During a recent episode of the talk show “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend,” actor David Oyelowo discussed his acting heroes and the inspiration he draws from them. Oyelowo mentioned that Sidney Poitier and Daniel Day-Lewis are his two biggest heroes. He revealed that his mother’s favorite film was “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” starring Poitier, and watching that movie repeatedly showcased the poise and representation that he hadn’t seen before.
Oyelowo also expressed his admiration for Daniel Day-Lewis‘ transformative performances, particularly in “My Left Foot.” He praised Day-Lewis’ ability to fully embody a character and confessed that he was mystified by it, especially considering that the actor is able-bodied in real life. This made Oyelowo aspire to be a chameleonic actor, someone who can completely immerse themselves in a role and surprise audiences with their versatility.
The actor further discussed the tradition of actors playing versions of themselves in movies and mentioned iconic stars like Clint Eastwood who have consistently portrayed similar character types throughout their careers. However, Oyelowo emphasized his preference for going beyond playing a version of himself and instead fully committing to becoming a character. He mentioned his admiration for Day-Lewis and Christian Bale, who also possess this transformative quality.
Oyelowo believes that as an actor, it is crucial to be open to the character and allow themselves to be influenced by the history, writing, direction, and fellow actors. He described the experience of playing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the movie “Selma” as a mystical and spiritual exchange, wherein he opened himself up to be flowed through by these elements. Oyelowo expressed that capturing lightning in a bottle in such circumstances is what makes acting at the highest level so exhilarating.
Conan O’Brien, the host of the talk show, acknowledged the importance of authenticity in storytelling, mentioning Oyelowo’s ability to pick up on the energy and history of locations where they shot films. O’Brien recalled their experience shooting on a plantation for “Selma” and how Oyelowo sensed the haunting presence of the past. Oyelowo shared a personal anecdote where he felt a connection to Dr. King’s assassination threat while shooting a scene on the Montgomery State House steps.
The conversation concluded with O’Brien applauding Oyelowo’s commitment to telling true stories authentically. Oyelowo emphasized the significance of relatable and three-dimensional characters and how viewers can only genuinely invest in them if they feel true to the human experience.
With laughter and heartfelt moments, the interview showcased the dynamic between Oyelowo and O’Brien, making it a truly engaging and inspiring conversation.
