Prior to the commencement of reality TV show, Ultimate Love, many people may not be familiar with Henry Arnold, a Nigerian actor. Fast forward to February 2020, when the show began to air, there have been lot of queries on search engines, particularly Google, regarding Arnold, as many people sought to know who he is and what his brand represents.
eelive.ng’s DAMISTRORIAN caught up with Arnold, who goes with #Bolar alongside Bolanle, his love interest on the show.
Kindly tell us about your background.
I am from a Christian background and a definite nuclear setting. My dad is a Nigerian from the Yoruba-speaking tribe, and my mum is a Sierra Leonean from the Mende-speaking tribe.
What do you think people should know about your academic background?
Well, I did my early-stage education in Sierra Leone, and since my dad was a missionary, I had to attend different Primary and Secondary schools, depending on the stations he was posted.
I am a graduate of Health Information Management and Biostatistics, from the College of Medicine in OAU.
How best can you describe the “Arnold” brand?
My brand represents versatility, vibrancy; and most times people say “Jack of all trade”. I just say I am a bunch of talent waiting to explode. Being an actor, a commercial model, a screenwriter, and a performer, you might think I am going mad; but this is just what I am made of and this gives room for every brand to be a partner so easily.
When and how did you debut your movie-making career?
All started in the Refugee camp. I have never been interested in acting but somehow I walked pass a rehearsal one day and the director wanted someone to play a role. I will always stop by and then stand by the window every-time I return from school.
With this, I became acquainted with the craft and unconsciously started to sing all the songs they were rehearsing. This was going to be for a tour but still wasn’t interested. The director by the name Mr. Carew noticed this and then asked to see my mum. The rest was history.
Since you started acting professionally, what have been the challenges and triumphs?
There are a lot of challenges, as I can go on and on and on. First of all, practicing any craft you should consider the fact about the location you want to embark on. Every location has its own limitations particular to that environment. Significantly, the mental weight which comes with a whole lot of pressure.
As a creative there is this constant need to “outdo you”, the need to be better, appear better and stay better. At some point, that need consumes you. So, to remain sane and avoid depression, I stay out of the social world at intervals.
And for my triumph, obviously, I should be able to blow my trumpet since they are mine. But this is entertainment, people will help me count my blessings and name them.
People often say ladies are easy to thrive in acting in Nigeria compared to men, do you think they are correct?
They are not wrong. Basically, in almost all industries, women get better considerations compared to men.
What are you afraid of as a man?
Failure is normal, but rejection is what I really can’t embrace.
Why do you think celebrity marriages fail?
The media sells “only” the negative, and overtime studies have shown that the negative news captivates more than the successful stories. I know a lot of celebrities who have successful marriages, but no one talks about them, it doesn’t make the headline.
Tell us your perception of women
Women are created after God’s heart. And based on the way they are wired; it will take God himself to make you know them. Like the producer must give you the manual.
What type of woman appeals to you?
Good physique, intellectually sound, industrious, common sense and particularly, she must ooze peace.
What turns you off from a lady?
I don’t like when a lady is violent. It drives me crazy.
