Okieriete Onaodowan

thumb Okieriete "Oak" Onaodowan is an American actor and singer known for his work in musical theatre and television. Quotes I trained in boxing for [the musical] Rocky, and I did some more boxing training for Hamilton, and then I kept my regimen up over the years. But for this show, I had to focus on MMA training, which meant I really had to change my exercise routine. I used to lift heavier weights, but this was more about doing calisthenics, leg work, and mastering the jump rope. And I had to focus on getting the right amount of recovery and rest to do this show every night. No. Our only history was doing a reading of the play. But we are both from New Jersey, and I think that helped our connection. We share the same vernacular. From day one, we felt a bond, and I felt like it was my job to be looking after her. I guess I have a natural big-brother instinct. I do draw on that direct experience. I don’t know what it’s like to have a brother. And, on top of that, I do feel a different sense of protectiveness with my younger sister than my other sisters. It is my job to be her protector. No. I’m old school. I don’t believe in calling out except if there’s a real emergency. After all the auditions, rejections, and politicking, performing is the good stuff. So, I want to be there to connect with the audience every night. I do believe age is a number, but being my age [38] means I can look at other types of roles. I’ll probably start playing lots of fathers soon, and eventually, grandfathers. It’s fine! Yes, I want to continue to do great storytelling, and I love to constantly bounce between mediums. Being onstage, you get immediate feedback, but you get a wider reach on TV and film. So, both have their positives. At the end of the day, I am an actor first and foremost, and I want to exercise that skill set as much as I can. Interview: Oak Flexes His Acting Muscles, and His Real Ones, in The Monsters;By Brian Scott Lipton on February 24, 2026 External links Category:Actors from New Jersey Category:Singers from the United States Category:Living people Category:1978 births Category:African Americans