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Kola Bokinni

Photoshoot / Interview

photoshoot

Talent: Kola Bokinni @kolabokinni
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by: Mike RuizEditor-in-Chief: Dimitri VorontsovFashion Stylist: Alison Hernon @718blonde
Assistant Fashion Stylist: Sienna Ropert @siennajanette
Tailor: Shanelle Butler @shanellethebelle
Fashion Styling Intern: Angie Hines @angiehiness
Hair: Luis Guillermo using Oribe @luisguillermobeauty @oribe
Makeup: Deney Adam @deney_adam

All by Landeros @landerosnewyork Boots by Prada @prada
Suit by Akobimen @akobiofficial at The Confessional @the_confessional_showroom_nyc Shoes by Florsheim Shoes @florsheimshoes Shirt by Model’s own
Zip Wool Jacket with drape by Kent Anthony @Kent_anthony_ny Black Lightweight Wool Pant Lucky by Agnes B @agnesb_officiel Shoes by Florsheim Shoes @florsheimshoes
Zip Wool Jacket with drape by Kent Anthony @Kent_anthony_ny Black Lightweight Wool Pant Lucky by Agnes B @agnesb_officiel Shoes by Florsheim Shoes @florsheimshoes
Suit by Agnes B @agnesb_officiel Black Lightweight Wool Pant Lucky Black Lightweight Wool Veste Domino Shoes by Florsheim Shoes @florsheimshoes Tie by Sebastian Couture @sebastiancruzcouture 4. Trench by Landeros @landerosnewyork
Brand: Billy Reid Style: Arnie Oxford Shirt Social handle: @billy_reid Pantera jacket Black double breasted waistcoat Black trousers Black argento necktie All by Sebastian Cruz Couture @sebastiancruzcouture Shoes by Florsheim Shoes @florsheimshoes

interview

Kola Bokinni, an actor from London, England, became known for his role as Lennard in a 2016 episode of “Black Mirror” and for his recurring role of Leyton on the British hit series “Top Boy.” Since then, he has continued to gain recognition for Apple TV + “Ted Lasso.” Ted Lasso was released in the summer of 2020 while many people were still in lockdown, and it became a popular feel-good series. In the series, Kola plays Isaac McAdoo, the AFC Richmond center-back and captain. Season 3 releases on Apple TV on March 15th.

How did you get into acting?

I always was interested in performing. A family friend, Rachel Delahey, is a writer and she had written a play called “The Soap Opera” and asked me to audition for one of the roles. I ended up getting the part and the play was shown at the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square and after the press night the reviews came out. They were really positive of my performance, so using that I reached out to agents with Rachel’s help and got signed by the Curtis Brown agency. Then went on from there to try an carve out a career for myself.

What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role?

Every role is different, so the way you approach researching a character has to be slightly different. I always like to put myself in the characters shoes and how their life was like growing up, their experiences, and what kind of environment they were exposed to. I think about if it was a negative one or positive, chaotic or quiet, as these things shape their personality

What do you like the most about being an actor?

Being an actor for me is the best job in the world, if you even can look at it as a job. When I’m at work, I don’t feel like I’m at work. It’s creative and free. I think that’s the thing I love most about acting. The feeling of being free.

Where did you study acting?

I never went to drama school. I always wanted to, but my life took a different route. I studied a short time at Brit school and Grey Coats Six Form in my teens, but I mostly learned acting from watching movies, studying people, and of course being on set.

Your character, Isaac, stepped further into the spotlight in season 2 and took on the position of Captain. Without spoiling anything, can
audiences look forward to more development of his character and story in season 3?

Yes, I’ve loved seeing Isaac’s development. He always had the potential to be a great leader, even if he couldn’t see it. No one is perfect and he will make mistakes, but he is able to look at himself and improve on it. In season 3, we can expect to see more development and Isaac growing and learning from the trails and tribulations that come with being a friend and a captain.

Having played football since you were a kid, would you consider this
job a dream come true?

I’d be lying if I said I have not enjoyed myself. Two of my favourite things in the world tied up in one heck of a show! It’s surreal and when people ask me this question there’s not one adjective to summarize how I feel about being a small part of this, just love all of it.

What do you like about football so much? What position did you play?

When you are out on the field, nothing matters, only what is happening in the game. You almost lose yourself a little. It’s a beautiful game and it has no colour and only one language and that’s football or soccer as some say ha.

What’s it like to be on an Emmy Award-winning show for Outstanding
Comedy Series in season 1?

It was surreal when that happened in Season 1. When I got to attend the Emmy’s for Season 2, being on the stage with all my friends and colleagues, that was a dream cone true. Never could have imagined that I’d have been there.

Tell us a favorite seen you filmed for Ted Lasso?

One of my favourite scenes was during Episode 5 S2, when Roy took me and Ted back to his old neighborhood to help Isaac re-discover his love for the game. It was just so much fun to film it and see a different side of Isaac off the field.

What’s next for you?

Ted lasso was my first dive into the world of comedy and I am really enjoying it. I think I might stay here if there’s an opportunity to because comedy is difficult but I like the pressure!