Vivienne Acheampong said: “You never know when that will happen to you. Speaking from the living room of her London flat, the “it” she refers to is the often elusive role or series of opportunities that make one a frequently employed, capable actor. demand – an actor can leave the job they already do. working to pay the bills. After several years of supporting herself as an elementary school teacher in between acting roles, Acheampong hit that professional stride in 2019 as a regular on the sketch comedy show. BAFTA Award Winner Famalamand recently appeared at London’s Royal Court Theater in Aleshea Harris’ revenge drama God is. Next, she starred in the Netflix series Sand sellers.
“I’m biased, but I think people are going to like it,” she said of the show based on Neil Gaiman’s fantasy comics and saw her character, Lucienne, play to the right of Tom Sturridge’s Morpheus. Ahead of her premiere on August 5, she ponders over teaching and fulfilling her current role.
You worked as a provider teacher, which we call a surrogate in the United States. What is your teaching style?
I was very strict. The kids always say, “Yes… the teacher provides!” So I had to actually walk in and say, “I’m your teacher today, so you have to listen to me.” I’m strict, but I’m crying inside.
What drew you to? Sand sellers?
I love the whole concept, and I love [Lucienne]Who is this calm, intelligent presence. I am also really interested in this dream topic. I just lost my dad about a year before this project came out, and my dreams became really important to me because my dad was with them a lot. I thought, “I really want this part,” and then I got it. Even now, I can’t believe it.
Courtesy of Joseph Sinclair
You’ve done a lot of comedies – how’s the fantasy filming?
It was a great learning experience. I have never done anything like this and I have never worked with a blue screen. The first day of filming felt like a sketch of what it would feel like on set.
Hair is a hot topic for Black women. Have you always worn your shorts?
No. I’ve always been obsessed with my hair, like Obsessed with. And then when I lost my dad, I looked at myself in the mirror and I didn’t recognize myself. It’s really strange. So I went to the barber and cut it all off. When my cousin from Ghana came to see me, he said, “Did you know that in our tribe, when women lose their fathers, they cut their hair?” And I didn’t know that.
Are you worried about BILLIONhe is Sandman early screening?
It was scary, but Kirby Howell-Baptiste, who was on the show, gave me some great advice. She said, “Whatever happens, just remember how you feel doing the job, because that’s what will stay with you.”
Courtesy of Laurence Cendrowicz / Netflix
The edited interview is long and clear.
This story first appeared in the July 27 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to subscribe.
