Jamal Akakpo isn’t just working; he’s living. He exists across universes, genres, and decades. Recently, he made an impressive debut on NBC’s popular show Chicago Fire during the network’s largest crossover ever, drawing in more than 6 million viewers, the season high.
Playing the role of a confident and enthusiastic young firefighter named Jamie Holt, Jamal took his audience by storm. Holt appeared just as a scary viral outbreak was unfolding on a plane, only to join Truck 68 alongside familiar characters such as Macy Vasquez, Kidd, Cruz, and Capp. Showing immediately that he belongs among the best, he has since gotten an additional gig returning to Chicago Fire and participating in a training exercise at Firehouse 51 with Capp and Cruz.
But before all of this, Jamal had been building his reputation in the TV industry. Appearing on Marvel’s Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2017, in HBO’s Watchmen, directed by none other than Damon Lindelof, where he portrayed Bass Reeves, and in Black Lightning, SWAT, Atlanta, and Florida Man, he proved that he is a man worth watching.
In our exclusive interview with Where Is The Buzz, Jamal talks about ambition, dreams, and roles with meaning.
He has already participated in two of America’s biggest franchises, so it goes without saying that Jamal doesn’t need to be reminded about how much of a privilege this is. Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise if there were another world that he would like to join.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of both the DC and Marvel universes on television, which is something I don’t take lightly at all. If I had to name a dream franchise outside of those worlds, I’d say something within The Hunger Games universe,” Jamal said.
It would have been hard to guess, but after this response, you cannot help but agree with him.
“I’ve always been a fan of those films and what they stand for. Being part of that world, maybe coming from District 11, would be incredible. There’s so much depth, resilience, and social commentary in that space that I’d love to explore as an actor,” Jamal continued.
One can feel how deeply this idea has touched him.
Now, let’s move on to discussing the debut itself. As it might seem surprising, but the number of 6 million is not all that Jamal has gained. What’s more, there is even more behind his feelings and thoughts regarding the event.
“When I found out I booked the crossover, it definitely hit different,” Jamal explained. “I understood how important that event is. It’s one of the most anticipated moments across all the shows each season.”
It may not sound like it, but the sense of responsibility and gratitude Jamal felt upon joining such an important project is palpable.
“My first feeling was honestly just gratitude. Gratitude that the Chicago Fire team trusted me enough to bring me in on such a major episode, and gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with casts and crews across all three shows,” he explained.
And how about the numbers?
“As far as the numbers go, it was surreal. But I really see that success as a reflection of the collective effort. Everyone showed up, fully committed, and when you have that kind of alignment across a team, the results speak for themselves,” he concluded.
It seems that he managed to impress with his grace in this situation.
There is no doubt that Watchmen holds a special place in his heart.
“Portraying Bass Reeves in Watchmen means a great deal to me because of his historical significance and what he represents,” Jamal said. “Being part of that story and seeing how it resonated was special.”
Well, it is not so that he wasn’t ahead of the curve; the only problem is that the world just caught up.
“In terms of being ‘ahead of the curve,’ that really speaks to Damon Lindelof and his vision. He built such a layered and intentional world,” he explained.
However, the fact that Jamal’s appearance in it set off a chain reaction and positively affected subsequent developments leaves him nothing but impressed.
“Watching how Bass Reeves influenced Louis Gossett Jr.’s character, which then carried through to Regina King’s journey, was powerful. It’s something I’m very proud of,” he explained.
Furthermore, the upcoming movie Lawmen: Bass Reeves, starring David Oyelowo, continues the character’s legacy, ensuring he will stay alive in fans’ memories forever.
As it turns out, there is much to it when preparing for a shoot, which Jamal will definitely tell you.
“Having had the opportunity to work alongside so many talented people, one thing that’s really stayed with me is the importance of preparation and professionalism,” he said.
Although it may sound obvious, a film set is always chaotic and unpredictable. That is why having a plan helps greatly.
“Sets can be chaotic. A lot is happening at once, and time is always tight. But when you come in prepared, knowing your work, understanding your role, it creates a sense of calm not just for you, but for everyone around you,” Jamal added.
That way, everyone feels a sense of control, intention, and respect for their work.
“It raises the level of trust on set and allows the work to flow more naturally. That’s something I carry with me into every project,” he concluded.
So here’s the guy we’ll definitely watch the upcoming TV projects with.
