Nollywood hunky actor, Desmond Elliot, has evolved in no small way in his 14-year-old career. From a ‘fine’, talented actor, Desmond went on to directing, which he reveals he finds fulfilling while acting is rewarding for him. One of the ambassadors of a leading telecommunication group, Globacom, the father of four has carved a niche for himself which makes him one of the most sought-after by movie producers. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the actor speaks on his staying power, marriage and fatherhood.
YOU graduated from the university in 2003. How does it feel to be in the midst of these young undergraduates?
It’s a good feeling seeing very vibrant young people; it reminds me that the world is not that bad.
At almost forty, you look quiet young for your age I must say. You must be pampering yourself a lot.
Do I really look that young? Aren’t you seeing gray hair? That’s just a joke. Anyway, I would say it’s God’s awesomeness in my life. I don’t do anything really. Once in a while I indulge in spa but really my looks can only be attributed to God’s grace.
This is another movie role. You sure look great in your priestly robe. I’m sure you’ve played the role before, so how is this one different?
Yes, I’m playing Father Moses. But as per playing this role before? Not really, this guy went into the priesthood because the love of his life broke his heart. So it’s slightly different.
Fourteen years in the industry and still relevant, what is your staying power?
I owe everything I am today to God. God is my number one staying power, but apart from the fact that you pray to God, it’s making sure you remain relevant. Relevance is of great importance. Everybody does the same thing, so what can you do that will make you different? And for me, I see what everybody does. I try to make sure I’m at least an inch ahead, I try. It’s difficult but you have to.
If people are directing, I think of what I can do to make it different. If people are acting I think of what I can do to make it look different. So you try to make sure that at least you are a step ahead in the game. When I receive a new script, I usually take my time to study it. Thereafter, I hold a discussion with the director on what is expected of me in the movie. Then I move on to develop a suitable character that will go well with what the entire production is all about.
Having spanned this long, how would you rate Nollywood?
The fact that the Nigerian movie industry is growing is what particularly turns me on. Thanks to all those that are making it happen, such as the marketers, directors, producers and others. Nollywood contributes to the nation’s economy because quite a number of people are involved and are earning their livelihood from it.
The only problem is that our government is yet to fully realise the great economic advantage that lies in tapping into the industry. America and India have tapped into Hollywood and Bollywood respectively and the result is quite rewarding. Government should come and invest in the industry; the marketers have done great jobs by investing their money to prove that the sector is lucrative.
Between acting and directing, which is more fulfilling?
Directing for me is fulfilling while acting is rewarding. That’s how best I think I can answer that question.
You rank among the glamorous entertainers in the industry. What informs your dress sense?
Well, when it comes to looking good, I spend some amount. Though I don’t think I dress, as in ‘dress’. I just try to make sure I’m okay, simple and that’s it. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t work but hey, I’m glad for life. I like life. When it works, good! When it doesn’t work, I try something else. The important thing is I dare to try.
What fashion accessory gets your money the most?
My clothes, actually. It’s nothing else. I love shoes too.
In spite of your relevance and steady rise in the industry, you are among the few stars whose marriages are intact. What do you do differently?
If you love your home, that is where your heart will be. I’m yet to see anybody who really loves his home and will want it to break. Do we have difficulties? Of course! There is no home without its challenges, oh yes! There are times the woman is tired. There are times the man is tired too, but most importantly it’s understanding yourselves. One thing I have noticed in a marriage or home is you must understand that a man is totally different from a woman.
The way a man thinks is totally different from the way a woman thinks. What a man considers his priority is almost 80 percent different from what a woman sees as her priority. And the most difficult thing in this world is a man understanding a woman. But if you understand a woman, the way they think, what tickles them, what makes them happy, simple, you will not have problems with them. Men that live very long understand that principle. I intend to live long.
What then is a woman’s priority?
What is a woman’s priority? A woman’s priority is attention, love, but a man looks at security, a man looks at, ‘I want to protect my family; I want to make sure I feed them.’ If you don’t have money but tell a woman ‘I love you’ ten million times, I’m talking of in a marriage now, and the woman sees prospect, the woman sees a hardworking man, she’s okay. Give a woman what she wants, she’s okay!
How were you able to understand this early in life?
Who told you it was early. It wasn’t early in life o, till now I still never understand finish. I’m telling you. You must understand the woman’s good day and the woman’s bad day. Don’t ask for too much and don’t expect too much. Most importantly, just make sure you are happy at all times. If you are happy then it rubs off on your home.
How do you handle your female fans especially when they try to get overboard?
It doesn’t happen these days. Everybody don know their level. But I appreciate my female fans. They are wonderful people. I won’t be where I am today without them. I appreciate them all.
In one of your interviews you said you intend having seven children. When are you looking at adding three more?
Ask my wife o, na she get that matter.
But are you really serious about having seven children?
I do not mind at all. Maybe not now, maybe much later but I love kids. My dad had 11, my mom had five. So, ours was a large family. So, it’s not because we were not many, that’s why I want to have a large family, no. I just love kids. I want to have a big family like seven. But not now, when my wife is more rested and the kids are grown more and also when I have more money, so I can give them all the best. I love kids. Definitely, we’ll have more.
How do you unwind?
I love to travel. I love watching films but basically I relax with my wife whenever the opportunity comes, especially if I am in town and not involved in a tedious job.
What was the last movie you saw?
My wife and I saw After Earth, Will Smith and his son.
You seem to like Will Smith…
I like Will Smith because he works with his son but I prefer Denzel Washington.
What intrigued you about the movie?
Will Smith and his son. I saw the other one they did when his son was younger and this one when he’s older. Just to see that connection between father and son. The movie itself is a good film. Will Smith acted a more mature character and his son took up a more serious role.
Do you hope to work with your son sometime when he’s grown?
Yes, hopefully. We talk about it all the time. He’s six. They actually want to act, both of them. Desmond is in the drama group and they try to act for me when I’m home with them.
What’s fatherhood like?
Oh, it’s awesome. It’s one of the best things in life. It’s a good experience. I feel blessed, excited. Especially when they are growing up, you see them learn different things, want to say different things, you guys walk together, they tell you things, sometimes they correct you when you speak English.
What is the hardest part of your job?
When you have to stay away from home, when you have to be on location for days because where I live there is always traffic, so you stay somewhere close to location so you can get on set early and not keep everybody waiting. It’s just the hardest part but we try to work it out.
Why is it that most stars don’t wear their wedding rings, like you are not wearing yours right now?
I honestly don’t know why. Sometimes, it’s because of the fear of getting it missing. When we are on set and you are not playing a married role, you’ll need to take it out. And sometimes it just might get missing.
When last did you put on your ring?
When last did I stop shooting?
And it’s not an issue, is it?
No, she kept it. She’s with it. Isn’t it better she keeps it than for it to get lost?
Why is that you don’t attend events with your wife?
The kids, now that the kids are growing, very soon we’ll be going out together. It’s pretty much because of the kids. She needs to stay home to take care of them, but she will be coming out more very soon.
You said you will be making a trip tomorrow outside the country. Is it for business or pleasure?
It’s for business, hoping to clock a movie deal.
