I want to be at the top and remain at the top – Nollywood actor Rykardo Agbor tells Nollywoodgossip

Rykardo Agbor

Rykardo Agbor is a Nigerian actor from Cross-River State.
He tells Nollywoodgossip: “At first I started off as a model, although I had always wanted to be an actor.”
He says: “One day in 1993, a model friend of mine took me to a casting at Fidelis Duker’s office for the movie “Visa to hell“.
He says: “I got picked while my friend didn’t make the casting. That became the platform from which I started for stardom 20 years ago.”
“The movie was produced and directed by Fidelis Duker and featured actress SUSAN PATRICK.”
He says: “I act in Tinsel which is still on going. I also act in US which is equally on TV. Hmm! I have lost count of my movies but for my fans I would have to find some: Check Point, Faceless, Sisters on the Run, Based on the Run, Ika Kan, Ifa Iwa, Love and Politics, Oru, TokoTaya, Strong Men at Work, and many more.”

By Funmi Daniels (Talk Time With Funmi).

Who is Rykardo Agbor?

Well, I am from Cross-River state, but I was born and raised in Lagos. I am the 4th child of five children. I’m a Christian and God fearing, very down to earth and easy going.

Tell us about your journey into acting.

At first I started off as a model, although I had always wanted to be an actor. One day in 1993, a model friend of mine took me to a casting at Fidelis Duker’s office for the movie “Visa to hell“, I got picked while my friend didn’t make the casting. That became the platform from which I started for stardom 20 years ago. The movie was produced and directed by Fidelis Duker and featured actress SUSAN PATRICK.

What challenges did you face then and have they changed with time?

Hmmm! By 1993 communication was a huge problem: There were contact issues. If a producer needed a particular actor, that actor could miss the role for lack of accessibility. Transportation was equally another obstacle: sometimes there would be auditions or even the production proper, but the location would be too far that the artist may not have the fare to cover for the distance.

There was equally the strong challenge of “who knows who”, which allowed for recycling of same faces making it difficult for upcoming artists to grow in the industry

However, since the availability of telephone one can easily be reached. And with the provision of cheap rate buses now, one can cover distances with lesser money. And with recognition and acceptance on my part, I have been able to survive the 20 years. So I can say it has paid off. I’m not saying that there are not still challenges, but on a lighter note

What are your experiences thus far?

It has been mentally tough.

Are you married?

Yes I am married with 2 lovely kids.

How do you cope with marriage and your celebrity status?

As a married man you need to be disciplined. You need to know where to draw the line. And above all, you must have the fear of God which sees you through all.

What motivates you?

The script motivates me. It is the propelling force which would bring out the message from the actor. As actors we do not just appear on the television, we are equally media practitioners. We preach to people through acting. Therefore, the script has to have that core message of high moral values which should impact positively on the society. The script should be able to look at situations, analyze these situations and critic the situation at the end of the movie. So for me, my motivation is centered on a script that has been properly thought out and written to bring out the best in the actor who interprets it to the viewers.

Your role models?

Olu Jacobs for his versatility, Liz Benson for fitting into any personality and playing out that personality, Denzel Washington for interpreting any character and still remaining calm and finally, Sylvester Stallone for his ability to pull out action stunt with a calm personality.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I want to be at the top and remain at the top.

What are the challenges facing Nollywood?

Finance and Piracy! We need the government’s involvement so that we can easily make huge budget movies that can really meet the international standard. Like this we can export our culture through our films, and piracy should equally be tackled to a reduced proportion.

What advice do you have for upcoming actors?

Patience is a virtue. Therefore, my advice for upcoming actors and actresses is that they should wear patience as a garment because it pays at the long run. They should hold steadfast to their beliefs and never see themselves as small actors, for without them the movie is incomplete.

Let us in on some of your movies?

Well for soaps, I act in Tinsel which is still on going, US which is equally on TV Movie, hmm! I have lost count but for my fans I would have to find some: Check Point, Faceless, Sisters on the Run, Based on the Run, Ika Kan, Ifa Iwa, Love and Politics, Oru , TokoTaya, Strong Men at Work, and many more.

Nollywoodgossip wishes you the best.

Thank you for having me and God bless.