Renowned stage actor and voiceover artist Andrew Tandoh-Adote recently shared the story behind his unexpected involvement in the hit Hollywood film Beasts of No Nation.
In an interview on GhanaWeb TV’s Talkertainment with Abrantepa, Tandoh-Adote revealed how, despite initially turning down the opportunity due to scheduling conflicts, he ultimately found himself on the film’s set.
In 2015, a Hollywood team came to Ghana to scout for local talent, and Tandoh-Adote, known for his work with Roverman Productions, was invited to audition.
Although he landed a role, he initially declined, as the production clashed with his commitments to a stage play already in rehearsals.
Despite his refusal, an acting coach from the film’s team persistently urged him to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of the opportunity for his career.
“Around the time we auditioned, there was no play that we were rehearsing for. But somehow, they kept shifting the dates. So when I auditioned and got the role, when I was informed that I had gotten the role, we were already hot in rehearsals for another play that we were going to do. So it became a bit of a difficult thing to manage. So what I told them was, I can’t do it. They should find someone else.
“One lady, one of the acting coaches who had come to help the kids, called me and tried to convince me to be part of the film and that it was important because it would be good on my resume. I said I didn’t know what a resume was. I didn’t care. She said it would go on my IMDb. I said I didn’t know what IMDb was. I didn’t care. She tried talking to me, but I said, I’m sorry, I can’t do it. She should find someone else,” he said.
However, Tandoh-Adote was unmoved by mentions of his IMDb profile or resume, which held little significance for him at the time.
To his surprise, the film’s director was insistent on having him in the movie.
This led to further discussions, and Tandoh-Adote eventually agreed after consulting with Uncle Ebo Whyte, the CEO of Roverman Productions.
“I got a call from the Ghanaians who worked with them; what have I smeared on my face? I said, what are they talking about? They said, ‘Oh, now the director himself has called that they should make sure I am in the film.’ So that means, they are not taking no for an answer. I finally said, ‘Okay.’ So I went to see my boss, Uncle Ebo Whyte, and we worked out something,” he added.
Reflecting on the experience, Tandoh-Adote noted that his role in the film was brief and did not offer substantial financial gain. Nonetheless, he valued the experience, despite its minimal screen time and modest remuneration.
“I thought it was weird because my appearance in the film didn’t last more than five minutes. Did it pay? No, it was a very small rule. I think the big money went to the big cast, but it was a very small role, and it was fine,” he said.