Nigerian actress Sharon Rotimi is embracing a new understanding of her craft, one that sees her personal growth as an important part of her evolution as an actress.
In this edition of Streamdorm Exclusive, she reflects on her journey so far, her approach to bringing different characters to life, and the lessons she continues to learn about herself and her capabilities. She also discusses the role Cornrows of The Yard played in her growth and the kind of work she hopes to explore next.
Before we get into your craft and the different characters you’ve brought to life on screen, how would you describe Sharon Rotimi today, both as a person and as an actress?
Sharon Rotimi: Sharon Rotimi has been different things to different people at different phases of her life. In this phase, however, she’s a girl who is coming into her own and is unapologetic about who she is and what she wants out of life.
As an actress, she is discovering that it is perfectly okay to want more, whether as an actor or in her film career.
Looking back at your journey so far, how has your understanding of what it means to be an actress evolved from when you first started to where you are today?
Sharon Rotimi: This is an interesting question because I could have sworn by my formerly held belief that acting meant being completely removed from who you are. Now, not so much. In fact, it feels like I only get better as an actor the more I embrace the realities of who I am as a person.
When a new script lands in your hands, what’s the very first thing you look for in a character before you begin breaking it down?
Sharon Rotimi: I like to look for where their head is at in the story and work my way backwards.
You’ve portrayed characters with very different personalities and life experiences. How do you approach getting into a character, especially when their worldview is completely different from yours?
Sharon Rotimi: Getting into character always starts with the “boring” technicalities of a character breakdown. It seems like boring work, but it’s very rewarding. If I can figure out their headspace, background and motivations, everything else is a piece of cake.
As an actress who continues to train and develop her craft, what’s one thing you’ve had to unlearn or challenge about yourself to become a better performer?
Sharon Rotimi: I’ve had to, and I am still, unlearning the habit of judging my character.
Looking at the body of work you’ve built so far, which role has taught you the most about yourself as an actor, and what exactly did it teach you?
Sharon Rotimi: Most likely Cornrows of The Yard, and it taught me that knowing myself and my capabilities never ends.
Looking ahead, what kinds of roles or stories are you hoping to explore next, and how do you see yourself evolving as an actress over the next few years?
Sharon Rotimi: I just want to do work that challenges me to push outside my comfort zone and satisfies the artist in me.
As Sharon Rotimi continues to explore her craft, her reflections point to an understanding of acting that is as much about self-discovery as it is about performance. By embracing who she is, examining the motivations behind her characters and remaining open to new challenges, she continues to make room for growth.
This interview is part of Streamdorm Exclusive, our series spotlighting the people, stories, and creative journeys shaping entertainment and culture.