Yetide Badaki: Nigeria’s Hollywood sweetheart

When news broke of Yetide Badaki being cast as Bilquis in the upcoming TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s bestseller ‘American Gods’, fans of the book went into a frenzy. The character, played by Nigerian-born Badaki, is an ancient deity of love who craves worship and stars in possibly the novel’s most-discussed sequence, in which she […]

When news broke of Yetide Badaki being cast as Bilquis in the upcoming TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s bestseller ‘American Gods’, fans of the book went into a frenzy. The character, played by Nigerian-born Badaki, is an ancient deity of love who craves worship and stars in possibly the novel’s most-discussed sequence, in which she devours a man whole without opening her mouth. Suffice it to say, the character’s a real man-eater. When she was asked how old she was, the young actress laughed and answered: “Age is always a funny thing in the industry. I like to keep a little mystery on the subject so I can play with the idea of age in every role.” The answer was laced with humour, and it set the tone for the following interview, which the Ibadan-born Hollywood actress granted Daily Trust. Herewith, are excerpts: 

Daily Trust: You were born in Ibadan. How old were you when you moved to England?
Yetide Badaki: I was 3 when I moved to England then moved back to Nigeria when I was 6. I came to the US when I was 12. I had a great childhood. I got to grow up around people of many different cultures and beliefs, as I attended an international school. I also had lots of relatives whom made childhood a beautiful, fun-filled adventure.
DT: How often do you visit Nigeria, and when was the last time you did?
Badaki: I haven’t had the chance to go back since my sister’s wedding in 2006. Scheduling has been really tough. When I lived with my parents, we would always go back at least once a year.
DT: Have you ever been offered a part in a Nigerian movie?
Badaki: Sadly, no. People ask all the time if I ever have done one but I have never been offered a role.
DT: Are there any Nigerian movie directors whose work you like, and would like to work with someday?
Badaki: Andrew Dosunmu is doing some really interesting work. I’d love to work with him some day.
DT: How old were you when you decided to pursue a career in acting?
Badaki: Funny enough, I’ve wanted to act since I was six-years-old.
DT: You’ve done tons of great theatre work. How are you able to juggle stage, TV and film?
Badaki: I wish I could say I was some great master-planner, but honestly it has all just worked out.
DT: Your being picked to play fan-favourite character Bilquis in the TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods is generating tons of positive buzz. How did you prepare for the role?
Badaki: I train. I have an MFA in Theater. I do play readings wherever I can and just try and keep my instrument sharp. There is this wonderful acting studio in North Hollywood called The BGB studio. I was in class weekly.
DT: Did you read ‘American Gods’ prior to being cast as Bilquis, or was it your first time experiencing Gaiman’s work?
Badaki: I’m actually a huge sci-fi and fantasy geek, so I had read the book previously. I also am a fan of his musings in general. I sent a quote of his to myself at the end of 2015 to inspire me for the coming year. I guess it did a little more than inspire.
DT: Have you ever met Gaiman?
Badaki: He was at Comic-Con too. He’s a wonderful guy. Intelligent, warm and witty. It really is a pleasure getting to play in a world he has created.
DT: Was this year’s your first Comic-Con?
Badaki: Yes, it was, and I completely geeked out. Such a wonderful experience, filled with passionate people who are so filled with joy and love. I loved it!
DT: As an English Literature graduate, you must’ve read a ton of cool books. Did you also get into comic books and graphic novels?
Badaki: I love to read. Books have always been a great escape for me. I’ve read comics and graphic novels that I’ve enjoyed, but ultimately I have to admit that my favourite thing is a nice, thick book. That way, I don’t have to worry about it ending for a good, long time.