Sam Adegoke – Dynasty

By starrymag | December 6, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

 

A) I did an indie last summer called Not Another War Movie that I’m excited about. It deals with three generations of war veterans and the issues facing each as they try to cope with postwar PTS and Moral injury. It was written by Talia Lugacy, who I co-produced it with along with Rosario Dawson.  Due out later early next year.  I’ve also been writing a lot. I’m currently writing and developing a few indigenous Nigerian stories for film and TV that I’m really excited about.  We have such a rich oral and literary tradition of storytelling in Nigeria. I want to expose more people around the world to those stories.

 

Q) What is new this season on “Dynasty” and with your character Jeff?

 

A) Much I can’t say, obviously, but in general more insanity and drama. This season definitely won’t disappoint those who tune in for the cliff hangers and plot twists.  With Jeff last we left off in Season 2 (spoiler alert for any not caught up) he was poisoned by Adam Carrington (Sam Underwood) and is still dealing with the effects of the resulting neurotoxicity. So, a lot of this season deals with him trying to find a cure before he loses his memory and motor skills.

Q) What keeps challenging you about your portrayal?

 

A) I’m always challenged in playing Jeff Colby. He’s such a polarizing character.  He genuinely means well and has a strong moral compass, but he still feels he’s been wronged by Blake (Grant Show) and wants justice. Ironically enough, his drive to get justice makes him do unjust things that make you question the moral compass he professes to have. That constant play of doing the “immoral” to achieve what you feel is moral makes for a very layered interesting character to play.

 

Q) How much of a say have you had in your character’s development?

 

A) Not much. We can put forth ideas, but we don’t really have much say in our characters plots and story lines. I did get to weigh in on Jeff’s background and pitched the idea of making him Nigerian in Season 1, which has allowed me to speak my native language of Yoruba and incorporate a lot of traditional Nigerian style into Jeff’s wardrobe. It’s something I’m proud of and grateful to have been able to do.  I get to weigh in on Jeff’s wardrobe a lot as well, which is fun.

 

Q) You and Liz Gillies have great chemistry! Was it there from your initial chemistry read?

 

A) We were cast separately and didn’t have a chemistry read. She’s just very talented and easy to play off of. It’s hilarious to both of us that so many fans still ship Jeff and Fallon even though they’re cousins.

 

Q) Going into Season 3 was there someone(s) you were hoping to share more scenes with?

 

A) The cast is big, so you can go several episodes without interacting with characters outside of your story line. I was hoping for more scenes Hakeem Kae-Kazim who plays Cecil Colby, my father. He’s a pioneering Nigerian actor who I’ve always looked up to and working with him is just a joy.  I’d also say Sam Underwood who plays Adam Carrington. Talented guy. Gives you so much to play off of.  Also, Alan Dale who plays Anders. We’ve only had one scene of dialogue in season one and that’s been it. He’s one of the funniest, coolest guys.

 

Q) What are some scenes or episodes fans should keep an eye out for this season?

 

A) All of them. I’m not just saying that. We table read each episode before we shoot and after the reads, we all just look around afterwards like this is going to be crazy.  If I had to pick one, I’d definitely say episode 8 the big trial for Blake. Major plot twist there.

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Dynasty?”

 

A) So many. One of the most memorable was episode 9 of Season 1 when we meet Jeff’s father Cecil Colby played by Hakeem Kae-Kazim. We’re from the same tribe in Nigeria and got to perform half the scene in our native tongue Yoruba, which was subtitled.  Nigerians literally went crazy.  It was so amazing to see their reactions. Our culture has never been highlighted like that on a major broadcast network show. I mean, there’s since been shows like “Bob Hearts Abishola” that feature Nigerian culture, but “Dynasty” was the first.

 

Q) What has it meant to you to be a part of such an iconic series?

 

A) It still seems surreal sometimes. Even after three seasons.  I knew the show was massive in its day, but as our audience has grown and more folks discover there’s a reboot, you really get a sense for its impact. Especially internationally.  It’s also cool to be a part of this version which has been re-imagined to be more diverse and inclusive, which I think is very important.

 

Q) What do you think it is about this show that has made it such a fan favorite series?

 

A) Our insane plot twists and seesaw of dark to lighthearted elements. “Dynasty” isn’t changing the world and doesn’t pretend to. It’s fun escapism and certainly heightened reality, but at its core it’s about themes we all relate to – family, friends, betrayal, loyalty and love.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

 

A) Yes. The fans don’t miss a beat. I love how engrossed they are in the storylines. They’re always sending DM’s with love and I’ll say passionate thoughts on what happened in the previous episode and what they like or didn’t like.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Massive gratitude and love to you for rocking with me! It’s always humbling when someone stops me on the street or sends a DM expressing love on “Dynasty” or any of my other previous work. You’re greatly appreciated. And a heartfelt apology to our amazing international fans of “Dynasty.” As you know by now, you won’t be able to stream Season 3 on Netflix until June of 2020, but we hope you’ll stick around ‘til then!