In a heartfelt and introspective interview, acclaimed actor Nikki Amuka-Bird opens up about the profound impact of her late mother, the challenges of stepping into intimidating roles, and finding solace and purpose in the power of positivity. At 48, Amuka-Bird reflects on the life lessons that have shaped her personal growth and acting career.
A Mother’s Enduring Influence
Amuka-Bird’s journey took an emotional turn when she lost her mother eight years ago, an experience she describes as “strange and disturbing.” However, in the face of grief, she found strength in the wisdom imparted by her mother throughout her life. Amuka-Bird’s mother, a former fashion magazine editor, instilled in her a love for the arts and encouraged free thinking, creating a home environment that nurtured creativity and self-expression.
Mum was an incredible woman. She came from a very humble background. It wasn’t until she was dying that I read her secret journals about how tough, neglectful and abusive her childhood had been. But she had this spirit of “I’m going to disregard my limitations and do absolutely everything I can to achieve everything I want to achieve.” She wanted me to be stimulated by culture and beauty and the arts.
– Nikki Amuka-Bird
Amuka-Bird’s mother’s influence extended beyond their immediate family, as her friends were drawn to the engaging conversations and impromptu photoshoots that often took place in their living room. This early exposure to the world of fashion and the arts laid the foundation for Amuka-Bird’s future career in acting.
Embracing Intimidating Roles
Throughout her acting career, Amuka-Bird has often been called upon to portray characters who exude strength and authority, roles that she admits can be intimidating in real life. Most recently, she took on the role of the prime minister in the film Rumours, an experience that left her questioning her own ability to lead a nation.
I feel very lucky to be doing the job I’m doing. Often I’m asked to play characters who feel bigger or stronger than I am; women who might intimidate me in real life. I just played the prime minister in the film Rumours and thought: “Me? Run the country?”
– Nikki Amuka-Bird
Despite the challenges of embodying such powerful characters, Amuka-Bird embraces these roles as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. She recognizes the importance of stepping outside her comfort zone and exploring the complexities of the human experience through her craft.
Finding Purpose in Positivity
At her core, Amuka-Bird describes herself as a “hippy at heart” and a pacifist who believes in the inherent goodness of humanity. Even in the face of adversity and the often-overwhelming state of the world, she remains committed to spreading positivity and practicing love and compassion towards others.
I’m a glass-half-full person. I believe in humanity at its core, and the importance of putting out positivity in the world. It gets harder, when you read the news and see the state of the world. But I return to these practices about loving your neighbour and doing the best that you can.
– Nikki Amuka-Bird
This dedication to positivity has not only helped Amuka-Bird navigate the challenges of her personal life but has also influenced her approach to acting. She finds solace in the idea that most people are simply improvising their way through life, doing the best they can with the knowledge and resources available to them.
Embracing Emotional Vulnerability
Amuka-Bird’s emotional vulnerability extends beyond her acting roles, as she openly admits to crying when she feels a genuine connection with another person, whether in moments of happiness or sadness. This ability to embrace her emotions and share them with others is a testament to her strength and resilience.
I cry when I’m happy as well as when I’m sad. When I feel like I’m really connecting to a particular person in a particularly moment, I think: “God, it’s so great to be alive.”
– Nikki Amuka-Bird
As Amuka-Bird continues to navigate the complexities of life and her acting career, she remains grounded in the lessons taught by her mother and the power of positivity. Her journey serves as an inspiration to those facing their own challenges, reminding us that growth and purpose can be found even in the darkest of times.
With upcoming roles in the films Rumours and Here, Nikki Amuka-Bird’s star continues to rise, and her commitment to spreading love and compassion through her craft shows no signs of wavering. As she embraces the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, she stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in an ever-changing world.
