much more that you deliver to the culture.
Tomiké Ogugua: I really appreciate the words man. I’ve worked very hard to get to this point. It’s hit or miss. You never know who you will impress. When “Power” was presented to me, I was stunned. I actually was cast in season two, in a brief appearance. I got a call to do season four and I was totally surprised. Then I was invited to the table read where I had an opportunity to meet Courtney Kemp Agboh, who is one of the writers and creators of the show. It was a blessing, and wonderful experience.
U.G. Digital Mag: What is that like, obviously following these individuals, and then getting that chance to come face to face with them?
Tomiké Ogugua: It was a surreal experience, not only being cast but to be a part of the rehearsal process. As a guest star, sometimes you’re not invited to the table read. I’m literally standing there, looking at my stand-in, and I saw Omari’s stand-in. The directors started switching people out, and as I turned around, I saw Omari in costume. It was like, this is really happening now.
U.G. Digital Mag: Do you go into things like the table read with expectations?
Tomiké Ogugua: Not really. I just wanted to be as professional as possible and have fun. I’ve worked on other shows. By far, “Power” is the biggest I’ve worked on.
U.G. Digital Mag: It’s
monumental to take part in the role, and the show. Knowing you’re part of it again, and seeing many others who are stepping in, it’s pushed me to watch religiously now. I usually DVR and watch later because of working, but it’s cool to catch up. My wife loves it and keeps up faithfully. It’s funny because she knew exactly who you were. I see you’ve also done Blue Bloods, and a lot of other stuff. I want to hit on more of the stage side because you’ve done a lot in theater. Talk about the work you’ve done over the years.
Tomiké Ogugua: The first play I did in New York was at the National Black Theater. I did a play called “Don’t Sing that Song to Me”. It was more community based. I was coming in fresh from Chicago, and I literally met a director in Harlem. He invited me to a rehearsal, and next thing you know, they found a way to pay me. I did a lot of off-off broadway. It was my first time working opposite a bunch of British actors. I learned a lot about the craft, and being curious, and humble. Those are some of the lessons I’ve taken with me and tried to implement in my career. I just continued to work and do other plays. Suddenly, theater kind of stopped, but I continued to book television shows. I did a lot of enactments, and that was the beginning of building the camera muscle. There’s a whole different technique to acting on camera. I do come from the stage, so I had to learn how to really make adjustments for the camera in terms of not projecting my voice, being smaller, and letting the camera do all the work. The camera really does pick up everything. You really don’t have to do too much.
letting the camera do all the work. The camera really does pick up everything. You really don’t have to do too much.
U.G. Digital Mag: I’m glad you mention the adjustment piece. How was that to change things? The stage is an entirely different arena.
Tomiké Ogugua: Television is a lot more intimate. The camera is right there and it does not lie. The best actors learn to act with their eyes. There’s a whole technique to that, and being a lot more subtle, but still keeping it real and having a real experience. Depending on how large the venue is, you want the person in the back to have the same experience as the front. Your moves may be a little more exaggerated, and you have to project your voice, still be clear, and have great diction. Those are the differences, but I enjoy it all. I also do commercial work. I have a commercial running with Smart Car. I just like to show up and have fun.
U.G. Digital Mag: I can hear that in your voice. I can tell it’s for the love of it. That’s what’s missing with a lot of actors and artists. It becomes more of a job for many of them. Your love for it comes across in your roles.
Tomiké Ogugua: It’s just from years of experience, and figuring out where I fit in. I also have great mentors. I’ve had great teachers and mentors in my career along the way. I learned how to do cold reading, where you pick up a script, and without having learned it, figure out what’s going on.