Jimmy Akingbola on Bel-Air, Foster Care & Becoming Geoffrey

2025-12-10

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In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard—founder and CEO of Black Menswear—sits down with actor Jimmy Akingbola to peel back the layers on his real-life foster care story, his journey from East London stages to Hollywood screens, and what it means to dare to dream when the odds are stacked against you. From earning £400 a week doing plays to becoming part of the Bel-Air legacy, Jimmy shares how faith, resilience, and craft shaped the man behind one of TV’s coldest “fixers.” In this conversation, they unpack: ...

In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard—founder and CEO of Black Menswear—sits down with actor Jimmy Akingbola to peel back the layers on his real-life foster care story, his journey from East London stages to Hollywood screens, and what it means to dare to dream when the odds are stacked against you. From earning £400 a week doing plays to becoming part of the Bel-Air legacy, Jimmy shares how faith, resilience, and craft shaped the man behind one of TV’s coldest “fixers.”

In this conversation, they unpack:

Growing up in UK foster care and why he wouldn’t change his story
The full-circle connection between Bel-Air and the biggest “care story” in TV history
Redefining Geoffrey: not “black help,” but brotherhood, family, and quiet power
Vulnerability as a superpower—why Black men need to see each other cry and heal
The difference between UK and US acting scenes (stage roots vs screen fame)
Rejection, resilience, and why getting to “the last two” is a sign you’re close
Craft over clout: doing the work, knowing your writers, and treating acting like a real job
Why suits over streetwear still wins—and how style became part of Geoffrey's storytelling

If you’ve ever questioned your path, battled “no” after “no,” or wondered if your story is too messy to be used for something great, this episode is a reminder: you are enough, you are loved, and your dream is still valid.

📌 Share this with a Black man who needs encouragement to keep going—especially the one who’s ready to give up on his dream.

👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Follow Jimmy Akingbola:
Instagram: instagram.com/jimmyakingbola
Follow Black Menswear:
Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: blackmenswear.com

#JimmyAkingbola #BelAir #Jeffrey #BlackMenswear #DareToDream #FosterCare #BlackMenHealing #ActingJourney

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