(Photo credit: Matthew Bennett Photography)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
Moni Ogunsuyi has been in the spotlight with her latest films “Taken at a Basketball Game” and the Oscar-nominated feature film “The Apprentice” and Nerd Alert News had the chance to catch up with her. She teamed up with D.B. Woodside in this anticipated film “Taken at a Basketball Game” to search for his missing daughter. It looks as exciting as it is intense, and everyone will get the chance to watch it on Lifetime, on March 15th. Moni is also known for her roles in “Welcome To Derry,” “The Umbrella Academy,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Boys,” and more.
This first-generation Canadian of Nigerian descent was born and raised in Toronto and began her career in beauty pageants. She grew up in a suburb and dreamed of becoming a triple-threat actor/singer/designer. After escaping a challenging home life she set out to make her dreams come true. Not only did she do that, she was just getting started! This multi-talent also loves to paint, sketch, and sing. Step into Moni’s world and get to know this amazing talent.
Colleen Bement: Congratulations on your new film “Taken at a Basketball Game.” I understand it’s based on a true story, and movies like that are so hard for me to watch as a parent. The film looks amazing! Two questions:
1.) What was it like to be a part of that film? What was your experience like on the set?
Moni Ogunsuyi: Thank you so much! I was thrilled when I found out that I got the part. It means a lot to me to be able to give women like Splendid a voice and to also humanize her. I feel honoured to be a part of a film that brings a spotlight to a conversation like this, and I hope through watching the film people can see how easily some women find themselves in Robyn’s, and Splendid’s circumstances. And especially parents, I hope this film lets parents know how common these types of events are.
My experience on set was nothing short of amazing. We had such a great director, Ruba, who is definitely what I call an actor’s director. Our on-set producers were so welcoming and the crew was so accommodating and kind. Not to mention working with the cast was great. It felt like everyone understood the severity of the topic of the film, but it was also an environment where we were able to have fun in between scenes/takes and feel safe while shooting.
2.) Was the role physically challenging, and what did you do to prepare for it?
MO: I wouldn’t say it was physically challenging, but it was more emotionally draining. Imagine having to present a certain way to get by and survive, while beneath that, there’s a whole other version of yourself, the true you, hiding. That’s what Splendid’s life was like. I essentially had to get into the mindset of pretending to be one way for survival, but through that, I needed to also show the soft side to her and her true nature who she only felt somewhat comfortable being when she was around Wayne. To prepare, my coach Lewis Beaumander, helped me to establish who Splendid was and create a personality for her, but also who Faith was (her real name). I also pulled on past experiences with an old friend who was in the same situation as Splendid.
CB: I also saw that you played Sandra in the Oscar-nominated feature film “The Apprentice.” Did you have any idea that it was going to be such an important and award-winning movie?
MO: I’m going to be honest, when I first got the role, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But once I was on set, saw the hair and makeup (especially for Sebastian Stan), saw the set design, felt the energy of the director Ali Abbasi and saw Sebastian’s performance (he looked and sounded just like Donald Trump), I had a feeling it would be in the running for quite a few awards. I’m so thankful to have been a part of that project.
CB: You’ve been in fan-favorite shows like “The Boys” and “The Umbrella Academy.” Both are such great shows! I’d love to hear a story from either show’s set.
MO: It’s so crazy to think about how long ago 2018 and 2019 were. “The Umbrella Academy” was the first role that I booked and I was so nervous on set. I was so shy and wasn’t sure what to expect. By the time I was on “The Boys,” I felt a bit more confident and all I can remember was there was a dog in the makeup trailer. She was smaller, similar in size to my dog and she liked me. Like she sat right at my feet, and I remember a couple of the main cast walking in and being shocked. I was also shocked to see them cause in my head I was like ‘omg I’ve seen them on TV and they’re nice in real life?!?! Wow!!’
CB: I saw that you’ve finished filming quite a few Christmas films. Those are always so romantic, and are popular all year round! Are you a romantic at heart?
MO: I’d usually say no, but deep down it’s a yes! I always find myself watching RomComs from the 90s and 00s because they’re SO cute! And I’m also a sucker for Christmas movies for sure.
CB: Tell me more about your love for singing. Is it just a creative outlet, or do you perform in front of others?
MO: I used to love singing when I was younger and sang in my grade 8 talent show. I even sang in a couple of pageants I competed in and placed third in talent for Miss World Canada 2015. But, since then it’s something that I have in my back pocket if needed, but I would love to be able to perform more for sure!
CB: I read that you love doing pole dancing as a workout. I have a friend who does that and she described how difficult it is…AND fun. How hard is it to learn?
MO: Oh my goodness is it ever hard! I never realized how much upper body strength it took to do pole dancing! My instructors looked like angels whenever they showed us combos and let’s just say I didn’t look nearly as graceful when I tried haha! As difficult as it was, I kept showing up and I kept trying and now it’s not as hard as it was in the beginning thankfully! I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a fun and exciting way to workout!
Be sure to catch “Taken at a Basketball Game” on Lifetime, on March 15h, 2025.
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