By Eddah Waithaka
Award-winning actor Godfrey Odhiambo, a powerhouse of Kenyan cinema since his breakout role in 2007’s Malooned!, now tackles his most personal part in the new Showmax drama Reckless.
Odhiambo steps into the shoes of Edward Sonoko, a patriarch fighting corporate threats and his sons’ chaotic choices. In an exclusive interview, the veteran actor revealed that the role hits remarkably close to home.
“I connected with him on such a personal level,” Odhiambo told Showmax. “I’m a father of two boys, just like Edward in the series. My sons have so many similarities to Edward’s boys. It was like art imitating life. Every scene felt natural, almost like I was just living my real life on screen.”
This new challenge comes as Kenyan audiences embrace local content like never before. Reflecting on his journey from the landmark Malooned! to acclaimed films like Nairobi Half Life, Odhiambo notes a seismic shift.
“The acceptance by the audience has changed the most,” he said. “It’s incredible to see how Kenyans have stepped up to support, enjoy, and champion our own talent. For actors and filmmakers like me, it’s such a relief to know we have a homegrown audience rooting for us.”
On set, the family drama felt authentic, thanks to strong chemistry with his on-screen sons, played by Brian Abajah and Sammy Okore. He particularly sees a spark of his younger self in Abajah.“
Brian reminds me so much of my younger self from the Malooned! days,” Odhiambo shared. “Off set, we would find ourselves having these deep conversations, asking the kind of questions I would have asked myself at his age.”
A veteran of both stage and screen, Odhiambo broke down the key difference in his preparation. “For the stage, you prepare the character holistically – it’s one full-package performance,” he explained. “For the screen, you prepare for the scene. I would say it’s more challenging preparing for the stage, but it’s more fulfilling.”
Without giving spoilers, Odhiambo promises audiences a gripping journey with Edward Sonoko. “They’re in for moments they don’t expect, for twists and turns they won’t see coming,” he teased.
For aspiring actors hoping to follow his path, Odhiambo offers sage advice: “Treat acting as a sacred craft. Don’t rush it,” he urged. “Master your skills before you put yourself out there. Your willingness to learn, your openness to being corrected, and your ability to adapt should set you apart.”
And when the cameras stop rolling? The acclaimed actor unwinds with his favorite comfort food: wet fried kienyeji chicken with ugali and kachumbari.
Catch Godfrey Odhiambo’s powerful performance in Reckless, streaming now on Showmax with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
