Actor Freddie Leonard Talks About His Career,Marriage Plans And The Price For Fame

WOW................

I am blown away by this Interview!!!

This is one of Nollywood's hottest actors Freddie!!!

Soon, you would be 20 years in the movie industry. How has the journey been?

The journey has been quite interesting. I have learned so much in the area of cast development, colleague relationship and business side of showbiz. Right now, I am a movie producer and executive movie producer. So, I would say that it was not a mistake coming here in my early twenties. I have taken a better part of the years I spent in Nollywood to learn the ropes. Now, things are looking good. It has been a great experience not without its hurdles. I am thankful to God for his blessings and shining his light of favour upon me. It is a journey I would encourage anyone who understands focus and consistency to embark on.




What are the prices you paid for stardom?

The prices you pay are endless. As a public figure, a lot of people would feel they know you and make you a topic of discussion. People who haven’t even met you, would have a lot to say about you. And sometimes, it can be quite annoying. Sometimes, you grant interviews and the tabloids cast a very nasty headline, and people judge you based on that without reading the interview. People create scandals and tie you to it. Sometimes people just inflate your age; right now, Google has made me four years older than my actual age. There is a lot going on. But the defamation of character is quite painful. Aside from that, you also lose your privacy. You want to transact, people know it’s you, then they inflate prices because they feel you have the money. Stardom has its highs and lows.




If you didn’t pay those prices, what do you think your career path would be today?

Coming into showbiz where nobody gives you a chance; and with a lot of hurdles to cross, I probably might not pick up some things that would help me sustain stardom.




Young actors usually face some teething challenges. What were yours?

When we came in 19 years ago, there was no social media. I think that the people coming into showbiz now are quite lucky. You can do a monologue and put out there. You can also send to directors and producers through their Direct Messages on social media. Sometimes, they might not respond but they have seen it. In our time, we didn’t have such privileges. We had to always jump on molue buses and travel back and forth to attend auditions. Then, the crowd was enormous. You have to go through a lot to be recognised. Then, the pay was usually not good when you’re just starting out because you have no commercial value. You have to invest a lot of years. Another challenge was acceptance by the viewing audience.




For an orphan, how did you weather challenges; did you adopt mentors to guide you?

I lost my father when I was 20 and my mum, at 36. Now, I am in my early 40s. So, I became an orphan as an adult. I just became a bit more careful and accountable for my actions; and responsible for the people around me. I would say that the biggest challenge is that I miss them and it gets me very emotional.




What was that one single bad moment that almost made you dump acting?

I used to feel time was running out; that probably, I should try something else. But my mother, while she was alive, several times said to me, “when you were born, a star was born. I am your mother and my instincts can not be wrong. Stick to this, it would pay off.”





Young actors are fixated on the glam side of acting and don’t plan for old age as we’ve seen with many actors dying in penury. What do you think can and should be done?

Nollywood is a growing industry and a lot of things are still not in place. If the Guilds are where they should be, a lot of insurance polices, health polices and more would come with the package. But right now, we do not have all that.
So, while you’re still in business and in demand, start investing and come up with policies that can protect you during the rainy days. He who has ears, let him hear.
This business is not for the glam. Time travels very fast; before you know it, you’re old and you must have something to show for it before it happens.




What will you do differently to further boost productivity and creativity in the movie industry if it is within your capacity?

I’ll set up more training institutes, ensure that certain policies are passed into law that would make sure Nollywood is properly regulated. It has become an all comers affair. That’s why you have few quality movies and a lot of junks. I would also ensure that everyone who wants to practise in Nollywood, whether cast or crew, can not do so until he or she goes through these training institutes. As harsh as this may sound, the outcome would make a very beautiful experience for the viewing audience.




Being a popular actor, what are the misconceptions some members of the public have about you and how have you been trying to correct it?

People just look at you and think you’re a sudden way. For those of us who are 6ft and above, and have such a commanding aura, we are often seen as a bit standoffish. How many people would you have to go to and knock on their doors and say hey, I’m not that way? As an entertainer who is at the top of his game, it’s normal for people to have this misconceptions.
The expectations are rather too high. Some people feel that it’s a different emotion that runs through celebrities. We will keep sensitizing and educating people so that we are not wrongly judged.


I’m quite interactive on my social media handles and the reason I do that is because I want them to begin to understand the Frederick behind the fame. The man behind all the characters that I play is a very soft-hearted, playful young man. He is a people person. I get them to meet the real me than the assumed Frederick Leonard.



You have shared your views about marriage and the need for couples not to rush in; have you lost hope in the institution and would you consider remaining single?

No, I have not lost hope in marriage. It is just the time we live in. I believe in marriage and even the Bible says that it is not good for man to be alone. I do not want to end up alone. I do not want to end up miserable. I want to be with someone who I have a lot of things in common with; someone I’m compatible with. I believe in the institution of marriage, and I think that people should be more realistic with themselves when it comes to picking a partner.




What are the top three fashion accessories you can’t do without?

Wristwatches, sunglasses and footwears. I don’t joke with them.


Best holiday location?

Best holiday location for now is Los Angeles, California.

From Allure Vanguard