Not only is George Sesay one of our incredibly talented Actors, but he is also one of our very charismatic Presenters. Read below to find out what makes George such a success!
Let’s start with something fun to set the scene! What did you want to be when you were 10 years old?
I don’t know if I can remember specifically what I wanted to be at 10 years old but I know I originally wanted to be a Formula One Driver, as I grew up obsessed with cars (still am). But then I remember thinking in my young head that F1 wasn’t a real job, it was just something fun to do. So I thought if I couldn’t do that, I could be a paramedic because paramedics get to drive the ambulances really fast through red lights.
Is there a specific moment in time that made you realise “yes! I want to be an actor!”
There was probably a few moments that lead up to this moment. But it was when I had just left doing judo after 5 years and joined a theatre group. On my first day the director gave me a line in show The Wizard of Oz. I said the line and the director looked at me and said ‘Have I worked with you before on another show’ I replied no, to which he replied “Oh really, well you’re really good that was great, the line is yours”. So started from “To the Wizard” and now we’re here.
What was your first gig? What have been some of the more memorable ones since then?
My first professional paid gig was playing a Gryffindor student in the Harry Potter films. Some memorable moments would be signing with my first adult agent and on my first audition I booked a commercial for Britain’s Got Talent and had to work with all the judges. Another Memorable moment would be my third audition and booking a worldwide commercial for Playstation 4. So weird seeing my face on TV, billboards and in magazines worldwide. But the best memory would be from last year booking a role on the HBO series, The Nevers.
What did it feel like the first time you saw yourself on TV?
Super cool but super weird. It took a while to set in and realise wow that’s me whose just appeared on screen.
Do you still get stage fright going on stage? Any tips to help with nerves?
ABSOLUTELY! Nerves happen for me onstage and even on a film shoot. But I’ve always seen them as a good thing to show that you care about what you’re about to do. If I don’t get nervous then I’m too relaxed and think something might go wrong. This what works for me. I crack on my hype playlist, go for a last minute wee and then take some big deep breaths before stepping onstage.
If you could be on screen or on stage with any actor/actress, who would it be and why?
This is a hard question as I have many on this list. For screen I would love to work with Whoopi Goldberg because she is a huge legend and I grew up watching all her movies (Sister Act being my favourite and constantly on repeat in my house).
As well as Whoopi I would love to work with Viola Davis. I think being in her presence would be a life moment made. Every role Viola Davis plays, you don’t think she is acting because you 100% believe that she is that character. Working with her would be a masterclass.
Lastly (yes I’m being greedy) Adrian Lester, I would love to share a stage or screen with him. Without realising I’ve grown up watching majority of his TV/ stage work. Being a an award winning black British actor, he’s a big inspiration in my life with a career I would love to emulate.
What are you up to presently?
I’ve just recently returned from filming a promotional film in Romania for a very well known car brand who is launching a new car soon. So that was very exciting as a car fan and it was my second time filming in Romania for work.
If you weren’t acting, what else do you think you’d be doing for a career?
Presenting! (See below) But if not that, I would definitely still have been in the creative industry. I would have opened up my own kids theatre school as that was a big part of my life growing up and helped shaped me into the loud confident person I am today. You couldn’t put my energetic self behind an office desk.
Have you had any notable mentors in the industry?
None notable but my university theatre teachers were the best people I’ve ever met. They taught me the real experience of going into this industry. They knew so much that they could quote any famous play off by heart by a simple page number. Thank you Tony & Chris. I also have a tight circle around me who are always there to champion me.
Can you offer 3 helpful tips for newbies trying to make it in the acting industry?
Tip 1: Be honest with yourself! No one knows you better than yourself, if something doesn’t feel right you must listen to what your body, mind and heart is saying.
Tip 2: Patience! Now I would be lying if I didn’t occasionally forget this tip myself. But patience is key. What will be will be and your time will come if you keep working hard.
Tip 3. Work hard! This is your career and unfortunately its a career that we as actors must constantly work hard to stay in. The hard work never stops but then if you’re living your dream, you’ll never work a day in your life.
We also represent you in Presenting! What made you want to pursue that side of the industry?
PEOPLE! I love being sociable. A shock to people who know me but when I was younger I use to be terribly shy and very quiet. After getting into drama and going to a theatre school I discovered my voice and confidence and found that I love people. I love listening to people problems and given advice. I love entertaining, helping people and making them laugh or smile. Put me in a room with strangers and by the end of the day I’ll be laughing and have a new friend. However as well as people I love and breath TV! I still love getting home at a certain time and watching shows in real time. Panel shows, awards shows, chat shows, magazine shows I love it all. Entertaining and making people feel, makes me happy.
Any helpful tips for people who want to become a presenter themselves?
Don’t do it!……. Haha no seriously I would say brand, time and perseverance. The presenting game is not like acting. You don’t get an agent, get auditions and just try book the job. It’s a much smaller closed circle industry. It’s about contacts, who you know and a lot of no paid work to build up your brand/cv. The key is to discover what type of presenter you are and keep going. When the circle slits open to accept someone new you’ll be ready and waiting. That what keeps me going 😉
And now…onto the more serious questions!
If you had a choice between two superpowers, being invisible or flying, which would you choose, and why?
As much as I love being up onstage and seen, I would choose to be invisible. I love the fact that I would be able to go anywhere I like without restrictions. Can you imagine you could get into the hottest parties and no one could stop you. Boris Johnson lockdown parties ha…. pass me the wine & cheese Boris. Vanity Fair Oscars after party HERE I COME BABY!
If you got to choose a song that would play every time you entered a room, what song would you pick?
Lethal Bizzle – Fester Skank
And finally….If you were a brand, what would your slogan be?
Live your best life because who else will.
