Steven Prusakowski
When you watch the critically-acclaimed and viewer-adored Ted Lasso, the utter charm of the character Sam Obisanya (played by Toheeb Jimoh) is undeniable. It almost literally beams off the screen with his dashing smile which he flashes quite frequently. This charm is put at center circle, especially in season two where a pair of Jimoh’s storylines added so much to the heart and soul of the series. Viewers ate up Sam’s kind-hearted, romantic and even global-minded sides throughout the season.
After watching his work on the series, you probably will not be surprised to learn that Toheeb is just as charming, if not more, as his character, Sam. In addition he is full of passion for his craft, his Ted Lasso family and making positive change in the world. During our conversation I learned how connected he was to Sam’s storyline which is tied in Jimoh’s Nigerian roots. It not only felt like a natural part of the series, but also exposed viewers to true life human rights issues.
Jimoh spoke about how a series like Ted Lasso, and specifically Sam’s Nigerian storyline, can have an impact people across the globe – changing the world through art. “I felt really, really, really privileged to be able to tell that story. I think that’s how television can change people. It’s when you when you reel them in, and you get people to really identify with these characters and start to root for these characters,” explained Jimoh. “And suddenly, their problems become your problems to, you know, You can be somebody who lives anywhere in America, that’s never been to Nigeria, never heard of Nigeria. But suddenly, this is something that’s important to Sam, a character who you love, who is Nigerian. And then, you’re on Twitter looking at actually what’s going on in the Niger Delta? I think it’s just brilliant.”
In my conversation with Toheeb, you will find that just like his character, there is much more than you may know. We discuss his on-screen romance with Hannah Waddingham, how he knows when Jason Suedekis has a new idea, which two characters on Ted Lasso he would have like to play (they may surprise you, but I totally think he would pull them off,) and much, much more.
Fans of his work will enjoy the insights into working on Ted Lasso, while learning much more about the man behind the jersey, including which video game he plays with cast mates and the TV series he is obsessed with (besides Ted Lasso). Surprisingly, the day of the interview had a couple of fun coincidences that tie in co-star Brett Goldstein and some fun show history.
I hope you enjoy my conversation with Toheeb Jimoh. Be sure to check out his amazing work on Ted Lasso streaming exclusively on AppleTV+.
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