Thursday, March 23, 2023
Subscribe to Guide
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
  • Spotlight
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
    • Main Beach Music Series
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
    • History of the Hamptons
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Westhampton Village Main Street (East)
    • Sagg Main Beach, Sagaponack
    • Live Weather
    • 39A Corner, Southampton
    • Main Beach, East Hampton Village
    • South Ferry, Shelter Island
    • Coopers Beach, Southampton Village
    • Southampton Village Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Downtown Circle, Montauk
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Tiana Beach, Hampton Bays
    • Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays
    • Ponquogue Bridge, Hampton Bays
    • Shinnecock Fishing Dock, Hampton Bays
    • Village Main Street, Sag Harbor
    • Downtown Main Street, Sag Harbor
    • Windmill Beach, Sag Harbor
    • Foster Memorial Beach, Sag Harbor
    • Conscience Point Marina, Southampton
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
  • Spotlight
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
    • Main Beach Music Series
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
    • History of the Hamptons
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Westhampton Village Main Street (East)
    • Sagg Main Beach, Sagaponack
    • Live Weather
    • 39A Corner, Southampton
    • Main Beach, East Hampton Village
    • South Ferry, Shelter Island
    • Coopers Beach, Southampton Village
    • Southampton Village Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Downtown Circle, Montauk
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Tiana Beach, Hampton Bays
    • Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays
    • Ponquogue Bridge, Hampton Bays
    • Shinnecock Fishing Dock, Hampton Bays
    • Village Main Street, Sag Harbor
    • Downtown Main Street, Sag Harbor
    • Windmill Beach, Sag Harbor
    • Foster Memorial Beach, Sag Harbor
    • Conscience Point Marina, Southampton
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support
No Result
View All Result
Hamptons.com
July 26, 2013

Rising Star Ato Essandoh Opens Up About His Recent Experiences On Copper And Django Unchained

Andrew NachemsonbyAndrew Nachemson
in Arts
Home Arts

Ato Essandoh, who recently portrayed a supporting character in Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” and currently stars as Doctor Matthew Freeman on the show “Copper,” is a multi-talented and somewhat whimsical man. A graduate of Cornell University with a chemical engineering degree, a successful actor, playwright, and hopeful screenwriter, it seems there is very little Essandoh isn’t able to do, and even less that he isn’t willing to try.

Essandoh’s career as an actor first began while he was still enrolled in Cornell. His girlfriend at the time dared him to audition for a play, and, as he put it, “that was it.”

His forays into playwriting started in a similarly impulsive manner, and have also been relatively successful. Essandoh first tried his hand as a playwright because his friend, Joshua James, was working on a play but didn’t have a role for him. James told Ato that if he wrote his own part he could be in the play. And, so, he did. Essandoh has since published the play “Black Thang,” which was included in the 2003 edition of the anthology “Plays and Playwrights,” and has begun to experiment with screenplay writing as well.

While Essandoh appears to be constantly looking to expand his portfolio and overcome new challenges, so far most of his success and recognition has stemmed from his acting roles in movies and TV shows. Essandoh originally found television success as a recurring character on CBS’s “Elementary,” but his major role on the new show “Copper” is his first experience as a series regular.

“You’re expected just to show up and do what you’re supposed to do and go home,” he said when asked about working in a recurring role. “It’s like being invited to a family reunion, but it’s not your family. You don’t have all the relationships and so forth, but you’re still welcome. They’re still polite to you, but you never feel like you’re fully part of the story.”

Although this lack of creative input might seem frustrating, he professed to still be extremely grateful for these opportunities.

“I’ve never really had a bad time yet. It’s been nothing but fun, and I consider myself to be a lucky guy,” he asserted, but he has definitely thoroughly enjoyed being a more fundamental member of a team.

Essandoh in character as Dr. Matthew Freeman of “Copper” (Courtesy Photo)

“The great thing about being a series regular is that you’re a real integral part of the process,” he said. “And a show like ‘Copper’ is one-in-a-million because everyone’s so close that I can call up Tom Fontana [the series creator] and be part of a real collaborative process,” he explained.

The perpetually positive Essandoh also had nothing but good things to say about the other actors he’s worked with. He’s had the opportunity to perform alongside Will Smith in “Hitch,” Natalie Portman in “Garden State,” and Leonardo DiCaprio in both “Blood Diamond” and “Django Unchained,” and said despite their mega-stardom, they were all “cool people who you’d actually want to hang out with.” He went on to praise DiCaprio’s humility and encouraging attitude, saying that he was “a level-headed dude” who made it really easy to admire him.

In his most recent film project and partnership with DiCaprio, “Django Unchained,” Essandoh is credited as “D’Artagnan.” And, while you may not remember that name, if you’ve seen the movie you will definitely remember his character. D’Artagnan was the slave, owned by DiCaprio’s character, who was brutally murdered by dogs while begging for his life after attempting to run away. It was one of the most gruesome scenes in the entire film, but despite the potential discomfort that could stem from an African-American playing a horribly mistreated slave, Essandoh actually seemed to have fun with the role.

“I always say if you’re gonna get killed as a slave in a movie, you wanna do it in a Tarantino movie, because it’s awesome,” he joked.

While many actors might have requested the help of a stuntman in a scene like this, in his characteristically enthusiastic and experimental attitude, Essandoh was more than happy to film the entire scene himself. Despite a brief scare when one of the dogs let go of his leg, and almost reattached on an unprotected area, Essandoh managed to stay in character throughout the take, creating one of the most memorable shots in the movie.

Essandoh also had an interesting take on the controversial racial subject matter of the movie and the raw cruelty of his own scene.

“I understood that there would be controversy coming out of this movie, especially with a white guy writing and directing,” he said. “But to me, Quentin showed what really happened during slavery, especially with punishments like the hotbox and the beatings over completely arbitrary things. You want to show that part of history and show it in a real light rather than sort of just sugar coating the whole thing and revising history. So I was really glad to be a part of that even though my role was just getting eaten by dogs.”

Having just wrapped up the second season of “Copper,” Essandoh is looking to take a short break from acting to go on a tour of Europe. Hopefully, his travels will also take him to the Hamptons, because although he went to school in New Rochelle (a mere hour and a half from Southampton), he lamented the fact that he’s never made it out, but stressed his desire to end up here sometime soon.

<>The second season of “Copper” is currently airing on BBC America on Sundays at 10 p.m., while the first season is available on Netflix and iTunes. You can follow Ato on Twitter at twitter.com.

Previous Post

Net-A-Porter Expands Same-Day Delivery Service To The Hamptons

Next Post

INTERVIEW: Chef Eric Ripert On Giving Back, Being Honored And His Favorite Hamptons Spots

Search Articles

No Result
View All Result

FOLLOW US

TRENDING ARTICLES

Take the Swim Test to become a Junior Lifeguard for Summer 2023

Take the Swim Test to become a Junior Lifeguard for Summer 2023

March 22, 2023
Tenhomakase: Bringing Japanese Cuisine to the Hamptons

Tenhomakase: Bringing Japanese Cuisine to the Hamptons

March 21, 2023
Hamptons Real Estate Market Data – Week of 3/14/2023

Hamptons Real Estate Market Data – Week of 3/14/2023

March 23, 2023

LOCAL EVENTS

23
Mar
23
Mar
-
28
Dec

Gilded Icons: Forgotten Treasures in the Samuel L. Parrish Collection

March 23 @ 11:00 AM - December 28 @ 04:00 PM
Rogers Mansion, 17 Meeting House Lane, Southampton
23
Mar
23
Mar
-
26
Mar

Madoo House & Garden Lectures

March 23 @ 12:00 PM - March 26 @ 02:00 PM
The Madoo Conservancy 619 Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack, NY, USA
23
Mar
23
Mar
-
23
Mar

GRAY MATTERS – THURSDAY, MARCH 23 @ 6 PM

March 23 @ 06:00 PM - March 23 @ 08:00 PM
25 Jobs Lane Southampton, NY 11968
23
Mar
23
Mar
-
02
Apr

Hampton Theatre Company – The Lifespan of a Fact

March 23 @ 07:00 PM - April 2 @ 09:30 PM
Quogue Community Hall - 125 Jessup Avenue Quogue, NY 11959
24
Mar
24
Mar
-
24
Mar

Open Ping-Pong in Sag Harbor

March 24 @ 11:00 AM - March 24 @ 12:00 PM
John Jermain Memorial Library 201 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY, USA
Load more listings
Next Post
INTERVIEW: Chef Eric Ripert On Giving Back, Being Honored And His Favorite Hamptons Spots

INTERVIEW: Chef Eric Ripert On Giving Back, Being Honored And His Favorite Hamptons Spots

  • WHBPAC Announces Comedy Star Ilana Glazer to Perform in June

The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center welcomes comedian Ilana Glazer, star of Broad City, to the Mollie Parnis Auditorium on June 29th at 8 p.m. for a one-night-only evening full of Glazer’s signature female-centric brand of comedy. @whbpac @ilana

Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)
.
.
.
.
#westhamptonbeach  #ilanaglazer #comedy
  • Sixty-Something: Hamptons’ Tales and Legends

The east end of Long Island is my special place. Like so many before me, I came here and never left. The reasons I came out east are many, but the reason I stayed is simple. It wasn’t the beauty of the ocean beaches, the bays, the villages, the farmlands, and the outdoors with amazing wildlife. The reason I personally launched my future in East Hampton was simple; I was lost in life and within minutes on a visiting Hamptons day felt salvation, a new course for a better future. I cannot say at first I understood what makes the east end so special, but I can say I just knew for me it was.

Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)
.
.
.
#hamptons #eastend #longisland
  • LongHouse Reserve’s New Works of Art You Can’t Miss

LongHouse Reserve is known for its stunning 16-acre sculpture garden and nature reserve. Two large-scale sculptures by Maren Hassinger and three by Wyatt Kahn, plus a special exhibition curated by Glenn Adamson and designed by Colin King will be added to LongHouse’s impressive art collection. @longhousereserve

Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)

.
.
.
.
#longhouse #longhousereserve #arts #nature #hamptons #easthampton
  • Ruby Murray’s Serving Indian Food with a British Twist

Ruby Murrays in Southampton is a ghost kitchen that sells Indian food British style. What’s a ghost kitchen, you might ask? Good question. Essentially, it’s just a takeout place; they don’t offer any type of sit-down dining. They share the kitchen with Wishbone Farms in Southampton, which is right off off Hampton Road. @_rubymurrays_

 Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)

.
.
.
.
#hamptons #rubymurray #indian #indianfood #southampton #dining
  • Shelter Island Pilates and Barre’s Reset Yourself for Spring Tips

On March 20th, Spring will finally grace us with her presence. The flowers, sunlight and unavoidable allergies will return. Everyone emerges from their home and prepares to go back outside for walks and breathe the fresh air.

Hamptons.com sat down with Suzette Smith, Owner and Founder of Shelter Island Pilates and Barre, to discuss her studio, spring, and how to reset ourselves for spring. @shelterislandpilates

Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)
.
.
.
#pilates #shelterisland #spring #hamptons #reset
  • 2023 What to Watch List Guide

We all know the frustrating feeling of scrolling through streaming options and not knowing what to watch. From binge-worthy dramas to feel-good comedies, you won’t be able to watch everything. It can be daunting to find something to watch when there are so many options. Hamptons.com has you covered with suggestions for can’t-miss live TV, new and classic movies, and on-demand streaming!

Read the full article at Hamptons.com (Link in Bio)
.
.
.
#watchguide #hamptons #whattowatch #watchguide
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
Hamptons.com

Saunders Broadcasting Corp.

Phone: 631-405-3902
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Facebook.com/HamptonsOnline
Twitter: @Hamptons
Instagram: @HamptonsOnline

Contact Us

Hamptons.com

  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
  • Featured
  • Gallery
  • History of the Hamptons
  • Kids
  • Music Videos
  • Real Estate
  • Recreation
  • Spotlight
  • Tuesdays at Main Beach Music Series

Subscribe

Get daily news updates to your inbox!

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates!

© 2021 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Spotlight
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Community
  • Dining
  • Recreation
  • Events
    • Events Calendar
    • Post an Event
    • Gallery
    • Main Beach Music Series
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate Features
    • Search Real Estate
      • Open Houses
      • Search Sales
      • Search Rentals
    • Title Insurance
    • Happening In The Hamptons Podcast
    • History of the Hamptons
  • Live Cameras
    • All Live Cameras
    • Westhampton Village Main Street (East)
    • Sagg Main Beach, Sagaponack
    • Live Weather
    • 39A Corner, Southampton
    • Main Beach, East Hampton Village
    • South Ferry, Shelter Island
    • Coopers Beach, Southampton Village
    • Southampton Village Main Street (South)
    • Southampton Village Main Street (North)
    • Southampton Village Main Street (Hildreths)
    • Downtown Circle, Montauk
    • Long Island Aquarium | Shark Tank
    • Long Island Aquarium | Coral Reef
    • Tiana Beach, Hampton Bays
    • Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays
    • Ponquogue Bridge, Hampton Bays
    • Shinnecock Fishing Dock, Hampton Bays
    • Village Main Street, Sag Harbor
    • Downtown Main Street, Sag Harbor
    • Windmill Beach, Sag Harbor
    • Foster Memorial Beach, Sag Harbor
    • Conscience Point Marina, Southampton
  • Public WiFi
    • Public WiFi Map
    • Public Wi-Fi Support

© 2021 Hamptons.com | All rights reserved
Saunders Broadcasting Corp.
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us