Interview with Adetokumboh M'Cormack

In "Lost" Adetokumboh M'Cormack played a not unimportant part of Mr. Eko's brother Yemi. But we know Ade not only from "Lost", but also from other guest appearances on "Heroes" or "Gilmore Girls".

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1. When and why did you decide to become an actor?

I remember doing my first play in kindergarten – I must have been four. I continued doing plays all throughout primary and high school. I loved every second of being on stage. At 12, I was cast in my first movie, "The Great Elephant Escape" alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It was such an amazing experience. It was around that time that I decided I wanted to take acting more seriously. I have always enjoyed the process of creating a character and becoming a different person for the duration of a play or film. I took drama classes at school and later enrolled at SUNY Purchase Acting Conservatory in New York.

2. You were born in Sierra Leone and grew up in Nigeria and Kenya. Now that you are in America what do you miss most about your home?

I think what I miss most is the food. I love West African food. My favorite dish would have to be potato leaves that my mother would make. It's a sauce made with palm oil and served over rice. It's delicious!

3. On Lost, apart from being on the island as some kind of ghost or manifestation of the black smoke monster Yemi was also seen in Africa. Where were those scenes shot? Did you prefer those in the jungle or those in Africa?

All the scenes were shot on location in Hawaii, including the scenes that were set in Nigeria. They did a great job making Oahu look like a village in Nigeria! I really enjoyed shooting both the scenes that were set in Nigeria and the ones that were on the island but I would probably say the ones set in Nigeria were more interesting for me to play. The episode, #2.10 23rd Psalm was so brilliantly written by Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof. I was impressed that a show on network television could so heartbreakingly tackle the issue of children being abducted and transformed into child soldiers, as was the case with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje's character, Mr. Eko, whose brother I played. This still occurs in many countries around the world today. I also loved how the writers portrayed the complex relationship I had with Mr. Eko and the moral dilemmas we both faced. Adewale was wonderful to work with. He’s such a giving and dynamic actor.

4. Do you watch "Lost"? Are you curious how the show will end next spring?

I remember everyone talking about this huge show that had become this phenomenon on television, but I had never really watched the show. When I got cast in season 2, I decided to rent the first season on DVD and literally watched the whole thing in two days straight. I didn't leave my house, I just watched episode after episode. I was hooked after that. It's an excellent show and I can’t believe it’s already coming to the end. I’m excited to see how they tie everything up and I’m sure the finale will be out of this world.

5. Your credits show that you did a wide spectrum of genres. From mystery like “Lost” or “Heroes” over comedy/drama like “Gilmore Girls” and last year a crime show like “24”. What genre do you prefer?

I love to do it all. But if I had to choose, I would probably say mystery and drama are more my thing.

6. You've done both: TV and cinema. What is more exciting? Seeing a show develop over a long period of time or working on a big project like for example "Blood Diamond"?

It’s interesting to see how in a TV show, characters evolve over the course of a few episodes or even several seasons. Lost was tricky, because you never really knew ahead of time exactly which direction your character would turn because the producer’s would never tell you! So usually it would be up to the actor to fill in the blanks. But it was always interesting to see the different twists and turns each character would take, and how they’re actions or reactions were influenced by their back stories or fellow characters in situations both past and present. With movies, it's a little different. You have the whole script in front of you, so you can see how your character will develop over the course of the film. Even though we usually shoot out of sequence, you as the actor will still have a good idea as to what exactly is happening in each scene and how the actions of your character will affect the story.
For me, the most important things are the story and the character. I love interesting, compelling characters that go through a journey or an experience and are somehow changed at the end because of it. If the story is well written and the characters are fleshed out with an interesting arc, then I’m more drawn to that particular project, regardless of it’s a TV show or a movie.

7. If you could choose to put together an entire crew for a movie: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

I’ve always wanted to work with Clint Eastwood. I’m a huge fan of his work as an actor and director. In addition to Mr. Eastwood, my ideal castmates would have to be Meryl Streep, who I’ve been a great fan of for years, and Christoph Waltz – I was blown away by his performance in "Inglourious Basterds" last year.

8. Is there a show currently airing which you would like to play a part in? What kind of part would you like to play if you could choose?

If I'd taken another path I probably would have been a doctor, so I think a role on "Grey's Anatomy" would be really cool. It’s a really good show.

9. Do you have any new projects you can tell us about?

I just finished shooting a movie called, “Battle: Los Angeles” with Michelle Rodriguez and Aaron Eckhart. It’s an epic big-budget sci-fi movie. The movie centers upon a marine platoon led by Aaron Eckhart that fights back against an alien invasion. I play the squad's navy corpsman (a medic), and my job is to patch up the wounded and save as many lives as I can, while fighting against these mysterious enemies. The story is amazing and the special effects are going to be incredible. It opens February 18th 2011.

10. What is your favorite place in the world? Where do you feel most comfortable?

I would have to say, Sierra Leone. It’s where I was born. Although I never actually lived there, I would go there on vacation while I was growing up and it’s the culture with which I most identify. Despite our troubled past, we've made huge strides and the country’s come a long way. I always have a wonderful time there. When I need to get away from the hustle and bustle in the capital, Freetown, there are picturesque beaches, tranquil islands and amazing forests to explore. My family has a house that has a spectacular view of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s breathtaking.

11. Have you ever been to Germany or do you have plans to come here? What do you associate with Germany?

My sister’s been to Berlin and she raved about it, so I’m really eager to come. Hopefully I will get out there this year. What do I associate with Germany? Let’s see…bratwurst, beer and Mercedes Benz! I really enjoy Hefeweizen. You guys also make some of the best cars.

12. What do you like to do in your free time?

Keeping fit is important to me, so I spend a lot of time swimming and working out at the gym. I watch a lot of movies. I value my friends and family so I spend as much time as possible with them, usually over a meal. Otherwise I’m probably at my favorite coffee shop, reading!

13. Since my Fanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite one?

I have so many favorite shows. There have been a lot of really good ones especially in the past few years. Of course I love, "Lost". I’m a huge fan of "In Treatment". "True Blood", "Weeds", "Dexter" and "Entourage" are also amongst my favorites.

Catherine Bühnsack - myFanbase