Nigerian actor and reality TV star, Tayo Faniran, recently shared insights into why movie directors prefer casting him. In a recent interview, the 2014 Big Brother Africa runner-up attributed his success to his physical attributes. Standing at an impressive six feet four inches with broad shoulders and dark skin, Faniran believes his appearance significantly contributes to his popularity in the movie industry. He emphasized how his visual appeal on screen, even without speaking, captures the audience's attention.
However, Faniran also acknowledged that his success is not solely based on looks. He highlighted the importance of continuous effort to enhance his acting skills, expressing his aspiration to be a versatile actor capable of delivering convincing performances across various roles. Despite recognizing the impact of his physical appearance, he emphasized the need for substance and skill in the competitive world of acting.
“Let’s say my looks have contributed to the kind of roles I get. I am six feet four inches. I’m really tall and I have broad shoulders. I am dark-skinned as well. Those things, put together, already make me a super attractive personality for TV. If you see me on the screen, even without me talking, you would love to look at me.
We (actors) must attract the viewers to what we are showcasing, whether it’s storytelling, reality, or whatever it is. However, that’s not all there is to it. There are good-looking people on TV who are not good actors. I want to be a proper and versatile actor that can deliver, whether as a mechanic, farmer, or headmaster.”