Joshua Uduma

Joshua Uduma is not just an actor; he’s a storyteller, a visionary, and a relentless dreamer. From his humble beginnings as Poacher #3 in Scorpion to his executive producer credits and upcoming lead role in a sci-fi thriller, Joshua’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion. His ability to navigate both in front of and behind the camera reveals a multifaceted talent driven by a deep desire to inspire and enrich others through the power of storytelling. In this interview, we delve into his artistic evolution, the lessons he’s learned, and the stories he’s eager to tell, all while exploring the creative essence that defines him.

Your filmography includes a role as Poacher #3 in the TV series “Scorpion.” What challenges did you face in this role, and how did it contribute to your growth as an actor?

Funny enough, this role played a big significance in the growth of my career. While playing this role, though it wasn’t anything too major at the time, it gave me what I never expected- insight and a larger vision of what could become of me. I can’t necessarily say I faced any challenges apart from facing myself in a way of asking one question, “So what’s next after this?” That could be quite daunting when you’re in the position of forging your own path forward without the guidance of many others. But I’m weird in the sense that I love slight challenges. Coming from an athletic background, challenges are what propel me and any other person into a greater realm of success and character development.

You served as an executive producer for “The Swing of Things” (2020). What motivated you to take on a producing role, and how did it influence your perspective on filmmaking?

The initial motivation came from my upbringing. Both my parents raised me, but I found a significant level of inspiration from my mother, whom I’ve been told I am exactly alike. I use her as an example because of one particular thing: she’s relentless. I learned that if you want to get to the point of fulfilling the fullness of your destiny, at some point, you have to wake up and make it happen yourself. Unapologetically. No one cares about your dreams as much as you do, therefore, make it your reality.

Your career includes roles in both short films like “Nefarious” (2013) and “Chance 27” (2012). How have these experiences shaped your acting skills and career trajectory?

I was able to grow. There’s a saying I’ve learned at a very young age, “never despise the days of small beginnings.” Without those projects, my perspectivetoward the understanding of acting and what it means to be in a set environment would not have evolved, as an actor or storyteller. Though, at times, we may not understand the full extent of how beneficial doing the smaller things is, we must learn there is always a purpose for every single experience we face in this journey called life.

Having worked as an additional crew on projects such as the “5TH NAFCA: African Oscar” TV special, how has this behind-the-scenes experience influenced your approach to acting and producing?

Any opportunity that I was able to receive being on and off camera, I have always cherished. The reason is, it’s one thing to read about these moments and scenarios, it’s another thing to have been immersed in the various types of projects that came my way. Without behind-the-scenes experience, there is no understanding of what it takes to make a vision, or a dream, come to life. I truly believe that’s where the real magic happens. From there, the rest of the world is able to view it the final product.

With projects like “Amazon Lost” and “Civil” in development, what themes or stories are you most passionate about bringing to the screen in the future?

The power of telling stories through film or television is the opportunity to sew a seed of hope and confidence in every human being who watches the piece. The entire purpose of why I do what I do is to enrich the soul. I don’t know any other way to do that than to make sure each project delivers not only a captivating essence but a riveting storyline that goes deep down into the very core of the viewer and resonates with every fiber in their bone. My upcoming projects, which I’m very ecstatic about announcing when the time is right, focus heavily on these elements.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, and how have your experiences shaped your artistic vision?

The majority of my family is in the medical world. Though I love all things health and wellness and find that world fascinating, I adore the opportunity to touch people‘s hearts and minds around the world so much more through telling a great story. The best part about it is being able to gather together completely different strangers and have them do one thing: express their joy through laughter. That is a thrill. For some reason, I can’t turn it off. I’ve tried and failed. So I’m stuck with it.

What excites you most about your collaboration with ETRO?

Etro is a globally established brand that carries so much opulence in what it means to be elegant, suave, sophisticated, and comfortable in the elements of regality. Very few brands are able to encapsulate all those components in one. Every piece you put on from the brand transforms you in a way that’s very difficultto express but internally, you feel a transformation of confidence that is unmatched to any other feelings you have ever felt before. That’s how I feel about this collaboration with Etro. Not to be cliché but, they kind of complete me. Let’s call it my new love language.

Any other upcoming projects you are in that you’re excited about?

There are quite a few that are actually coming up during this early phase of the year and onward. Of course, I’m not able to talk much about any, as of yet, but one of them will be with a long-time, friend and colleague of mine, Tony Kaye. I’m very, very excited about this one. It’s a sci-fi thriller, in which I am the lead character alongside many other great legends I’ve always dreamt of working with. I also have the extraordinary privilege of producing this one. It is indeed going to be a great honor, one like none I’ve ever had before.

TEAM CREDITS:

Photography Yves Bright @photos_x_yves

Grooming Joanna Faivre @joannafaivre.makeup

Styling Maison Privée @maisonpriveepr_la

Jacket CHERESHNIVSKA @chereshnivska/ Pants INIMIGO @inimigo_clothing/ Necklace ADIBA @adiba.official/ Shoes FRESHY @freshyworld

Shirt INIMIGO @inimigo_clothing/ Pants D.RT @drtlife/ Trench coat WEISHENG @weishengparis/ Shoes FRESHY @freshyworld