Sam Adegoke

Best known as Jeff Colby on “Dynasty,” Sam Adegoke’s career as an actor and producer continues to make waves in the industry. Since his debut in 2014, he has built a resume filled with TV series like “Switched at Birth,” and movies like “Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland,” which resulted in his breakout as a star. Adegoke continues this trajectory with his most recent work on “This is Not a War Story.” He stars and co-produces this film, while continuing to work on season 5 to come out this December.

Sunglasses by SpiltMilk Eyewear
T-shirt + Coat by Dirty Pineapple

What was it like to work as a co-producer and actor on “This is Not a War Story?”
I feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of this project. The opportunity to tell a story that explores trauma, in partnership with real life veterans, spanning three generations of warfare was amazing. It’s a beautiful, vulnerable, courageous, and even relatable as story at the time, I’d just begun to explore my own personal traumas and was seeking therapy. It’s a topic we often neglect, especially in Black communities, and I hope the film in some way contributes to building more awareness, conversation, and resources around issues of trauma that we all experience.

Producing allowed me to be involved in the process beyond acting, to have a say in different aspects of the film, and to make a monetary investment to support its promotion. It’s something I’ll definitely be doing more of. It makes you a better and more informed actor and allows you to have a real fingerprint on the entire process from pre- to post- production.

Do you see yourself continuing to produce in the future?
Yes. I want to touch as many aspects of future projects as possible. Hell, I’d operate a camera if given the opportunity. I want to learn every aspect of what it takes to make and distribute a film, makes you a better and more informed as an actor and allows you to be immersed in the entire process of filmmaking.

**Left:**
Sunglasses by Kopajos
Full look by Teddy Vonranson
Sandals by Teddy Vonranson
Necklace by Teddy Vonranson
Socks by Cole Haan
**Right:**
Full look by Teddy Vonranson
Bag by Teddy Vonranson

You were filming “Dynasty” at the same time as “This is Not A War Story.” How has the success of Dynasty been influential in your life? What’s it like getting into character for your role as Jeff Colby?
Yes, at the time we were shooting “This is Not a War Story,” I was also filming season 2 of “Dynasty.” We’re currently filming season 5 and it’s been a tremendous blessing. ”This is Not a War Story,” was a very low budget labor of love so, in many ways, “Dynasty” is the reason I was even able to do the film. It’s a fun show. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and with crazy plot twists and drama, it’s built a super loyal fan base for which I’m very grateful. We all thought it had the potential to be great but I don’t think any one of us expected to be a top watched show on Netflix. We’re top 3 next to “Squid Game” and “Locke and Key,” as we speak, which is insane. In terms of character, Jeff Colby is certainly more impulsive and flashier than I am. The expensive suits and cars always help get me into character as does the fact that I relate him as a well-intended, passionate man, who is always ready to fight for his beliefs, even if it leads him to make less than wise choices. I love playing with that dichotomy. It certainly keeps it interesting as does the fact that Jeff would never admit it, but he enjoys the mischief and drama. We might be similar in that regard, lol.

Your acting career started fairly early in 2014. How has acting changed for you as you’ve matured?
I actually grew up doing Faith based plays, starting at the age of seven, in my parents’ church in Minnesota, and began seriously training in 2007. In 2015, I won the ABC talent showcase, which certainly helped my career and got some eyes on my work. The beauty of acting is you’re always learning and growing. No two moments are the same. There’s always something new to discover and the possibility of exploring stronger choices in your work and constantly growing; in that sense to me, it's always changing.

If you weren’t acting what else would you pursue instead?
I would pursue fashion design. I actually studied it in art school at the same time I studied acting. I had two seasons of a premium RTW (Ready -To-Wear) line of motorcycle inspired menswear with shows at LA Fashion week, and I’m an avid motorcycle rider, so all the pieces offered functional safety in addition to style. It's definitely a passion. I just like product design in general and I’m always sketching out ideas. My focus right now is really acting, writing, and producing, but I recently started getting back to designing again, which has been great.

Sunglasses by Kopajos
Full look by Teddy Vonranson
Sandals by Teddy Vonranson
Necklace by Teddy Vonranson
Socks by Cole Haan

From whom/where do you take inspiration from when acting?
The material, the character, my scene partners, the environment, the backstory I’ve created, and myself. Everything can inspire and inform your character if you tune in and that’s the constant beautiful challenge of how often and how consistently you tune in.

You have a lot of variety in your resume. Do you prefer to work in film or television?
I need and love variety and am grateful to have had it thus far. As far as film or TV, as long as I find the character and story interesting, I don’t really have a preference one way or another. If I had to choose I’d say television because you get to live with your character longer and explore all kinds of choices and nuances. Ultimately for me, it boils down to the character and story. As long as it’s a good story and a character I connect with, I’m less concerned with the medium. I would really like to do more theatre.

How do you usually decide which roles you want to pursue?
I believe in the transformational power of storytelling and if I feel a story or character can challenge an audience's conventional wisdoms or beliefs, and transform them for the better, even behaviorally, than I’m in. The chance to explore real trauma through the lens of a Black character like Will LaRue in “This is Not a War Story” was appealing because we often neglect topics of trauma and therapy in Black communities, despite being a deeply traumatized people. If this story can somehow create conversation or awareness that changes that, then how amazing. A character like Jeff Colby is appealing because I’ve never seen an intelligent, 28-year-old, self-made, Black billionaire on TV. We don’t often see those roles come our way and if that character can create any measure of inspiration for viewers who are young Black boys and girls then, again, how amazing.

Hat by Simon and Mary
Suit by Luigi Bianchi Mantova
Boots by Alexander McQueen
Necklace by Teddy Vonranson

How has the TV industry changed for you in the past few years? What changes have you noticed due to the pandemic?
The pandemic has changed everything. Budgets, length of time to film given new safety measures to protect cast and crew, really everything. It certainly requires everyone to be more patient and collaborative, which is always good. In general, I love that the TV industry in becoming more global and inclusive and we’re finding more underrepresented voices to highlight and celebrate, particularly for Black and African stories. I use the term “Black and African” not as a genre because it certainly isn’t nor should it be, but more in terms of the fact that our stories are now getting the attention and value they deserve. We have a ways to go, but it’s still very inspiring and opens up new possibilities.

When you’re not acting, what is your go-to hobby or activity?
Motorcycle riding. It’s been an obsession since I started riding when I was 14. I especially like exploring national parks on long motorcycle trips for a weekend, or weeks if I have the time. Get in nature, pitch a tent, grill over an open fire and just unplug. I also love to travel and explore new countries, cultures, and, of course, food.

What are your socials?
@samadegoke twitter, ig, facebook.