Online Magazine’s, AZUH LILIAN, He talks about his movie career and fashion sense.
Tell us about your family and educational background?
Presently, I am an orphan from a family of six and the last born. I am married with an only son of 19years. I had a diploma in film/ video production from Temple film/ video production institute ABA in 1985.
I am a member of AGN, DGN and AMP and founder, Marital Arts Actors Association of Nigeria (MAAAN). I have acquired a lot of professional certificates through some international film seminars and workshops.
Why did you choose to be an actor?
During my early days as a kid, we watched a lot of Chinese, Indian and American movies in cinemas and I was inspired by the likes of Bruce Lee, Dramendra and Roger Moore. I followed NTA Aba drama people, I joined the cinema operators as a projection room boy. After my secondary school education, I applied for the diploma course in Temple institute, since then, I am still in the business.
What makes a good actor?
A great actor should have good technique and exceptional talent. Acting techniques, like projecting your voice and movement on stage is needed to improving any talent. The extra edge that extraordinary natural talent brings is something that cannot be taught and is what makes great actors stand out.
What are the three things your fans don’t know about you?
That I can mix up with people freely, that I can laugh and I am not a killer.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me is a way of expressing yourself to others. Anyone who tells you it doesn’t matter what you look like to others is mistaken. It does matter; dressing well can unlock doors for you in both your personal and professional life. Fashion is a way to empower yourself and influence others.
What’s your favorite fashion accessory?
Jewelry, wristwatches and sunshades
What does style mean to you?
Style is communicating myself in a visual way to people who do not know me and even if they do know me, it’s a way to express myself.
What is the greatest thing God has done for you?
That I am alive and still soaring aside the enviable height I have attained in the movie industry.
Who has made the greatest impact in your life?
God! Few of my elitists friends, Olumide, Kunle, late Onyeabor, Obi Okoli, Engineer George and others.
Who are your mentors and role models?
God of the bible and Napoleon Hills are my mentors while Jean Claude Van Damme, Bruce Lee are my role models.
What is your favorite food and drink?
Fruits, nuts, beans soup and herbal drinks, apple, banana and watermelon.
Do you have any regrets?
Not really just that I wished what I know now and the knowledge I have now was given to me in my twenties.
What’s your hobby?
Reading, sports and fitness exercise
How would you describe yourself?
Gentle and down to earth
What’s your philosophy of life?
A mastermind principle and alliance. A team work towards the actualization of a worthy dream or vision
What’s the highest amount you’ve spent on a fashion item?
N100k, for a complete set of suit
What are the things that make a great man?
First is to put God first and a selfless life. To serve humanity with the gift of God
For how long have you been in the movie industry?
I did my first film in 1988, titled ‘Hundred steps of karate.’ Let’s just count from then till date
What stands you out as an actor?
The ability to be marital artist and a marital actor, stunt coordinator stands me out as a good actor.
What is your general assessment of Nollywood?
The industry is evolving greatly with this era of high end productions meeting with the global phenomenon of cinema and ancillary media franchise, online streaming platforms, cable and YouTube.
Can you recollect the last time you wore a suit and what was the occasion?
It was in 2015, at a wedding ceremony in Lagos.
Which is the most memorable role you have interpreted and why?
‘Thunder’ in a movie titled, ‘Guardian Angel’ with Ramsey Noah and other great Nollywood actors in 2003. I played the role a hitman in the movie and till date, the movie has turned out to be an evergreen project.
Which is the worst role you have played?
An action film actor being turned to an elder in a movie
What is the greatest lesson life has taught you?
That failure is a spring board to great achievement. A successful person is bound to fail uncountable times and if he did not give up or jump out of the window and keep doing that which he loves doing , one day he will succeed.
How many films have you featured in?
I have done a whole lot, which I have lost count
How many awards do you have to your credit?
Four awards
How would you describe your style?
Cool, colorful and bold
Which is your favorite; corporate, casual or native attires and why?
Corporate and casual; I like it simple.
What is your favorite colour?
Blue
How do you relax?
I relax with my phone
What’s the most common thing in your wardrobe?
Simple T-shirts and singlets
What is your definition of a stylish man?
He must forever look forward but always remain rooted in what he knows and in what he feels look good
Who is your best dressed Nigerian man and why?
Though there are many good dressed men in Nigeria, but I always follow Tony Elumelu.
Share your happy moments with us?
Just like I am responding to your interview right now
Where is the most fantastic place you have travelled to recently?
Ghana
What is your advice for those up and coming actors who see you as a role model?
They should set aside time to go to school and receive training.
Who are your close friends and what does friendship mean to you?
Some of my friends in Nollywood and members of Maaan; they are friends in need, Mickey Ridstick, Prince Iyke Olise and Dr. Ferguson Oluigbo.
What is a must-have in a man’s wardrobe?
Start with basic solid T- shirts and a pair of jeans. Then start expanding on your list with, Shirts, trousers or some evergreen printed tees. Buy white sneakers and brown boots, they go almost with every outfit.
As a filmmaker, how many movies have you produced so far and what are their titles?
Let me not count from 1988. Let me start from Living in Bondage era. Let us begin with Bloody Mission, Mask of Mulumba, Brutal times, Black scorpion, My Mother my challenge among others. Mostly I act and direct for other producers.
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