You don't want it to be a replica or an imitation. You want to create something fresh, original, very unique.

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The only way you can influence your fate is to put your soul into your performance and hope it registers with the audience.

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When a child wants to be accepted, he'll do anything. And if it means you're getting a certain amount of notoriety from a fight, that's what you'll do.

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I'm of Nigerian descent, from the Yoruba tribe. Names are very significant in that culture. It basically states your purpose in life.

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Also, I'd like to play an athlete again, while I'm still physically fit, or a musician, like Nat King Cole, because I play the trumpet and sing. I'd like to incorporate that into a character.

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I've never been really great at trusting anybody, just because of the way I grew up.

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As an actor, you really want to resonate with your audience. I played a character on Oz and people still approach me in the streets today.

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Certainly, I look for different characters 'cause I always like to keep people guessing, and I also don't like to get typecast. I made a concerted effort, last year and this year, to get a range of characters, just to show people the range that I have, and for them to be able to see the artistry beyond the color.

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I was always led to believe you should take care of yourself, trust in your abilities and you're the author of your own destiny.

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You really have to act your pants off to stay alive. I thrive on that; I rise to the occasion of the circumstances.

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