My father never commercialised his comedy, but I did – Imeh Bishop Umoh aka Okon

Imeh Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon, is one of the best comic actors Nigeria has produced. The Star of Okon has won the hearts of fans both locally and internationally. In this exclusive interview with TS Weekend in Abuja, the University of Uyo Philosophy graduate narrated amid laughter how he’d have become a brilliant lawyer like his father. He also took us down memory lane on his childhood, marriage and family. Enjoy:

How has life been as a Glo ambassador?
It’s been interesting and I appreciate the telecommunication giant for recognising my skills.
You are a rich man now?
To God be the glory. I am a millionaire not a billionaire. And I am running into million problems (laughter).
How do you feel when people call you Okon instead of your real name Imeh Bishop Umoh?
Actually, I got the name Okon from the character I played in Okon Goes To School and Okon Lagos. However, the flick, Okon Lagos gave me recognition both locally and internationally as an actor. And I don’t see anything wrong about it, just like my colleague, John Okafor, who is popularly called Mr. Ibu. So, when my fans call me Okon, I humbly respond because they are the reason why I am marketable. My English name is Bishop while Imeh is my native name and Umoh is my surname.
As a comedian, you’ve depicted many characters as a gateman, houseboy etc, how does it make you feel? 
It’s very simple because I am playing a character from my state, Akwa Ibom. So, if you say an Akwa Ibom man is known for working as domestic staff, it means they don’t steal and they are not dirty, because there is no way you will keep a thief in your house. We are not only known for being the best domestic staff in the country. Clement Isong, former CBN Governor, is an Akwa Ibom man and he served diligently. Anything an Akwa Ibom man does, he gives his best. But the trend has changed; (Governor) Godswill Akpabio has made it mandatory that every Akwa Ibom indigene of school age must acquire compulsory primary and secondary school education in the state free of charge. Akwa Ibom people don’t subscribe to being domestic servant or modern day slavery again. There is no family in Akwa Ibom State that exports children again. It’s no longer in our culture. So, if you are looking for a house help or maid, you can employ a nanny.
Could you tell us how your journey into acting began?
I’ve always been in the forefront of the dramatic club in my school. Through this, I won lots of accolade. So, I have always been a comedian and actor. But my first Nollywood movie was in 2014. It was produced by the late Francis Agu and entitled ‘Dance in the Forest’. He was the one who discovered me as an actor, though I featured in one of our indigenous films in 1993.
Could you tell us a bit about your background?
I attended Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited Secondary School in Kogi State where I obtained my junior secondary school certificate. Then I proceeded to Nigerian Christian Institute, Uyo where I obtained my senior secondary school certificate. Thereafter, I got my first degree in Philosophy from University of Uyo. And I am also pursing a Master’s degree in Philosophy. And I did my national youth service in Sokoto State.
How was your growing up like?
I was a very stubborn and mischievous child. But I thank God that mischief has metamorphosed into a marketable brand, to earn a living.
What about your father?
My father is late; he was a lawyer. He died in 1999 when I was still a young boy.
What do you miss most about your father?
He was a very playful person, a comedian. The difference between us is that my father never commercialised his humour, but I did.
Would you say your father actually inspired you into comedy?
My father didn’t inspire me to becoming an actor; I have always wanted to be a happy person. And I didn’t venture into the movie industry just because I wanted to be a celebrity. I wanted to become a lawyer. My father really wanted me to study law because he was my role model. Fortunately, I became an actor, to have fun and I didn’t just make myself happy, I have fame and fortune.
Did you learn some of the hilarious things you do on set or they just flow naturally?
Did you learn being slim? (Laughter).. Someone may look at you and say your eyes are like that of your father or mother. Am I supposed to learn to look like my father? (Laughter). Abi na your papa born me?
What about your eyes, they look funny on set, even now?
In fact, it runs in the family. My daughter too has the same eyes (laughter). So, it’s natural, but I am praying to God for change, so that she wouldn’t stay at home for long before marriage (laughter).
Could you tell us about the woman after your heart?
I am forever grateful to God for making me to come across my wife. It’s not everyone that can be as lucky as I am for a well-behaved lady to adopt me for marriage (laughter).                                                                                                                               Wat do u have to say about Expdonaloaded.blogspot.com?..l luv them so much and the are the best and i have work with them 4so long and the are good.pls my fans,advertise with them and promo ur songs with expdonaloaded cos the are the best...
What was the attraction?
I will give you her phone number so that you can ask her what actually attracted her to me. That’s a big question for me. I have asked her tirelessly, what she found attractive in me. Sincerely, I don’t know the attraction, but I thank God for connecting us in this journey of life. My wife is a very beautiful woman and I appreciate her for all the love and affection she has shown me. We have been married for a year now and blessed with a lovely daughter.
What is the craziest thing you have done on set?
It may be crazy to you! But for me, it’s just normal been an actor (laughter).
What has stardom done for you?
It’s God that made me famous. My state governor is my fan; also Mr. President and his wife are my fans. I have fans all over the world not just Nigeria. And I appreciate the movie industry for discovering me. I will always support any government willing to keep Nollywood alive.
What is your advice to the young ones in the movie industry?
You have to develop yourself in whatever you have found interest to earn a living. Don’t quit when the road is rough. But if you discover you are not destined to be an actor, look somewhere else. There are many aspects of movie production in which you can excel.