Kate Winslet’s Decision to Give Fisayo Akinade a Bigger Role in ‘Goodbye June’
Fisayo Akinade Finds Success in Kate Winslet’s Directorial Debut ‘Goodbye June’
Fisayo Akinade’s career took a significant leap following a chance encounter with renowned actress Kate Winslet. During their first meeting over coffee, Winslet offered Akinade a role in her directorial debut, Goodbye June, which premiered on Netflix after a limited theatrical release.
Days before their meeting, Akinade was on a London bus when his agent informed him that Winslet was directing a film and wanted to meet. Surprised, he recalled, "I said, ‘How the fuck does she know who I am?’" Akinade was further astonished when his agent revealed the impressive cast he would be joining, which includes Helen Mirren, Toni Collette, and Timothy Spall.
“‘What the fuck is going on?,’” Akinade exclaimed, remembering his disbelief.
The film, written by Joe Anders—son of Winslet and theater director Sam Mendes—follows a family as they cope with the impending death of their matriarch during Christmas. Winslet designated Akinade to play Angel, the cancer ward nurse caring for the titular character, June, played by Mirren.
Their initial meeting took place at the Soho Hotel, where Akinade vividly remembers being in awe of Winslet. "This is a woman I have watched since I was about 12 years old," he said, noting her warmth and authenticity. After discussing the film, Winslet told him, “Well, listen, I want you to do it. There’s nobody else I’m seeing.”
The opportunity quickly evolved, with Akinade accompanying Winslet to audition child actors and participate in readings. He expressed his amazement at Winslet’s ease and grace, comparing her demeanor to that of high-profile actors like Denzel and Pauletta Washington.
Akinade, originally from Liverpool, has a rich background rooted in Nigerian culture. After relocating to Nigeria as a baby, he returned to Manchester at around four years old, where he became proficient in Yoruba. He fondly reminisces about childhood phrases, jokingly recalling his favorite insult: “You’re the son of a goat and is your head all right?”
At a recent breakfast meeting in Soho, Akinade shared insights on his character and his admiration for Winslet and the legendary actress Judi Dench, with whom he previously worked in The Vote. He reflected on aspects of Nigerian upbringing that influenced his portrayal of Angel, emphasizing his mother’s tough yet compassionate approach to care.
“I wanted to bring that ‘tough love’ aspect to Angel,” he remarked, highlighting the significance of empathy in caregiving.
Winslet’s dedication to authenticity extended to Akinade’s preparation for his role, as she arranged meetings with experienced palliative care nurses. One nurse, with decades of experience, shaped Akinade’s performance by sharing poignant insights from her work, one of which Akinade included in the film: “When a patient comes in for end-of-life care, my first thought is that we have to get it right.”
Through his character, Akinade emphasizes the importance of putting family matters in perspective during moments of grief. "When your mum goes, are you going to be thinking about what happens to her ring, or are you just going to be missing your mum?” he asked, underscoring the film’s message about familial love and unity.
As he navigates his burgeoning career, Akinade believes in the power of dramatic storytelling to convey wisdom and resilience. He cited The Color Purple as a formative film that resonated with him deeply during challenging times in his youth.
Reflecting on the positive representation of LGBTQ+ experiences in modern media, Akinade expressed gratitude for the openness found in shows like Heartstopper, where audiences can see greater freedom in portraying identity.
As he contemplates future roles and projects, Akinade remains focused on portraying characters that exhibit transformative arcs. “What you say ‘no’ to is far more important than what you say ‘yes’ to,” he advised, underscoring his commitment to meaningful work.
In Goodbye June, Akinade’s heartfelt portrayal of Angel not only enriches the narrative but also serves as a tribute to essential caregivers. Winslet, in a conversation last summer, acknowledged Akinade’s talent, noting that his role expanded through discussions during the filming process. “He’s so bloody good; he can do anything,” she remarked.
As Akinade looks ahead, his experiences working alongside giants like Winslet and Dench have solidified his passion for the craft and deepened his understanding of the significance of representation in storytelling. Now, with Goodbye June, he has made a profound mark in the world of film, proving he is a talent to watch in the years to come.
