Q/A With Adwoa Duncan -Williams

The London native talks about her journey as an actor, social causes, and her pursuit of her American Dream.

Adwoa Duncan-Williams is a British born, Ghanaian descendant actor based in Brooklyn, NY. The youngest of 8 children, her name in fact derives from the Ashanti tribe in Ghana, in which her parents were originally born, meaning ‘Born on Monday’. With the Ghanaian culture running deep in her blood, she’s always incorporated her roots into her craft, wanting to also represent this part of her.

At a young age, Adwoa always loved performing. Whether it was in school dances or plays, she wanted to be on the stage. It wasn’t until secondary school where she officially started studying the craft of acting, taking drama as one of her subjects. Here she found an even deeper love for acting. Overtime, she knew that this profession was the only thing she wanted to succeed in and that’s when she packed up everything, said goodbye to London and moved to the exciting state of New York City.

She began studying the craft full time in the city, earning a degree during the pandemic. Since then, she’s booked multiple roles in commercials and just recently two leading roles in a feature film and short film. Extremely busy and booked, she knows now is the time to work with a team and sought representation for herself.

Q: What have been some of the struggles you’ve faced since you’ve immigrated to America? 

A: Wow, what a question. There have been some, however I would say the main one has been just that…being an immigrant ha !! However as much as it has been a struggle it has been a blessing, because it’s taught me so much about resilience and real hard work in chasing something you so much desire to achieve. There’s certain limitations you have being an immigrant, because of course you don’t necessarily have the same access and benefits as someone who’s not. You are funding yourself completely, there is no “help” per say and that in itself can be a struggle if you haven’t planned extremely ahead. You have to be mindful of healthcare for example and making sure you’re looking after yourself in the best way. Financially, you may be comfortable, however if you have no credit here for example and are looking to rent somewhere, they may turn you away simply because of that. That was the one thing I did learn quickly when I first moved here. You can’t transfer credit- you have to start fresh and a lot of landlords weren’t willing to accept an international tenant for this reason.

Q: What are some of the cultural differences you’ve noticed between London and New York?

A: The stereotype of New York being a city that never sleeps is very accurate. Culturally, I think the work ethic is very different here than compared to London. It is very much a normality here to never rest and to always be chasing after whatever that “thing” is. However I would say London does sleep to a certain extent !! And it is not something that’s unusual. I’ve also noticed that not a lot of things are shockable here, anything goes, until it really doesn’t. 

Q: Why did you decide to move to New York out of all places?

A: I LOVE the concreteness of New York. It truly is like no other place. You really must work hard here, especially being an actor. And I loved this because I knew nothing was going to be handed to me, I was going to have to work for it. I’ve always been a person who prides myself on achieving on my terms and achieving because I know I did, as oppose to being handed every opportunity I would be blessed with.

Q: What do you have to say to the people that are anti-immigration? 

A: Be mindful of how much it takes to prosper in something and what that entails. It entails people !! It requires people from all walks of life who are more than capable of accomplishing something, just like yourself. A great actor and legend in the making Jahlil T Hall will tell you ‘Steal Sharpens Steal’. People can help other people, inspire people and motivate people without being from the same walk of life as them. Or looking like them, having the same nationality or status as them. Creativity should have no immigration restrictions to it.

Q: Why did you take a leap into the acting world?

A: It was the only thing truly fulfilling for me. I did not want anything, despite its gains or advantages. Feeling like that, I knew I had to take a leap. There are so many artists and creatives from my childhood who I grew up with or had been around or known of, that took leaps of faith on their passion. I remember commending their bravery and being inspired to truly believe in my own ability and take that leap on talent and my work ethic.

Q: What are some misconceptions that people get wrong about the acting field?

A: That it is impossible and unrealistic. Nothing is unrealistic if you’re truly connected and committed to it. Another misconception for me is how your acting is acknowledged. I would love for us to remember everyone, no matter who you are, starts at step one, and that won’t change. Therefore, there’s possibility just from that.

Q: What do you think makes a talented actor?

A:  Hunger. Being an actor, I feel you must be hungry in this industry. It’s all good and well wanting to act and be well known and loved, but talent is rooted from hunger and the ability to transition someone else’s story into yours. It is to be comfortable taking yourself past your own mind and diving into that world. Talent is in the craft, truly living in that character and being afraid, but willing to accept that. It’s an all-round thing in my opinion. Knowing how to brand yourself, being confident, having multiple limbs in your acting and being able to activate that. A talented actor understands how to maneuver between emotions, movement, storytelling and working their instrument. 

Q: What have been some of the best moments in your career so far? 

A: I love being in front of the camera, creating my own concepts and drawing on my own experiences to breathe life into who I’m playing. I recently had the pleasure of going on The Michael Colyar Morning Show, as a guest star. He’s a comedy legend in the game known for Death Comedy Jam, Norbit, Martin and many more films and T.V. shows. I was given that platform to perform a monologue that is very close to my heart. I would also say booking two lead roles in upcoming projects independently and playing strong young African American women. One is a feature film set to shoot in March and the other a short film that I will be traveling out of state for, set to shoot in April. I most recently just found out that I booked a role in a major network film, which will be one of my first major network credits, so I can’t express the excitement on that one. I travel out of state to shoot that in March of this year also. These opportunities are just the beginning of what I’m building. I CANNOT wait to share them all officially !!

Q: What are some of the barriers you believe you face as an actress? 

A: For me I have no barriers, I intend to break them down. 

Q: Do you believe in the American dream? Or has that become a myth?

A: I believe we are now in charge of creating our own dream whatever that looks like for us as individuals. So long as I’m spreading love, positivity, equality, being creative and doing great big things I’ll be great. 

Q: What kind of example are you trying to leave to others?

A:  To be unapologetically creative and liberated in their skin. To believe in themselves and their magic and shine. I’ve always said support is free and takes nothing. What you put out into the world you get back- never be afraid of challenge and adversity, because it truly pays off and helps you grow as a person. 

Q: What separates you from all the other actors in the world trying to make it? 

A: I’m Adwoa Duncan-Williams. Period. In the most respectful way, there really isn’t anyone like me. I’m so dedicated to creating my own depiction of meaningful stories because that’s what I’ve been put here to do. Only I can tell these stories in my way. I’m hungry for this. 

Q: What makes a good story?

A: Raw commitment to that story’s history and its roots. Understanding how to react and listen to it and embody it.

Q: What keeps you inspired to chase after your dreams? 

A: That it’s possible beyond my wildest dreams. I always get this reminder that this is my chance to fulfill myself in my life and to truly live it how I want to. It’s time to harvest that “MF” as my good friend Thali would tell me. That keeps me inspired- the harvest. Thinking about my childhood and how many great people I was around. Watching my father and mother migrate to the UK. My father was his own businessman, creating jobs for other Africans- creating legacy. I always have to remind myself of how much he worked his butt off and how many people he touched on the way, making himself unforgettable. 

Q: You mentioned that a relative of yours died from police brutality in London? How has that impacted you?

A: I think it made me very vigilant to the realities we so unfortunately face. I was a very young girl when my cousin unfortunately passed, I remember him being a great young man and father, so it’s not something I take lightly, nor is it something I think is okay to just linger or exist in. I always pride myself on education and having morals that I feel should be standard to the world in general. It’s upsetting to witness what’s currently going on and even more upsetting that it’s nothing new. I will always advocate for true freedom and respect for all, it’s basic nature.  

Q: As we turn a chapter in America’s history, what are you hoping to see in the next couple of years?

A: I pray for true equality and human rights, Black Lives Matter is more than a moment, it has always been a movement and I pray more than anything, that as a country that has so many different people from walks of life, we really do start seeing changes from within. From the justice system to the boardrooms, the industry and consumers, I hope true change is made that reflects all of us. I’ll always be involved, advocating change and educating myself and others hopefully. 

Q: It’s been almost sixty years since Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Acts. If you look at history, not much has changed, and every couple years these same issues continue. Why do you think this is the case? 

A: Systems haven’t truly been broken down with the intent to defund, rebuild and reinvest. For a while, a lot of skimming and painting over has taken place. Foundation is always key, we can’t continue to build more on a foundation that was never strong or the maintenance being carried out was never truly maintenance, you understand ?

Q: Why do you think it is hard for people of different races to talk about the difficult conversations that we need to talk about?

A: In all honesty it shouldn’t be difficult if you truly do believe what’s going on isn’t right nor normal. I understand it is sensitive, but there’s a difference in that, which comes with respect for the sensitivity of it. It is only a touchy subject for some because it makes them uncomfortable. That is the problem, self must be removed in order to hear others and their struggle or story. That shouldn’t be an issue or sore spot for others, especially because it’s not something they are personally having to deal with.

Q: How do you think we can bridge that gap?

A: People taking the reins and educating themselves and those closest to them. It’s not our job to educate people on what the movement is, or what we face. I can be a support for you in seeking, but you have to want to gain further insight, knowledge and ways to support change. I feel like you need to take that initiative for yourself, and positively.

Q: Why is film important to society? 

A: It’s an outlet where you get to feel such ranges of emotions- no other medium that you’re watching will do that to you I feel. It’s therapeutic to see a story so familiar to yours or completely opposite and connect with that. Simply because of the performance you’re seeing. It has the ability to make you create your own vision and that’s a beautiful thing. 

Q: What are some of the lessons you’ve learned on your journey so far?

A: To never expect anything from anyone. To be content with your journey being yours and not being surprised by how others may change. It’s not people’s jobs to reassure me of my sparkle or to believe in me. I must do that for myself. I have also learnt to network and build my business in this industry. To never stop performing.

Q: What is happiness?

A: Freedom in my craft. Getting that acknowledgement from my peers, from the heavy hitters in the industry and creating my legacy as an actor.

Q: What is success to you?

A: Doing this all day every day and always discovering things I never knew about myself, characters and the art of acting. I would be lying if I did not say success to me would be making a legendary name for myself in the industry and make a great living for myself and my family. That’s the goal. Success in all those places, winning golden globe’s, Oscar’s, BAFTA’s, Emmy’s and then some !!

Q: What are three words to describe yourself?

A: Fighter, leader, lover.

Q: How can we make this world a better place for the generation below us? 

A: By evoking real change in ourselves, our surroundings and teaching the importance of equality.

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in five years? 

A: On the big screens in all places imaginable doing great things. Being where I need to be, beyond my wildest dream.

IG: adwoaduncanwilliams & iamadw

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