10 Things about Caroline Chikezie
Caroline, can you share with us how you first got started in the acting industry? What inspired you to pursue this career path?
I’ve always wanted to be an actor. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t have that desire, so I must have been very very young when I decided. Watching the movie “Bugsy Malone,” where young kids dress and act like adults, inspired me and sealed the deal that I absolutely wanted to act.
When I was seven, our local church’s amateur dramatics society put on a production of “Smike,” and I was cast as the lead. I can still remember how thrilling it was to be on stage, and I loved every minute of the rehearsals, too. Although my parents weren’t too keen on me pursuing acting as a serious career, I landed a role on a TV show on one of the major channels in the UK when I was fourteen.
As an older teen, I auditioned for a place at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA) and received a full scholarship to attend for three years.
You’ve played a variety of roles in your career. Which role do you consider your breakthrough, and why?
My first feature film, “Babymother,” came during my final year at drama school in London. As full-time students, we were not encouraged to audition, and as the recipient of a full scholarship, I was especially expected to set a good example.
One day, I was summoned to the principal’s office. On the way there, I wondered if I was in trouble, but the opposite was true. They had heard about a feature film gearing up to shoot in London and wanted me to secretly audition for one of the lead roles. After seven auditions, I landed the role.
I consider this my breakthrough, as it not only opened doors and secured me an agent but also affirmed that I was indeed fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming an actor.
What attracted you to the role of Noma in Power Book II: Ghost? How do you prepare for such a complex character?
What attracted me to the role of Noma is the character’s complexity and depth. The challenge of bringing such a nuanced character to life was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Her resilience, intelligence, and the moral ambiguities she navigates make her a compelling figure to portray.
To prepare, I immersed myself into her world as much as I possibly could. I started by thoroughly analyzing the script to understand her motivations, fears, and desires. I also spoke with the writers to gain insights into her backstory and how it influences her actions and decisions.
In addition to script analysis, I often create a detailed character biography and draw from personal experiences and observations to find emotional connections and authenticity in her portrayal.
How do you approach developing your characters? Can you walk us through your process, especially for a role like Noma?
On my first read of any script, I rely on instinct to sense who this character is and if the role could be right for me. When I read the “PowerBook II: Ghost” script, I immediately connected with Noma and instinctively knew how to drop in and potentially portray her.
Once I’d established a connection, I played around with the dialogue, saying lines out loud and feeling them out. I tried to immerse myself in the role as much as possible, rather than just playing it out in my head. Once I had a good feel for the character, I started figuring out her backstory. I did a deep dive into the script, reading it several times, and then began developing the character’s backstory, first by myself and then with our showrunner, Brett Mahoney.
A huge inspiration for my portrayal of Noma was Denzel Washington’s Frank Lucas in “American Gangster.”
Can you share a particularly memorable moment or scene from the set of Power Book II: Ghost?
I’ll never forget one of the first scenes I ever shot for Power Book II: Ghost. My character had to chop off someone’s hand with a machete! We shot it at 3 a.m. in Central Park in the dead of winter, and it was absolutely freezing! I remember defrosting my body by the heater in between takes. It was such an intense and memorable experience, I still chuckle about it today. Talk about jumping in at the deep end!
You have impeccable style. How would you describe your personal fashion sense? Do you have any favorite designers or go-to brands?
Thank you! Aside from acting, fashion is my other love. I’d say my style is a mix of classic, edgy, and vintage. I love timeless and elegant pieces, focusing on quality and traditional cuts like structured dresses and tailored suits. I’m especially drawn to anything with structured and puffed shoulders. I can see an outfit on a rack and instantly know if it’s the one or not.
On the show, I wore a lot of Balmain, YSL, Gucci, Chanel, Fendi, and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few. I got used to it, lol, and now these are my main go-to brands when dressing for red carpet events and shoots.
You’ve traveled extensively for your work and personal life. What are some of your favorite travel destinations, and why do they hold a special place for you?
Some of my favorite travel destinations are Barbados, Jamaica, Dubai, Thailand, New Zealand, Mexico, and Portugal, but Nigeria is my favorite of them all. Although I was born and raised in London, Nigeria is where I’m originally from. The people, the rich cultural heritage, the high energy, not to mention the food and music! The spirit of Nigeria is truly unique and unlike anything I experience anywhere else in the world. It’s the place where I feel completely accepted and free.
Acting can be very demanding. How do you maintain a balance between your professional and personal life?
It really can. I maintain balance by being very selective about the roles I accept and by having breaks in between projects so I can recharge and spend quality time with my loved ones. My husband is a keen golfer, so we spend a lot of time at golf resorts. This is perfect for me as I get to enjoy being out on the Green with him but also spending lots of time being pampered at the spa.
What advice would you give to young, aspiring actors who are looking to break into the industry?
“Have fun.”These are the two magic words I say to myself before any audition or performance. I call them magic because this simple reminder helps me get out of my head and release any unnecessary tension. It reminds me that the process should be fun and that the outcome of the audition or performance isn’t the most important thing. So yeah, for aspiring actors out there, have fun, play, and choose to enjoy the process, that’s when the magic happens.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects you’re working on? What should your fans look forward to in the near future?
I’m involved in a few projects as both an actor and a producer, which is really exciting. One of the projects is called “A Beauty Supply in Queens,” and it’s based on a true story written by Princess Adenike. It’s about a Nigerian family who opened one of the first black-owned beauty supply stores in Jamaica, Queens, NY, ten years ago. The narrative examines some of the early difficulties the family encountered when entering a gatekeeping-heavy industry. We’re really excited to bring that journey, with all its complexities, to the big screen.
Instagram: @CarolineChikezie
Photography: Jonny Marlow
Styling: Jennifer Austin
Hair: Natita Stribling
Makeup: Christy Tagatac